Q: Which version of the Mac OS do I need in order to use QuickBooks 2010 for Mac?
A: You must be running Mac OS X (v 10.5.7, 10.6, or later) to use QuickBooks 2010 for Mac.

For additional information about using Mac OS X, please visit Apple's Website (http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/).

Q: Can I use QuickBooks 2010 for Mac on my PowerPC-based Mac?
A: No, QuickBooks 2010 for Mac was optimized for Snow Leopard and requires an Intel-based Mac. If you do not have an Intel-based Mac, you can purchase a download of QuickBooks 2009 for Mac by contacting our Telesales group at 877-556-4407.

Q: Why should I upgrade to QuickBooks 2010 for Mac?
A: QuickBooks 2010 for Mac can help your business be more profitable. Powerful new features allow you to run your business more efficiently and customizable reporting tools provide insight into every dollar going in and out. Plus valuable add-on services for payment processing and payroll management are available to make sure you're getting the most out of QuickBooks 2010 for Mac.¹

Q: How long does it take to upgrade?
A: In most cases, you can upgrade QuickBooks and your company file in under an hour. Upgrading via CD can take only a few minutes. Upgrading via download depends on download speed and time.

Q: How do I upgrade to QuickBooks 2010 for Mac?
A: To upgrade to QuickBooks 2010 for Mac, purchase it online at www.quickbooks.com. or from your local retailer. After purchase, follow these easy steps:

1. Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive (or download and open the .dmg file via www.quickbooks.com)
2. Drag the QuickBooks icon to your computer's Application folder
3. To start QuickBooks, double-click the QuickBooks icon in the Applications folder.
4. Once QuickBooks loads, open your existing company file and QuickBooks will update it automatically for you.

That's it!

Q: What's involved in upgrading from an earlier version, or from QuickBooks for Windows or Quicken?
A: Upgrading from an earlier version of QuickBooks for Mac is easy. You can automatically transfer data from QuickBooks for Mac 4.0 (M12), 5.0, 6.0, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009 (U.S. versions). You can also easily convert your data from QuickBooks for Windows 2008, 2009, and 2010 (Simple Start, Pro and Premier versions). If converting from QuickBooks for Windows, you'll need to save a copy your QuickBooks backup file (.QBB file) to a CD, USB drive or other storage device to transfer the file to the Mac. Then simply open the file on QuickBooks 2010 for Mac. For details about upgrading from Quicken for Mac 2007, visit QuickBooks Support.

Q: Can I upgrade my old QuickBooks for Mac company file (3+ years old)?
A: Yes. QuickBooks 2010 for Mac can migrate company files from QuickBooks for Mac version 4 and above (specifically version M12 from OS 9 with the last patch installed). For converting earlier versions, you must contact QuickBooks Support to make the proper conversion.

Q: I currently use QuickBooks New User Edition (NUE) 2006 for Mac or older, can I upgrade to another version of NUE for Mac?
A: We no longer offer QuickBooks New User Edition, but you can easily upgrade to QuickBooks 2010 for Mac.


Q: What happens to memorized reports I've created and saved in my current version?
A: QuickBooks automatically converts them to the new version, along with your data.

Q: Why upgrade now?
A: You can upgrade your QuickBooks anytime! However, in addition to gaining the benefits from the newest QuickBooks features to help your business succeed, there are other important reasons to upgrade now: starting May 31, 2009, we will no longer be offering access to live technical support or add-on business services for Pro for Mac versions 2005 and 2006 (see www.aboutqb.com/discontinuationplan for details).

Q: I use a spreadsheet to keep track of my expenses. Why do I need QuickBooks?
A: QuickBooks for Mac can save you time, keep you organized and put more information at your fingertips than you could possibly get from a paper-based system or spreadsheet. Enter information once and it is automatically sent wherever it's needed — like sending vendor names and addresses to checks and purchase orders so you don't have to type them, and customer information and job-related expenses to invoices. It even reminds you when you've overlooked billable expenses. It also lets you instantly generate reports that tell you where you stand on everything from receivables to cash flow.

