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File types and extensions used by QuickBooks Desktop

by Intuit1 Updated 3 months ago

QuickBooks Desktop uses different types of files to store different types of data. For example, your main company files (QBW) and backup data files (QBB) are totally different file types.

Here are common file types and extensions you may see in QuickBooks Desktop for Windows and Mac.

QuickBooks for Windows

Common QuickBooks files

File extensionFile typeDescription
QBWQuickBooks Company fileWhen you create a company file, QuickBooks creates a file with a .qbw extension. This file holds your company file and account info. For example, if you create a company called MyBusiness, QuickBooks saves the company file as: MyBusiness.qbw.
QBBQuickBooks Backup fileWhen you back up your company file, QuickBooks creates a backup file with a .qbb extension. Here's how to back up your company file> and how to restore your company file from a backup.

QBM

QuickBooks Portable fileWhen you e-mail or move a company file, QuickBooks creates a compressed version of your company file with a .qbm extension.

For example, if you create a portable company file for MyBusiness, QuickBooks saves it as: MyBusiness.qbm.

QBOQuickBooks Bank Statement fileWhen you download transactions from your bank, QuickBooks opens them from a file with a .qbo extension.
You can import a QBO file to quickly get transactions into your bank register.

Additional QuickBooks files

File extensionFile typeDescription
DESLayout Designer Template fileIf you export a customized form template, QuickBooks creates a file with a .des extension. QuickBooks has a variety of templates. You may want to export your custom templates to use in your other company files or share with others.
QBRQuickBooks Report Template fileIf you export a memorized report template, QuickBooks creates a file with a .qbr extension

QWC

QuickBooks Web Connector fileIf you use QuickBooks Web Connector, you may need to open apps. When third-party developers create Web Connector app, they'll create a file with a .qwc extension.
qbstbl2.usaUS Tax Table file(Payroll only) If you run payroll in QuickBooks Desktop, you'll need this file to get the current tax tables. It has all of the latest payroll info you need to calculate your payroll taxes.

Accountant files

File extensionFile typeDescription
QBXAccountant's Review Copy / Transfer fileWhen you make a backup of your company file for your accountant, QuickBooks creates a file with a .qbx extension. This is the file you export and send to your accountant. When your accountant opens the backup, it becomes an accountant's copy file.
QBAAccountant’s Copy fileWhen accountants open a .qbx file a client sends them for review, it becomes an accountant copy. This file has a .qba extension.
QBY Accountant's Copy Import fileAfter your accountant reviews their accountant copy and makes changes, they'll send you a file with a .qby extension. You can import and apply their changes to your company file.
QBJGeneral Journal Entries fileIf you want to add journal entries created by your accountant, ask them to send you a General Journal Entries file. This file has a .qbj extension.

Utility and log files

File extensionFile typeDescription
IIFIntuit Interchange Format fileIf you export your list info, QuickBooks creates a file with an .iif extension. You can use IIF files to share your lists with other company files.
NDNetwork Data fileIf you start using Multi-user mode, QuickBooks creates a file with a .nd extension. This file helps QuickBooks manage your user access settings.
TLGTransaction Log fileQuickBooks keeps track of changes to your company file since your last backup. It saves this info in a file with a .tlg extension. The next time you back up your company file, QuickBooks resets the file.
LOGEvent Log fileQuickBooks records important events in a file with a .log extension. There are two types of LOG files:
  • Qbwin.log - records issues found during a rebuildQWC.log - records Web Connect errors

LOG files can help with troubleshooting.

ECMLEntitlement fileWhen you install and register QuickBooks, QuickBooks creates a file with an .ecml extension. This file tells QuickBooks you're using a licensed product.
QBPQuickBooks Print fileWhen you set your printing preferences, QuickBooks saves them in a file with a .qbp extension. QuickBooks auto-saves your settings. However, you may need to make changes to the file if you run into printer issues.

QuickBooks Statement Writer files

File extensionFile type
QSMIf you use QuickBooks Statement Writer, QuickBooks saves your info in a file with a .qsm extension. QSW files can be used in Excel.
QSSIf you customize statements and reports with QuickBooks Statement Writer, QuickBooks saves your settings in a file with a .qss extension. You can use this file to apply settings to other reports.
QSTIf you need a specific layout, you can use a template file that is already available. These files have a .qst extension.

QuickBooks for Mac

File extensionFile typeDescription
QB2016Company fileThis is your company file for the 2016 version of QuickBooks for Mac.
QB2019Company fileThis is your company file for the 2019 version of QuickBooks for Mac.
MAC.QBBBackup fileYou can use a MAC.QBB file to move your QuickBooks Mac file over to QuickBooks Desktop for Windows.
DMGApple disk image fileThis is your backup Quickbooks company file. QuickBooks saves it as as an Apple disk image.
plistApple property list filesThis stores your registration and preferences.
QuickBooks DesktopQuickBooks Desktop AccountantQuickBooks Desktop Accountant PlusQuickBooks Desktop PlusQuickBooks Desktop PremierQuickBooks Desktop ProQuickBooks Enterprise QuickBooks Enterprise AccountantQuickBooks Enterprise Accountant QuickBooks Enterprise DiamondQuickBooks Enterprise GoldQuickBooks Enterprise Platinum

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