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danceworksal
Level 1

Switch from online to desktop

Are there job aids or steps to switch from QB online to QB desktop? I see the opposite (switching from desktop to online) but I have sold my business and just want to retain my files without continuing a monthly subscription.
Solved
Best answer November 08, 2020

Best Answers
Pabz_L
QuickBooks Team

Switch from online to desktop

Hello there, @danceworksal.

 

Let me provide you some information so you’ll be able to convert your data from QuickBooks Online to Desktop.

 

There's no direct way to move your data from QuickBooks Online to Desktop. However, you can export and convert your QBO data to QuickBooks Desktop. 

 

Here’s how:

 

  1. Login to your QuickBooks Online account and click the Gear Icon.
  2. Choose the Export Data and enter your reason why you're exporting your data. Then, click Continue.
  3. Review your data from the export overview screen. Once ready, click Export to Excel.
  4. In the Exporting from QuickBooks Online page, select Continue to Download.
  5. Then, follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to complete the exporting process.

 

I’ve added screenshots for visual reference.

 

 

 

Once completed, you may now switch over to QuickBooks Desktop to import your data. You can use this article as a reference: Export and convert your QuickBooks Online data to Desktop.

 

If you no longer need QuickBooks Online, find out how to cancel your plan.

 

Should you have additional questions about migrating or anything else QuickBooks related, please let me know. Have a good day.

View solution in original post

96 Comments 96
Pabz_L
QuickBooks Team

Switch from online to desktop

Hello there, @danceworksal.

 

Let me provide you some information so you’ll be able to convert your data from QuickBooks Online to Desktop.

 

There's no direct way to move your data from QuickBooks Online to Desktop. However, you can export and convert your QBO data to QuickBooks Desktop. 

 

Here’s how:

 

  1. Login to your QuickBooks Online account and click the Gear Icon.
  2. Choose the Export Data and enter your reason why you're exporting your data. Then, click Continue.
  3. Review your data from the export overview screen. Once ready, click Export to Excel.
  4. In the Exporting from QuickBooks Online page, select Continue to Download.
  5. Then, follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to complete the exporting process.

 

I’ve added screenshots for visual reference.

 

 

 

Once completed, you may now switch over to QuickBooks Desktop to import your data. You can use this article as a reference: Export and convert your QuickBooks Online data to Desktop.

 

If you no longer need QuickBooks Online, find out how to cancel your plan.

 

Should you have additional questions about migrating or anything else QuickBooks related, please let me know. Have a good day.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Switch from online to desktop

@danceworksal 

You may need an IE browser running on Win  7 to convert the data. Contact us should you need to purchase a 3rd party service.

tastehgrc
Level 2

Switch from online to desktop

Where is this "data migration tool"? Intuit denies all knowledge and QB online web page has nothing.

IamjuViel
QuickBooks Team

Switch from online to desktop

Hello, @tastehgrcc.

 

Let me guide you on how to successfully convert your QuickBooks Online data.

  1. Using Microsoft Edge, copy and paste this URL: https://c71.qbo.intuit.com/app/exportqbodatatoqbdt).
  2. Click the Get Started button. 
  3. Select the Download Tool.  
  4. Install the migration tool and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process. 
  5. Choose the data you want to convert and click the Continue button.
  6. Pick the Continue to Download button. 

Once completed, you can now proceed to step 3 of the exporting process. You can refer to this article for more detailed instructions: Export and convert your QuickBooks Online data to QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Also, to help you manage your exported data, you can read through this article: Limitations when you convert from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Feel free to post back again if you have any other questions. I’d be more than willing to lend you a hand.

tastehgrc
Level 2

Switch from online to desktop

That page does not take me to a page that says, "Get Started." It takes me to the login page which in turn takes me to the companysel link (see image I attached as a file, it wasn't possible to attach it inline) and there is no "Get Started" button. (Also, only one of my seven companies is shown on the list.)

 

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Switch from online to desktop

@tastehgrc 

Just to clarify, do you have one QBO account and QBO Accountant account with the same email address?

katherinejoyceO
QuickBooks Team

Switch from online to desktop

Thanks for coming back, @tastehgrc. I appreciate your screenshot and for following the steps provided by my peer @IamjuViel

 

Normally, you'll be routed to the login page when you copy and paste the link to another browser. I'd suggest logging in to your account using the Microsoft Edge browser. Then, paste the URL link again. 

