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SimEnterprises
September 28, 2022
Question

Quickbooks in Two Locations Mac

  • September 28, 2022
  • 5 replies
  • 31 views

Hello,

 

We have a business and we need to setup QB. We currently have Mac computers and 2021 Mac version. We are family and in two different states but needing to work on the same file. What is the easiest best approach here. We also have QB Online Full Service payroll as well if that matters.

I see there is hosting for $70/month. It doesn't look like that uses a Mac file. Do we still use Desktop Mac version or do we need to buy a different QB version. It's unlikely that we'll be on at the same time. Should we just be sending an updated file back and forth do each-other rather than using a server? Or if we go with the server, are we going to hit compatibility issues like using QB Online?

 

Thanks for any advise here. We don't mind paying for whatever, we just want to ensure we are on the correct easy path. 

Thank you!

5 replies

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 14
September 28, 2022

QB Desktop for Mac doesn't fit with your situation. You should consider purchasing a one-time license for QB Desktop 2021 Pro or Premier for 2 users. The first user will purchase Parallels and Win 10 Home licenses to run on their Mac. Then the first user will purchase another solution to set up a simple private cloud solution so that the second user can access the same company files simultaneously in multiuser mode over the internet. The second user doesn't need to install QuickBooks on their Mac.

LollyNino_CQuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
September 28, 2022

Hello there, @ SimEnterprises. 

 

Thank you for posting here in the Community. Let me share some information about how the QuickBooks user license works. 

 

In addition to Fiat's answer, using the Mac version of QuickBooks is different from the Windows version. You'll want to install the Parallel App. Parallels Desktop is a Mac OS application that allows you to run Windows on Mac.

 

You can install one license to different computers. However, each user can only use the program one at a time. To access and use the company file on different computers at the same time, you'll have to purchase licenses and switch to multi-user mode. Please refer to this article to learn how: Set up and Install a Multi-user Network.

 

You can reach out to an IT guy that will help you install it and how it works. Feel free to use these links: 

 

 

Additionally, to see the features offered in QuickBooks Desktop Pro, please check our plans and pricing. 

 

Keep me posted if you have any other concerns about this process. I want to make sure everything is taken care of for you. You can reach out to the Community at any time. Take care, and have a great day!

SimEnterprisesAuthor
September 29, 2022

would it be possible to install QB mac version. Store the data file on icloud or similar tjat we both have access too. Then use it as long as we don’t at the exact same time?

Rasa-LilaMQuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
September 29, 2022

Thank you for providing more information about your concern, SimEnterprises.

 

Yes, the data can be stored on iCloud. Then, all of your QuickBooks documents will be synced to all other iOS and Mac OS devices to which you have granted access. Make sure that both users are not working on the file simultaneously. 

 

When you use this feature, you'll be able to do the following:

 

  • Collaborate, edit, and make changes to documents in real-time.  
  • Track changes to files and documents and determines who made them.
  • Give permission only to those who are authorized.

 

To learn more about this feature, you can read through this article: ICloud Document Sharing and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2019 and newer. It contains a list of recommended QuickBooks processes as well as the not recommended ones.

 

For future reference, feel free to browse our online resources. From there, you'll see topics that will guide you on how to handle your banking data, manage customer or vendor transactions, process taxes or forms, and so on.

 

Tap the Reply button and leave a comment in the field box if you need more information about storing your data or other QuickBooks-related issues. Please know that I am always available to assist you. Have a wonderful day and stay safe.

IntuitBrooks
Level 5
November 3, 2022

As noted you can use iCloud sharing to accomplish this. 

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