Export IIF data from 2023 to 2021

Hello, David. Let me share some details about exporting and importing using Intuit Interchange Format (IIF) files from QuickBooks 2023 to QuickBooks 2021.

Yes, you can export entries from QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) 2023 and import them to QBDT 2021 using IIF file. However, it's crucial to understand that this process is only compatible when using the same QBDT edition.

To get started, you can download and install the .IIF import kit to save time and improve your results. You can also download sample .IIF files to practice or use as templates for importing transactions into QuickBooks.

To export, here's how:

1. Sign in to your company file as an admin. If you're in a Multi-user mode, you need to switch to Single-user mode.
2. Go to the File menu and select Utilities.
3. Click Export, then choose Lists to IIF Files.
   
   
4. Select the lists you want to export, then OK.
   
   
5. In the Save in the dropdown, select a location to save your IIF file.
6. Enter a file name, then select Save.
   
   

Here's how to import:

1. Go to the File menu, select Utilities then Import then IIF Files.
   
   
2. Select Import IIF.
   
   
3. Locate the file, then select OK.
4. Once the import is successful, you'll see the number of lists and transactions imported. Press Done.

Additionally, it's important to note that certain transactions can only be imported into QuickBooks Desktop when using IIF files for exporting and importing. For more detailed information on the limitations of IIF import and export, you can refer to this article: Learn about IIF import and export limitations.

After successfully transferring your files, check out these articles about customizing reports according to your needs: Customize reports in QuickBooks Desktop.

Don't hesitate to leave a reply in this thread if you need help exporting and importing files in QuickBooks Desktop. The Community is available to lend a helping hand.

Would this work for quickbooks Enterprise 2023 to pro 2021?

Would any data be lost? 

Thank you 

Would this be the same if I am exporting from Enterprise 2023 to Premier 2021? Would any data be lost

Thank you 

Hi there, David.

Let me clarify things about importing IIF from QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise 2023 to QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2021. 

Different editions of the application are designed to cater to different business needs and requirements, aligning with your company's size, industry, and accounting demands.

Each edition obtains features that one another might not have or the other way around. Therefore, importing your QBDT Enterprise 2023 file to an older version and different edition is inapplicable.

In this, you'll want to manually re-enter the transactions you entered from the later version into the old one. As an alternative solution, you can also use a different application.

Furthermore, I suggest scanning this article to learn about QuickBooks Desktop company file compatibility. This will help you avoid issues and errors when upgrading: Company file compatibility with QuickBooks Desktop when upgrading.

Let me know if you have further concerns with your QBDT company files by leaving a comment below, David. I’ll be here to assist you anytime. 

Hi @davidmatyas whilst you can export out the lists to IIF format you cant do that for transactions other than for journal entries from inside QuickBooks desktop.  

There is another option but you need to use a third party data import and export solution.  One that I pulbish is called Zed Axis - you can use it to export out transactions from QuickBooks desktop to Excel and then use that data to import into another QuickBooks company file.  There is a 30 day free trial you can download from the Intuit Marketplace.

@davidmatyas 

IIF only offers limited functionality for your case. You can use a migration tool as another option. It's $299 one time license and you can get $100 cashback to purchase it via a partner.

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But if you prefer not to lose any of your data in QB Desktop 2023 files, you should contact @Fiat Lux - ASIA for advise. You can access your archive files for good in QBD 2023 and you may start from scratch in QBD 2021.