 

From there, you can follow all the steps above in converting your data from QuickBooks Online to Desktop.

 

If the same thing happens, I'd recommend you contact our Customer Care team for further assistance.

 

For future reference, you can visit our QuickBooks Desktop Articles hub. You can search for topics related to your concern and get some steps to resolve any issues you may encounter. 

 

Let me know if you still need help in switching your account. I'll be here to help. 

tastehgrc
Level 2

Switch from online to desktop

I don't understand the question. To the best of my knowledge have one QBO account with seven companies. The login page should show all of them.

tastehgrc
Level 2

Switch from online to desktop

"Normally, you'll be routed to the login page when you copy and paste the link to another browser. I'd suggest logging in to your account using the Microsoft Edge browser. Then, paste the URL link again."

 

I don't know what you mean being routed to the login page and then pasting the link into a different browser. I followed the instructions exactly. I opened Edge and pasted the link into Edge's address bar, the page routed me to the login page, I logged in, and there was no migration tool. I was instead taken to the company selection page. Perhaps someone could just email me the migration tool.

Nick_M
QuickBooks Team

Switch from online to desktop

Hi there, tastehgrc.

 

Thank you for dropping by this morning, I'm happy to help, I believe I found what the issue is. We have to change some of the text in the URL and that will provide you with the correct migration tool,

  1. Click the link provided by the agent above (https://c71.qbo.intuit.com/app/exportqbodatatoqbdt).
  2. Highlight the URL and replace anything after /app/ with exportqbodatatoqbdt.  
  3. The URL should say https://cxx.qbo.intuit.com/app/exportqbodatatoqbdt. XX in the URL is a number and it differs for every person, (don't edit the number) and select Enter on your keyboard.  Other support task links won't work during this process.
  4. From there you can click Get Started and the Download Tool button will appear. 

Now you should be good to go, if you have any other questions, feel free to post here anytime. Thank you and have a lovely day. 

tastehgrc
Level 2

Switch from online to desktop

Same result as before. Following the instructions exactly, and going to https: // c## . qbo . intuit . com/ app/ exportqbodatatoqbdt takes me to my signon page. I even signed on first in a different browser to make sure I was using the right C## but it made no difference.

sfvaughan
Level 4

Switch from online to desktop

That doesn't work. 

From what I'm reading there is no way to retrieve all of your data and bring it into QBD anymore without the use of a third party (paid) app. 

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Switch from online to desktop

@sfvaughan 

The paid converter app has a limitation. You will need purchasing another 3rd party service to migrate QBO data with multi currency.

Shaunab1
Level 1

Switch from online to desktop

There is no box to select why exporting to desktop.

Alison25
Level 1

Switch from online to desktop

I agree.  I have followed every step suggested and do not get any of the links/pages you suggest.  It seems it is not possible to transfer QB Online Plus to Desktop Plus.  Anyone figure this out yet? 

I have never had so many problems with a program before.  Wish I had never transferred from my original desktop version.  

 

Bajasur
Level 1

Switch from online to desktop

If you convert from QBO to desk top, is all your QBO info still there?  

 

Thank you, 

Bajasur
Level 1

Switch from online to desktop

Once you download the info from QBO to desktop, does the QBO info stay intact as though nothing transpired?  

JoesemM
Moderator

Switch from online to desktop

Thanks for joining this thread, @Bajasur. I can share some information about the conversion process from QuickBooks Online (QBO) to QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT),

 

Yes, your QuickBooks Online information is still intact even if you convert to QuickBooks Desktop. Also, please know that things will look different after you export your data.

 

In case you want to convert the file now, I'd be glad to provide you the actions to be taken in converting a QuickBooks Online file to QuickBooks Desktop. 

 

All you have to do is purchase the QBDT version that will suit your needs and then install it on your device. 

 

Once done, you can now start export data. This can be done using the supported browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. Beforehand, know that there are limitations when you convert your file, including the attachments, audit trail, and recurring transactions. 

 

Here's how to export them:

  1. Go to the Gear icon, then select Export data under Tools.
  2. Select the Reports or Lists you want to export.
  3. Click on Learn more link under the Moving to QuickBooks Desktop? section.
  4. Tap on Download company data under Moving to QuickBooks Desktop? window.
  5. Hit Get Started to continue the process.

