Is it possible in the Actual vs Budget report to only show items I have budgeted for? I don't create a budget for every anticipated expense and thus don't need them

Yes. For the Budget Report, use the baby gear icon in the budget report to "hide blank rows". For the Budget Vs Actuals Report select the "Show Non-Zero Rows" at the top of the report selection.

What about hiding blank rows without collapsing down to general categories? When I do this, all expenses are lumped together and I can't modify anything. I need to see the detail expenses that don't include zeros.

Hello, hdsds19.

Thanks for joining us in this thread! I'm happy to show you the detailed steps in hiding the blank rows from the Actuals vs Budget report. 

Just like what Regina posted, you'll want to select Non-zero or Active in the Budget vs Actuals report. When you're editing your budgets, click the small gear icon, then select Hide blank rows.

This will hide your blank rows without having to collapse the general categories. 

In addition, the Budget vs Actuals report will always show the accounts' activities. So, an expense with records in QuickBooks will appear even if it doesn't have any budgeted amounts.

Find out more about the Budgets feature here: Create and import budgets into QuickBooks Online.

I'm adding this link in case you need help with certain tasks in QuickBooks Online. You can look for a topic and browse an article for guides and information about a particular feature in the program. 

Do you have any other questions for your reports or QuickBooks Online in general? Post them here and I'll answer them. I hope you're doing well out there.