Q: I use Quicken to run my business. I'm tempted to switch to QuickBooks for the invoicing and reports, but I hate the thought of "starting over." What do you recommend?
A: Switch to QuickBooks without "starting over." QuickBooks for Mac easily transfers your Quicken Mac data. You may have to do some "tweaking" of your Quicken categories and other items after the transfer in order to take advantage of the full range of QuickBooks features, but you'll have your historical data available to you. In addition to invoicing, QuickBooks offers business owners other advantages over Quicken, including job costing, time tracking, estimating, over 100 business reports, and more.

Q: Can a PC-to-Mac switcher upgrade from a previous QuickBooks for Windows version?
A: Yes. QuickBooks for Mac can upgrade QuickBooks for Windows 2008, 2009, and 2010 (Enterprise edition excluded) company files directly from within the product.
Click here to learn more.

Q: How does QuickBooks for Mac compare to the other Windows versions?
A: Click here to see a complete comparison chart of all QuickBooks products. In addition, click here to see a comparison chart of QuickBooks 2010 for Mac and QuickBooks Pro 2010 for Windows.

Q: Which features, if currently used, would make it difficult to switch from QuickBooks for Windows?
A: The following features available in QuickBooks for Windows are not currently available in QuickBooks for Mac:

• QuickBooks Payroll Services, like Basic, Enhanced and Assisted Payroll
• Multiple simultaneous users
• Units of Measure
• Multiple currencies
• Accountant Copy
• Price levels
• Access to 3rd party applications that integrate to QuickBooks for Windows via the QuickBooks SDK
• Inventory assemblies
• Online bill pay and funds transfer
• Industry-specific reports and features

Q: Why are the feature sets different between the Mac and Windows versions?
A: QuickBooks 2010 for Mac is built from the ground up for the Mac platform. It is not a "port" from Windows and it is designed to work for how Mac users work (not Windows users). The underlying technology of the two products is significantly different. For instance, new features in QuickBooks for Mac are built in Cocoa, which is specific to the Mac. Each year, the QuickBooks for Mac team listens to customers and builds the top requested features. Many times, those features are the same as those in the Windows product. Other times, they are new and unique to the Mac product. Thus, while the two products have the same set of core features, their complete feature set, as well as look and feel, are different.

Q: What are the differences in inventory management between Mac and Windows versions?
A: QuickBooks Premier for Windows supports inventory assemblies while the QuickBooks for Mac version does not. In the case where a QuickBooks Premier for Windows user switches to QuickBooks for Mac, their item list information will transfer — however, any inventory assemblies will not retain the cost and bill of material information.

Q: What are the differences in time tracking between Mac and Windows versions?
A: Both QuickBooks for Mac and QuickBooks for Windows can do time tracking. In QuickBooks for Mac, one user can enter time directly into QuickBooks and another user can use the included My Time application to send time to QuickBooks. In QuickBooks for Windows, each employee can install and use the Timer application.² (Each employee does not need a copy of QuickBooks). QuickBooks for Windows will then import the time-tracking data from each individual Timer application. Please note: To use time tracking on the Mac, you must be using QuickBooks for Mac and not the NUE version.

QuickBooks for Windows, when used in conjunction with QuickBooks Payroll Services, can generate pay checks based on time tracked by employees without any additional data entry. In QuickBooks for Mac, this information must be re-entered into the payroll solution.

Q: How are payroll transactions converted if I switch from QuickBooks for Windows to Mac?
A: QuickBooks for Mac doesn't use the same payroll service as QuickBooks for Windows. However, any paycheck or payment transactions created in QuickBooks for Windows will appear as transactions in QuickBooks for Mac, including job costing information. But if add-on services such as direct deposit or EFT are used in QuickBooks for Windows, the use of those services is not retained when converting to QuickBooks for Mac.

Q: Are there industry-specific features in or versions of QuickBooks for Mac?
A: QuickBooks for Mac does not offer industry-specific versions. However, QuickBooks for Mac does customize the chart of accounts for your business based upon your industry. However, while features such as inventory management and estimates do exist in the product, industry specific reports and workflows are not available.

Q: Will QuickBooks Online work on the Mac?
A: Yes, QuickBooks Online will work on a Mac running the Safari browser. All the same QuickBooks Online functionality is available on Safari as on Internet Explorer.

For information about differences between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks for Mac, review this comparison chart.

