Migrate Attachments to QuickBooks Online

Learn how to migrate attachments to QuickBooks Online.

Migrating your attachments from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online depends on the type of file you're working with and who is initiating the migration. Here's a clear guide to make sure your attachments transfer smoothly.

Note: 

• You can only use this feature if your company file has an attachment.
• Once you create this migration file, proceed with the migration as soon as possible. You only have 15 days before the cloud servers may delete your files.

For .QBB (Company) Files (Accountant-Triggered Migration)

When creating a backup or portable company file in QuickBooks Desktop, you'll specifically create a migration file. This makes sure your attachments are uploaded to the cloud for transfer.

1. In QuickBooks Desktop, go to File.
2. Select Backup Company.
3. Select Create Local Backup.
4. Select Migration File. If prompted, sign in to your QuickBooks account.
5. Save the file to your desired location.
6. Share this file with your accountant for the migration process.

For .QBM (Company) Files (Accountant-Triggered Migration)

When creating a copy for your accountant, you need to prepare the attachments by uploading them to the cloud before migration. 

1. In QuickBooks Desktop, go to File.
2. Select Create Copy.
3. Select Migration File. If prompted, sign in to your QuickBooks account.
4. Save the file to your desired location.
5. Share this file with your accountant for the migration process.

For .QBW (Company) Files (Accountant-Triggered Migration)

If your accountant is handling the migration using your .QBW company file, you need to prepare your attachments and upload them to the cloud before the migration.

1. In QuickBooks Desktop, go to File.
2. Select Company.
3. Select Documents.
4. Select Doc Center.
5. Select sync attachments. If prompted, sign in to your QuickBooks account.
6. You can give this .QBW company file for migration post this sync.

For .QBW (Company) Files (Self-Triggered Migration)

If you are initiating the migration directly from QuickBooks Desktop, your attachments will be migrated automatically during the process. You don’t need to take any additional steps for attachments once the migration starts.

Supported Attachment File Types

Attachments will be migrated for the following file types:

• CSV
• DOC
• GIF
• JPEG
• PDF
• PNG
• TIFF
• XLSX
• XML

Supported Entities for Attachment Migration

Attachments linked to the following QuickBooks entities will be migrated:

• Bills
• Checks
• Company
• Credit card charges
• Credit memos
• Customers
• Deposits
• Employees
• Estimates
• General journal entries
• Invoices
• Paychecks
• Purchase orders
• Receive payments
• Sales receipts
• Transfers
• Vendors

Fix large file size attachments

You can only move attachment file size less than 5GB. If you encounter a large file size error, you'll need to reduce the size of your attachments. Delete attachments from individual transactions or through the Doc Center.

1. In QuickBooks Desktop, go to File.
2. Select Company.
3. Select Documents.
4. Select Doc Center.
5. Select the attachments which you want to delete.