 

If you're unable to export your data, pulling the direct URLs from Chrome to Internet Explorer will route you to the correct page. Use the following link to initiate the download: http://qbo.intuit.com/app/exportqbodatatoqbdt

 

Refer to this article to complete the process: Export your QuickBooks Online data to QuickBooks Desktop.

 

For additional reference on how you can navigate the desktop version, I also suggest visiting the following article: Get QuickBooks Desktop user guides. This lets you see all the topics on how to efficiently manage your income, expenses, inventory, and your desktop company file.

 

Feel free to post back again if you have other questions about the conversion process or any QuickBooks related. I’d be more than willing to lend you a hand. Have a nice day!

stabornc
Level 1

Switch from online to desktop

My online version has not Export function online Import.  What to do?

Rose-A
Moderator

Switch from online to desktop

Good day, stabornc. I'm here to help ensure you're able to export your data from QuickBooks Online to the desktop version.

 

Missing options in QuickBooks Online are usually the result of outdated or corrupt cache files in your web browser. Not to worry, you can clear them in just a few easy steps.

 

We can press the F5 key on your keyboard to refresh the page. If you're still getting the same result, we can do some of the basic troubleshooting steps. You can use these shortcut keys depending on the browser you're using:

 

  • Google Chrome: Press CTRL + Shift + N.
  • Safari: Press Command + Shift + N.
  • Mozilla Firefox: Press CTRL + Shift + P.

 

Once signed in, export your data from there. If it rectifies the issue, go back to your main portal and clear its cache to remove the browser's history or you can press CTRL+Shift and Delete key on your keyboard altogether.

 

Here's an article that outlined the steps in exporting your QuickBooks Online data to the desktop version: Export and convert your QuickBooks Online data to QuickBooks Desktop. You'll find a brief video to serve as your visual reference as well as a link to download and install QuickBooks Desktop.

 

I'm adding the following write-up to help guide you in setting up your QuickBooks Desktop: Get started with QuickBooks Desktop. It contains steps from adding customers down to setting up your sales tax.

 

Let me know how the result of this troubleshooting in the comment below. I want to make sure you're able to export your file. I'll be around to help if you need additional assistance. Have a good one.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Switch from online to desktop

@stabornc 

Do you have QBO US version or another region?

Robinj1
Level 1

Switch from online to desktop

I'm working with an accountant to convert from QBO to QBD because QBO doesn't have all the functionality we need.  I'm told that none of my PDF attachments in QBO can migrate to QBD  with my data which is devastating as this is how I stored all of our receipts, bills, records for years.  Is there a way to do this without my having to go into every single item and save or print the PDF copies of records?  It will take me weeks to do that one by one.  I'm hoping there is some area in the back end of the system where attachments live and I can batch save or print from there?  Thank you.

Rasa-LilaM
QuickBooks Team

Switch from online to desktop

Welcome to the Community, Robinj1.


Thanks for letting us know the step you’ve performed to convert your QBO data to QBDT. Let me share an alternative solution to help migrate the attachments to the desktop version.

 

There are few things you'll have to know before switching your QBO file to QBDT. You're correct, we're unable to convert the attachments. You'll have to go into every single item and manually attach it to the transaction.


As a workaround, use a third-party application to help append the attachments to your entries. The QuickBooks Apps Center is a one-stop shop where you'll find apps that integrates with QBO.


To expedite the process, type a keyword in the search field. Based on the keyword entered, the site will display a list of supported applications. You can check the details to get a better comparison of each one.

 

For an overview of the conversion process, check out the following articles. These resources outline the complete steps on how to move your online data to the desktop platform. From there, you’ll be able to see what information doesn’t convert (QBO to QBDT)

 

 

For an overview on how the Attachments feature works in QBDT, click on this link. It contains answers to frequently asked questions and solutions on how to resolve any common attached documents issues.

 

If there’s anything else I can help you with, feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll get back to assist further. Wishing your business continued success.

imdawoman
Level 1

Switch from online to desktop

Why does this have to be so difficult? I have tried every which way to do this and ALWAYS get directed to a third party app that costs considerably. We don't even have a guarantee that the app will work. Why can't QBO just create a backup file? This is ridiculous. I need to export the data because this client has gone out of business and CANNOT continue a subscription. Intuit finds every way possible to make things as difficult and expensive as possible. 

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