Online version to MAC desktop

I am seeing now that I first need to export the online files to a desktop version in windows...which I do not have. I have a PC just not the desktop version for windows. Wondering if  there a trial version that I can download to at least accomplish that part?

Hello there, @tracievh.

It's nice to see you here in the Community. I'm here to share some information about switching from QuickBooks Online (QBO) to QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) for Mac.

Yes! There is a trial version, but it's only available on the Windows version. To successfully switch from QBO to Mac, you need to export the file to QBDT Windows then convert it to Mac. Here's how:

1. Export your data from Online to Desktop.
2. Convert the company file to Mac.
     a. Open the company file in QBDT for Windows.
     b. Re-sort lists, then rebuild and verify your data file.
     c. After that, go to File menu at the top, then pick Utilities and Copy Company File for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac on the drop-down.
     d. Save it and it'll create a file with the extension MAC.qbb.
     e. Copy it to a DVD, external hard drive, flash drive, or FTP web site.

Once done, restore the file in QBDT for Mac. Here's how:

1. In the No Company Open window, click Browse, then locate the file you want to restore.
2. Select OK when you get the prompt asking if you want to restore a QuickBooks Desktop for Windows file and enter a name.
3. Choose Save.

For your reference, you can also check out this article for further guidance: Export data file from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks for Mac.

That should answer your concern for today. Please let me know how it goes or if I can be of additional assistance. I'm only a few clicks away if you have any follow-up questions. Take care and have a great rest of the day.

The ultimate goal of the company is for 100% of us to use online so they can completely shut down desktop.

You missed the 3 year gap when QB 2016 for Mac was the last one ever for Mac (until this year)

They also do not make it any easier even for windows users in other than the US

Totally.  Such BS.  And by design because they know their online product sucks and they want to keep increasing the prices and adding unnecessary features.

Has this been resolved? I do not have access to QBDT for Windows, so how do I go about exporting my data from online to QBDT for Mac?

Thank you for response, @tracievh.

The export process from QuickBooks Online (QBO) to QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) can be done if you have a Windows version. You can use the QBDT trial version and download it to switch from QBO to Mac.

Once done, you open the Company File to the windows QBDT. Then, save the company file and restore it to your QB Mac.

I’m adding this article you can visit to convert from QBO to Mac and exporting details in QuickBooks: Export data file from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks for Mac.

Feel free to reply in the thread if you have any other questions. We’re always here to help. Have a good day.

I'm well aware, thanks.  My point is that it's absurd that Mac users are expected to have access to a Windows computer to export their file for desktop.  Makes no sense.  Intuit should be able to figure it out.  FIGURE IT OUT ALREADY.  

AGREED!!! This is ridiculous !!!!!

I tried clicking on your link about how export your data from online to desktop but it is no longer there.

Is QB making this impossible for mac users? Online is ther worst thing I've ever used and now I've just purchased the desktop and can't convert/import/export without a PC. This is nuts!!

Hey tsaxton. Thanks for replying to the thread. I believe this is the article you were looking for about exporting from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks for Mac.

The article goes over the process of converting from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop and then using QuickBooks Desktop to convert the file to Mac. Currently it is not possible to convert from QBO directly to mac and this is the only way it is possible.

If you don't have a current QuickBooks Desktop subscription for PC then you're welcome to use the free trial to perform this process. If you have other questions, let me know. 

@tsaxton 

1. Utilize this free app to convert your QBO data to QBD data file.

https://www.exportmybooks.com/

2. Send a private message to let us help you convert QBD Windows data file to QBD Mac version.

Agreed. Really unfortunate when companies prioritize profits over the customer experience.

I am having this same issue, I do not have a windows computer, I'm a Mac user, why would I?

@BadBadBunny 

Check our profile and send your email address in a private message. We may help you to convert your data file to QBD Mac.

Same! Has anyone figured out a way around the windows option?!?

@Keepitneat 

Convert to QBD Windows is a mandatory step prior to migrating to QBD Mac. Another option, consider purchasing a 3rd party conversion service.

Makes no sense!  If someone was already using Windows they wouldn't need to purchase QB version to use on a Mac.  Why can't Intuit give MAC uses the ability to convert QBO to QB desktop for Mac if you can do it for Windows.  Makes absolutely no sense at all and this has been going on for years now!  People who have Macbooks don't usually have Windows and for the most part many people usually also only have one computer as well.  And if I did get another computer it would be another Mac!

Can you recommend one? Exportmybooks one looked really good but only works if you're in the USA. I am not. Feeling quite frustrated. Wondering why this is so hard. Looking for a solution ...

@donnahudgeon 

Where is your company located? Do you wish converting data from QBO US version to QBD Mac or else?

I'm in the US using a Mac computer.  Last I checked, there is no way to download a company file from QBO on a Mac to convert to QB Desktop for Mac.  This can only be done using Windows operating system and convert in QB Desktop for Windows and then download a Mac QB file to upload to QB Desktop for Mac.  It's ridiculous.

As it turns out, I can't even buy a Desktop for Mac outside the USA or Canada. I'm located on Bonaire in the Caribbean Netherlands with a business here and one in Panama. I seem to be stuck and now looking for other accounting packages. QB support got me nowhere.

@Chinkwop 

Indeed. You have to purchase a 3rd party service to do so.

@donnahudgeon 

You may purchase the license thru a partner. Contact us in private for details.

Have been screwing around with this for a few days with limited success.

Set up a Windows 11 instance via Parallels application.

Got the files migrated into Windows from QuickBooks Online.

Downloaded the only available Quickbooks desktop trial which is QB Enterprise Solutions v22.0

Here's the kicker, the menu item under file menu > utilities > "copy company file for QuickBooks Mac" is not available! Called Intuit today and they confirmed it is gone.

Have to call support tomorrow to see if it's available in a paid version.

This is sad. The price for the online versions has skyrocketed, and now even the desktop versions are all annual subscriptions.

Been at this long enough to remember a lot of other 'dominant' companies that no longer exist. Novell Networks anyone? There are too many up and coming accounting packages, nipping at Intuit's heels.