Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online (2024)

Learn how to import your QuickBooks Desktop company file to QuickBooks Online.

No need to start over again—just move your desktop file to a QuickBooks Online company. Check out all the benefits you get when you move to QuickBooks Online.

Watch or follow the steps to get it done:

Step 1: Get your desktop file ready

Note: You have 60 days from the time you create your QuickBooks Online account to move your data. If you’re not sure how old your company is, sign in to QuickBooks Online. Then, refresh this page for personalized info.

1. Make sure QuickBooks is up-to-date.
2. Make sure your company file isn't too big to export.
   1. The total targets need to be less than 750,000,press Ctrl+1 on your keyboard. If it exceeds, it can't be converted to QuickBooks Online. The only option is, you can import lists and balances into QuickBooks Online or start fresh.
   2. Learn what does and doesn’t move to QuickBooks online.
3. If you use QuickBooks Desktop Payroll:
   1. Make sure to terminate or deactivate any employees that are no longer working for you and haven't been paid in the current year.
   2. Make sure to wait 2-3 days after you've run payroll to move your data. This will insure all your paycheque info transfers over to QuickBooks Online. Then make sure to move your data before your next payroll.

Step 2: Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online

Note:

• If your QuickBooks version is 2018 or older, you can the move your data to QuickBooks Online with an online tool.
• Alternatively, use the QuickBooks Desktop file restoration tool to upgrade your file. You can then move your data to QuickBooks Online.
• If you use an older version of QuickBooks Desktop or you don't have access to QuickBooks Desktop, install a trial version of the latest QuickBooks product and open your company file.

QuickBooks Desktop Pro or Premier

1. Sign in as an admin to the company file you need to import.
2. Go to Company, then select Export Company File to QuickBooks Online.
3. Select Start your export.
4. Sign in as an admin to your QuickBooks Online company.
5. Select Choose online company, and choose the QuickBooks Online company you want to replace with your company file.
6. Select Continue.
7. If you track inventory in QuickBooks Desktop:
   • Select Yes to bring them over, then enter the as of date.
     Note: Use the first day after your last tax filing period as your inventory start date.
   • Select No if you want to set up new items later in QuickBooks Online.
8. Enter Agree in the text field, then select Replace.
9. Select Yes, go ahead and replace the data, then select Replace.

Step 3: Get ready to use QuickBooks Online

With your company all set up, let's get you started with QuickBooks Online.

• Connect your bank or credit card account.
• Create and send invoices to your customer.
• Track your bills and learn how to pay them in QuickBooks.