Overall, QuickBooks Online better serves businesses with multiple locations or multiple employees working on financials, while QuickBooks for Mac offers integration with Mac technologies, more advanced forms customization, and inventory functionality.

Note that users of QuickBooks Online cannot switch to QuickBooks for Mac and take their data with them.

Q: Does QuickBooks work on Intel-based Macs?
A: QuickBooks 2010 for Mac works efficiently on Intel-based Macs and requires Mac OS X (v 10.5.7, 10.6, or later).

Q: How do I get help with QuickBooks?
A: If you need support, QuickBooks offers a variety of excellent, cost-effective Support Plans. Learn more about all support options at www.quickbooks.com/support.

In addition, QuickBooks for Mac comes with improved in-product help. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions at our free support Web site at www.quickbooks.com/support.

Guide Me, a new feature in QuickBooks 2010 for Mac, provides basic step-by-step instructions for key tasks so you can "learn by doing" and get started quickly.

And QuickBooks for Mac offers various included help resources. In-product help articles explain how to perform tasks or solve common problems. The User Guide(eBook) is a complete, detailed manual for all of QuickBooks. The Intuit Community makes it easy to get help from expert users in an online forum. Finally, the Tutorial Center offers short videos explaining how to perform common tasks.

Q: What is a ProAdvisor? Can they help me set up QuickBooks?
A: Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors are independent CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, computer consultants and trainers who work with small businesses. They are considered QuickBooks experts because they have successfully completed comprehensive and rigorous QuickBooks training developed by Intuit.

ProAdvisors help businesses like yours get started, and can customize QuickBooks for your unique needs to help you get the most out of the software. They understand the challenges you face and can offer guidance on everything from complex accounting questions to mastering advanced QuickBooks features.

Click here to find a QuickBooks ProAdvisor in your local area.

Q: Where can I find guidance and tips from other QuickBooks users?
A: Visit the Visit the Intuit Community to connect with other QuickBooks users and experts to ask questions and share advice. Search or browse through a variety of discussion topics or post your own question.

Q: I want to try QuickBooks. Is there a trial version I can download?
A: Yes, you can download a 60-day Free Trial of QuickBooks 2010 for Mac. And if you decide to purchase QuickBooks for Mac, note that you must download the Full version to replace your free trial. (The QuickBooks for Mac Trial cannot be "unlocked.")

Q: What features will be added to QuickBooks in the future?
A: Each year the QuickBooks team listens to our customers and builds the most requested features. Unfortunately, we are unable to disclose those new features until the software is released.

Q: How many reports are available?
A: QuickBooks 2010 for Mac comes with 100+ reports. To see a complete list of reports, download the following PDF.

Q: How can I share data with Windows users?
A: You can backup your QuickBooks for Mac file in a Windows format to send to a Windows user. The Windows user, such as your accountant, can open your QuickBooks for Mac file, edit it in QuickBooks for Windows, and send it back to you to open again on your Mac. Plus, QuickBooks for Mac uses the same menus as the Windows edition, so you can take advantage of advice not only from your accountant but also from millions of QuickBooks for Windows users.

Do I need special checks or deposit slips for printing?
A: Yes. You can't print on plain paper since banks require you to print on special checks and deposit slips. You can purchase a wide variety of these bank-accepted checks and deposit slips from a local check supply company or directly from Intuit.

Q: Does QuickBooks print envelopes?
A: No. However, Contact Sync allows you to sync your contacts with Mac OS X Address Book. Many customers sync their contacts with Address Book and print their envelopes using Address Book.

Q: Are there security controls to allow users different access rights?
A: There are two levels of control: Owner and Data Entry. The Data Entry level only lets the user enter new transactions. It does not allow access to reports, registers, or previously entered transactions. The Owner level password allows access to all features.

Q: Can you lock and password-protect a company file?
A: Yes. You can protect your company file via: Company > Company Settings > Passwords. On the passwords pane, you can password protect the entire company file or provide access to data entry only.

Q: Can I use QuickBooks for Mac to run my payroll?
A: Yes. Intuit QuickBooks Payroll for Mac, allows you to easily manage your payroll. This Internet-based solution includes current tax withholding rates and forms, data integration with QuickBooks, free direct deposit, and free support from payroll experts. Since it's an Internet-based solution, you can manage your payroll anytime from anywhere.

