Hi there, @Christine-ATB3.
It's a pleasure to see you here in the Community. I'm here to share some information about converting from QuickBooks Online (QBO) to QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) for Mac.
Currently, QBO doesn't have a direct way to convert a file to QBDT for Mac. You need to export the file to QBDT for Windows first before converting it to Mac.
Before we proceed, please take note of the following reminders:
- You need to use a Windows computer with Internet Explorer 11 or higher when exporting your data file.
- QBDT for Windows must be the same version or earlier than QBDT for Mac.
- Make sure QBDT for Windows is updated to the latest release before converting the file to Mac.
To convert your QBO file to QuickBooks for Mac, here's how:
1. Export your data from Online to Desktop.
2. Once done, open the company file in QBDT for Windows.
3. Re-sort lists.
4. Rebuild and verify your data file.
6. After that, go to the File menu, then Utilities on the drop-down.
7. Choose Copy Company File for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.
8. Save the file and this will create a file with the extension MAC.qbb.
9. Copy the file to a DVD, external hard drive, flash drive, or FTP web site.
10. Restore the file in QBDT for Mac.
a. Open your QBDT for Mac, then in the No Company Open window, select Browse.
b. Locate the file you want to restore.
c. Click OK when you get the prompt asking if you want to restore a QuickBooks Desktop for Windows file.
d. Enter a name, then Save.
For your reference, you may check out this article for further guidance: Export data file from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks for Mac.
To answer your second question, if you're using QBDT for Windows you won't be able to access or restore your client's file to perform the bank reconciliation. You'll need to have at least the same version of QuickBooks. For more information, you can visit this article: Accountant's copy overview.
That information should answer all your questions. Please let me know how it goes or if I can be of additional assistance. I'd be glad to answer should you have follow up questions. Wishing you and your business continued success.
