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LBoots
Level 1

Converting from Desktop to Online

We are considering moving from desktop to online, to save on data entry from bank and credit card transactions.  What are the pros and cons and where can we get support in transferring all history, properly setting up company, transactions and saved reports.  And get properly trained so we are recording everything the same way.  The 2 are so different.

14 Comments 14
CharleneMaeF
QuickBooks Team

Converting from Desktop to Online

We appreciate you for choosing QuickBooks to cater to your business needs, LBoots. I'm here to provide some information about the two products.

 

Intuit's two popular products are very different. QuickBooks Online (QBO) is a cloud-based software with monthly pricing, while QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) is locally-installed with an annual license pricing model.

 

When you switch from QBDT to QBO, some data don't convert. You may notice transactions are missing or reports don't match. To know what to expect, I'd suggest checking out this article: Migrate Books.

 

Once you've learned how your books will be converted, you can start migrating your desktop file to the online version. You can also reach out to our QuickBooks Support Team to ensure a seamless process.

 

To explore and experiment with the features offered in QBO, you can use our sample company demo instead of your own account. This doesn't save any of the changes to avoid any issues.

 

If you're ready to set up your account and record transactions in the program, you can check out these guides to make sure your books are accurate:

 

 

Additionally, I've also included these articles that'll guide you in getting started with QuickBooks Online:

 

 

Please come back and keep us posted if you have additional questions about migrating your file, LBoots. I'm always here to help you out. Keep safe always!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Converting from Desktop to Online

@LBoots 

If you're a veteran QB Desktop user, I'd still recommend sticking with it. If you're bothered by the feed bank issue in IE 11, you should wait until June at the earliest to watch for any announcements from Intuit about it. You may consider manually importing the bank statement file for the time being. Utilize a converter tool if required.

 

But if you decide to migrate to QBO, you may need to purchase a 3rd party conversion service to migrate certain data types (e.g. attachments, multi-currency).

 

Just my 2 cents.

Fernandezf
Level 1

Converting from Desktop to Online

Go to the Company menu, then select Export Company File to QuickBooks Online. Select Start your export. Select No if you want to set up new items later in QuickBooks Online. Note Only QuickBooks Online Plus and Advanced can track inventory.

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LBoots
Level 1

Converting from Desktop to Online

Thank you for your response - I am a longtime desktop user and do prefer it but I do like that bank and credit card connection that the online version has.  What is the bank issue in IE11 - what do you mean by that. 

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Converting from Desktop to Online

Some banks don't support IE any longer on QB Desktop. If you haven't encountered this issue, you can migrate to QB Online anytime. Keep in mind the limitation while migrating data to QBO. You may need to purchase a 3rd party conversion service to migrate certain types of data (e.g. attachments, multi-currency).

https:// quickbooks.grsm.io/US

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LBoots
Level 1

Converting from Desktop to Online

I do not have any integration now with my desktop to a bank - is there such a thing?  

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Converting from Desktop to Online

Just to clarify. Where is your company located?

LBoots
Level 1

Converting from Desktop to Online

USA - Connecticut

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Converting from Desktop to Online

Visit the following reference

https:// quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/bank-connectivity/get-started-bank-feeds-quickbooks-desktop/L5gZcG2Ql_US_en_US

 

LBoots
Level 1

Converting from Desktop to Online

Ah - ok.  So its not automatic like online - for desktop I have to download transactions from the bank then upload them into QB on a daily basis it looks like.

auc476
Level 1

Converting from Desktop to Online

Something to be careful about:  different levels of QBO will give you a different number of Accounts in the Chart of Accounts.  Like, up to 250.  Fine and dandy.  HOWEVER, if you're converting from Desktop, and you plan to import your company file, be aware that the converted company file does NOT replace the Online chart of Accounts.  It adds to it, and you can't delete unused and unwanted accounts to free up available categories.  One of my clients is a church, and I couldn't figure out why we had these weird, non-church related categories.  We're running out of categories, and getting rid of a COGS account won't help.

 

Thank you SO MUCH, QBO!  Yet one more way you make my life more complicated.

auc476
Level 1

Converting from Desktop to Online

Another thing:  QBO will synch your company file with your bank account --great!  Problem is, QBO will make assumptions about the transaction, and it almost never makes the same assumption twice.  Do NOT believe the QBO categories in the synching window!  You still have to go through them one by one to make sure, unless you start creating Rules --and even they aren't fail-proof.

LBoots
Level 1

Converting from Desktop to Online

Yes - I do check thank you.  For the desktop - is that an automatic feed as well or do you need to manually process the download from the bank?

LBoots
Level 1

Converting from Desktop to Online

Thank you - that is good to know.

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