Q: Does Intuit offer a Business Tax software for Mac?
A: Yes, Intuit does offer a Mac version of its TurboTax Home & Business product. TurboTax Business is not offered for the Mac at this time.

Q: Can QuickBooks for Mac process credit cards right in the application?
A: Yes, you can process a credit card as you receive a payment within QuickBooks. QuickBooks Merchant Services account required.³

Q: Does QuickBooks for Mac interface with micropayment services such as PayPal?
A: QuickBooks for Mac can only accept data from services supporting the IIF format. However, you can track your data from services like these by entering a daily transaction (daily aggregate) into QuickBooks. This does not provide you the detailed transaction information, but still helps you track your sales for large volume services.

Q: Will QuickBooks for Windows work on a Mac using a program like Boot Camp, Parallels, VMWare, or Virtual PC?
A: QuickBooks for Mac and QuickBooks for Windows products are designed from the ground up to work only on their respective platforms. Customers have reported using a PC emulator, such as VMWare, Parallels, or Boot Camp, to run QuickBooks for Windows on their Macs. This may decrease application performance in terms of speed and not all features may work as they were intended. Please be aware that Intuit has not tested, nor do we support, the use of a QuickBooks for Windows product on the above mentioned PC emulators. We encourage you to research this approach to see whether it will work for you. To learn more, click here to read customer comments on our community board.

Q: Will QuickBooks 2010 for Mac work on Mac OS 9?
A: QuickBooks 2010 for Mac does not support Mac OS 9. With Mac OS X offering Mac users so many advantages in features and stability, and so many Mac users switching, we chose to focus our resources on optimizing QuickBooks for Mac OS X. QuickBooks 2010 for Mac fully supports the Mac OS X Aqua interface and is built for the latest Mac OS (v 10.5.7, 10.6, or later).

Q: How far back version-wise are the company data files cross-platform compatible?
A: When creating a "Back Up to QuickBooks for Windows", the file is only readable by 2010 editions of QuickBooks for Windows. If a Windows user is switching to Mac (one-time, one-way data conversion,) QuickBooks 2010 for Mac can read in 2010 editions for QuickBooks for Windows only (Simple Start, Pro, Premier, and Premier Accountant editions.) If a Windows user is switching from an earlier version, the conversion can still be done, but the user must contact QuickBooks support for help.

Q: Are there data corruption issues associated with moving between Mac and Windows versions?
A: As long as your QuickBooks file doesn't have data damage prior to the transfer process, there are no data issues. Click here to learn how to convert data back and forth.

Q: Can QuickBooks convert my data from Filemaker or other software?
A: No, not directly. However, QuickBooks Support can assist in the conversion of your data depending on the application. Or visit the Intuit Community site to get help from other QuickBooks for Mac users.

Q: What financial institutions are accessible with the online banking feature?
A: Click here to see a complete list of supported financial institutions. QuickBooks 2010 for Mac supports both Web Connect and Direct Connect.⁴

Q: What is the MobileMe integration for QuickBooks?
A: QuickBooks provides a safe and easy method to back up your QuickBooks company file to MobileMe. Just choose the menu option (File > Back Up > To MobileMe), and QuickBooks encrypts your company file and transfers it to the specified MobileMe account. This protects your company file during the transfer process.

Q: What is the iCal integration for QuickBooks?
A: When creating a new transaction in QuickBooks (like creating invoices, generating purchase orders, and writing checks), a user can check the "Show in iCal" checkbox that is located on the form. Once checked, QuickBooks automatically adds a reminder in iCal that prompts the user to complete the transaction on the appropriate date.

Q: Does QuickBooks work with Entourage?
A: You can sync your Microsoft Entourage contacts with QuickBooks 2010 for Mac if you're running on Snow Leopard (Mac OS v10.5.7 or later). QuickBooks and Entourage both use Sync Services to sync with Address Book and other applications. As a result, you can enter new contacts in Address Book or QuickBooks and have them automatically appear in Entourage. Click here to learn more.

