Migration from Quickbooks Desktop 2016 to Desktop 2020 (both for Mac)

Open your file on QBD 2016 and create a backup file. Open your QBD 2020 and restore the file.

I can guide you to migrate company files in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, @georgwell.

To migrate your company file from QuickBooks for Mac 2016 to 2020, you can create a backup copy of your data and restore it.

To create a backup of your company file:

1. Go to the File menu.
2. Select Back Up.
3. On the following dialog window, select the folder where you want to store your backup file (.dmg). NOTE: It's a good idea to save backups somewhere other than your main local drive in case of a system failure. If you have a file hosting service (such as DropBox), flash drive, or other removable media, you may want to select it here.
4. Click Start Backup. The name of the backup will be your QuickBooks filename with the date and time it was completed.

After that, restore the company file. I'll guide you on how.

1. Double click the .dmg file. A new window opens the "Ghost" drive. Note: The "Ghost" drive displays the back up of your company file along with your attachments (if applicable).
2. Drag the company file (with .qbXXXX extension) to the folder where you want to store the company file.
3. Pull the Attached Documents Library folder (if applicable) to the same folder as the QuickBooks company file.
4. Click the copy of the company file saved on the desired location or go to the File menu, then Open Company.

Once restored, QuickBooks will ask you to update the file. Just click the Update button. The following articles are good references for importing and restoring company data:

• QuickBooks Mac: Create a Backup of your company file
• Restore a backup (.dmg) in QuickBooks Mac

I'll be more than willing to lend a hand if you need further assistance migrating your data. Have a wonderful day.

Hello Maybelle_S,

Thank you for responding to my question.

I followed your instructions and everything works until I attempt to open the restored file using Quickbooks Desktop 2020. The Quickbooks software asks me to login (which was never required before). After I login, the company file never opens.

I must be missing a step somewhere.

Thanks,

George

Hello JessT,

The update worked and now everything is great.

Thank you for you assistance!

Best regards,

George

I've got QB for Mac 2016 desktop on my old imac. I now have a new iMac with QB 2020 installed, and need to move all my data to the new iMac running QB2020. I created a backup of 2016 on the old iMac using an external drive. I plug the drive into the new iMac running 2020, but I am stuck at this point.

I'm not sure what/where you mean when you say drag the dmg file to the "folder where I want to store the company file". What is the location of this folder? Not sure if you mean my external drive.  Is the folder in 2020 somewhere?

Thank you.

I appreciate you for joining in this discussion, @ctsoundguy. Allow me to provide you with information on where to store your backup company file in your new QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Mac.

When restoring the backup company file, you'll need to drag it to the folder where you keep your QuickBooks company. If you see the Attachments library, you can store it in the same location. However, if you have an existing company file and don't wish to overwrite it, you can move the backup copy to a separate folder.

To locate where your QBDT company is saved, you can utilize the Spotlight feature on Mac. Doing so allows you to find apps, documents, and other items seamlessly. As a guide, you can use the keywords .qb2020 or .dmg.

Here's a detailed guide to continue restoring your backup company file: Restore your backup company file for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

In addition, you can import a spreadsheet of information on your customers, vendors, employees, and items into QBDT to skip the inconvenience of entering them into the program.

Feel free to visit us again in the Community if you have other questions about restoring your QBDT company file. I'll be more than willing to help you achieve your goal. Keep safe, and have a wonderful day ahead.