Q: Does QuickBooks for Mac interface with TurboTax?
A: No, not directly. However QuickBooks for Mac does feature several tax summary reports. These reports provide the necessary information, categorization, and account summary to complete your business taxes fast with TurboTax. Please note: you cannot import your data directly from QuickBooks for Mac to TurboTax.

Q: Does QuickBooks for Mac integrate with any point-of-sale solution?
A: Yes, QuickBooks for Mac can automatically import sales data from Xsilva Lightspeed POS.

Q: Does QuickBooks work with Automator?
A: No, not at this time.

Q: How can I find out if my bank's statements can be imported into QuickBooks?
A: QuickBooks 2010 for Mac can import QuickBooks Web Connect and Direct Connect file formats. There are over 3000 financial institutions that support this file format. Click here to see the list of banks and credit unions that offer this format.

Q: What if my bank is not on the financial institutions list?
A: Please provide your bank's name by going to http://www.quickbooksdirect.com/filist_qbmac and clicking the Provide Intuit Feedback link at the bottom of the web page. Also it helps if you contact your bank directly and tell them that you'd like them to support QuickBooks Web Connect and Direct Connect.

Q: What are the ways you can import data into QuickBooks?
A: QuickBooks can import data in three ways:

• Via IIF (Intuit Interchange Format)
• Via Quicken Mac (2005, 2006 and 2007 editions)
• Via Web Connect (.QBO format for financial institutions)

Importing data into QuickBooks is only a discrete activity and is not an automatic or real-time process.

Q: Can you import from Quicken Mac?
A: Yes. QuickBooks can directly import Quicken Mac files for 2007 editions only. To import earlier versions of Quicken, customers must contact QuickBooks Support for assistance.

Q: What are the ways you can export data out of QuickBooks?
A: QuickBooks can export the following data:

• Lists to an IIF file
• Addresses to a text file
• Any report to Microsoft® Excel

Q: When importing or exporting, what is IIF?
A: IIF stands for Intuit Interchange Format (IIF). It is one of the ways by which Intuit works with other developers to bring data in to Intuit's various applications (QuickBooks, Quicken and TurboTax).

Q: Is QuickBooks for Mac networkable?
A: Yes. A company can have their company file located on a networked drive and access it from multiple computers that have QuickBooks installed. However, QuickBooks for Mac does not support multiple simultaneous users. Therefore, while the file might be accessible to multiple users, only one user at a time can access and modify the networked company file.

Q: Is there a multi-user version of QuickBooks 2010 for Mac?
A: QuickBooks for Mac does not currently have a multi-user version. You can save your QuickBooks data file on your network, and different individuals in your organization can access the file, but not at the same time. Also, Windows and Mac versions of QuickBooks cannot work together on a multi-user license.

Q: Does QuickBooks for Mac feature a multi-user job timer?
A: QuickBooks has two methods of tracking time. You can use the built-in time sheets or single time entry features if QuickBooks is installed on your computer. One additional employee can track time using My Time, which does not need to have QuickBooks installed on the same computer. This employee can periodically send their time data to QuickBooks for billing.

Q: Does QuickBooks for Mac come in any other languages?
A: Currently, QuickBooks for Mac only supports English.

Q: Will QuickBooks 2010 for Mac work for my Canadian business?
A: QuickBooks for Mac does not support Canadian Image Ready Cheques and will thus encounter a problem with Canadian banks when those printed checks are required. If you would like to set up QuickBooks to support your Canadian business, you can use the New Company Setup Assistant to create a company file that supports Canadian GST/PST tax reporting. If you're using QuickBooks for Mac v. 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 6.0, 5.0, or 4.0 (U.S. versions), you can convert your data to QuickBooks 2010 for Mac. If you're using QuickBooks Pro 4.5 or QuickBooks Accounts, you'll need to create a new data file for use with the new version. Please note that QuickBooks 2010 for Mac data files are not compatible with the Canadian version of QuickBooks for Windows. Also, only a single currency is supported in QuickBooks 2010 for Mac.

Q: Does QuickBooks for Mac support multiple currencies?
A: QuickBooks for Mac does not support multiple currencies at the same time. However, QuickBooks for Mac can support a different single currency indirectly. Just be aware that the unit of measure ($) is shown, but since all your transactions are in a different currency, the information is still correct.