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parker5095
Level 2

Saving xls to IIF

I'm familiar with the IIF import kit. The link recommends using Excel to load the sample files. What it doesn't state is how to save them. I know it's not supported, but can someone who's used it share what you do?

 

Do you save it as .txt extension but just name it with .iif extension? If so, is the formatting fine?

 

Thanks!

 

 

[Note - I am not looking for an importer, so for all the repliers wanting to advertise their products, I am not looking for that]

Solved
Best answer November 14, 2022

Best Answers
BigRedConsulting
Community Champion

Saving xls to IIF

@parker5095  RE: The link recommends using Excel to load the sample files. What it doesn't state is how to save them. I know it's not supported, but can someone who's used it share what you do?

 

While it's not the best way to create an IIF file, you can save a worksheet as an IIF file.

 

To save a worksheet as an IIF file, choose the Save As option (File | Save As when using Excel 2016), then click Browse, and then pick "Text (Tab delimited) (*.txt)" as the "Save as type:" and then give the file an *.iif extension.

 

It should look something like this, depending on your Excel version and OS:

Capture.JPG

 

It's easier to defeat Excel's default file extension if you enable viewing of known file extensions, like .txt and .iif, among many others. To do that, see instructions at the bottom of this page on our site: https://bigredconsulting.com/how-to-select-the-correct-company-file/

 

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11 Comments 11
AbegailS_
QuickBooks Team

Saving xls to IIF

Hi there, @parker5095.

 

I'd be glad to share information on how you can save the file and imports them successfully to QuickBooks.

 

In order to make it easier to transfer the data to and from different platforms, you’ll need to convert them first in their supported formats.

 

You’ll want to convert your Excel file to IIF first. You can find a third-party application or visit our Desktop Apps website to look for a file converter tool.

 

You can also download a sample IIF and manually create your own file and import it into QuickBooks. For more information, please take a look at these resources:

 

 

Don’t hesitate to respond on this thread if you have additional questions or concerns with the import process. I'm here anytime to help. Always take care!

parker5095
Level 2

Saving xls to IIF

While I appreciate your attempt to answer, I don't think you really read my question. You shared a link I already shared and you provided info such as I have to convert the file, which I already noted is what I'm trying to do.

 

From the page I shared in my link, nobody at Intuit/QuickBooks explains HOW to save the file after you load it into excel and modify it to the IIF format. That is the missing piece.

 

Please share how that is done.

ChristineJoieR
QuickBooks Team

Saving xls to IIF

Thank you for sharing this to us, @parker5095.

 

I've come to discuss how to convert Excel files into IIF format QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Currently, there isn't any way to convert an Excel file to IIF format. However, QuickBooks Desktop has a variety of third-party programs from the Intuit Shop that we can utilize to perform the data conversion.

 

We can use the category filters to narrow down the list of available apps or type a keyword into the search area to locate the desired program. Feel free to check out the page: Apps for QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Moreover, visit Import and export data in QuickBooks Desktop to understand more about migrating information into and out. Significant steps for the import and export of data are also covered.

 

Please drop us a message again if you have further questions about importing or managing your files. I'd be delighted to lend a hand. Always make sure to use caution.

parker5095
Level 2

Saving xls to IIF

It's unfortunate you are unable to provide useful responses.

 

Intuits own page notes:

Recommended: a spreadsheet program that supports a tab-delimited format, such as Microsoft Excel.

  • The data will appear in columns that are easier to read and edit.
  • Opening the sample files in any text editor is much more difficult..

IIF Overview: import kit, sample files, and headers (intuit.com)

 

From there you just need to save to a text file. I've done it.

Does EMPL mean you're an employee? If yes, why does your group keeps answering the wrong question and cluttering this thread. For the second time, I am trying to save an IIF file loaded into Excel. It's loaded per YOUR company's guidance. I've actually saved it so stop writing it isn't possible. Whether you consider this converting or not - the end result is a file in IIF format.

I'm looking for comments from others who also are actually doing this to hear how they have optimized the saving of these files from Excel.

BigRedConsulting
Community Champion

Saving xls to IIF

@parker5095  RE: The link recommends using Excel to load the sample files. What it doesn't state is how to save them. I know it's not supported, but can someone who's used it share what you do?

 

While it's not the best way to create an IIF file, you can save a worksheet as an IIF file.

 

To save a worksheet as an IIF file, choose the Save As option (File | Save As when using Excel 2016), then click Browse, and then pick "Text (Tab delimited) (*.txt)" as the "Save as type:" and then give the file an *.iif extension.

 

It should look something like this, depending on your Excel version and OS:

Capture.JPG

 

It's easier to defeat Excel's default file extension if you enable viewing of known file extensions, like .txt and .iif, among many others. To do that, see instructions at the bottom of this page on our site: https://bigredconsulting.com/how-to-select-the-correct-company-file/

 

BigRedConsulting
Community Champion

Saving xls to IIF

@ChristineJoieR   RE: Currently, there isn't any way to convert an Excel file to IIF format.

 

Of course there is. You can also open an IIF file in Excel.

darkocuk
Level 1

Saving xls to IIF

All well and good until you try to then import thusly created iif file into sage and sage isn't finding any info in it.... that is where I am stuck right now.

4Gal
Level 10

Saving xls to IIF

@darkocuk 

Do you need to convert data from QB Desktop to Sage 50?

Which QB Desktop year version do you have?

nsliger
Level 2

Saving xls to IIF

The document in this article is dated 2008. I can import Sales Orders with a modification to the file I created. Is this safe to do now, in 2024? 2008 it was not.

 

RCV
QuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team

Saving xls to IIF

Thanks for checking in with us, nsliger.

Could you further elaborate on the issue you're having with importing your sales order in QuickBooks Desktop? Are you attempting to use the xls format, MS Excel, CSV file, IIF, or other formats when importing data into QuickBooks Desktop? We would appreciate any information or screenshots you can give us to help us locate the problem.

Update me in the comments section below. I'm hoping to hear from you as soon as I can. Take care always!

4Gal
Level 10

Saving xls to IIF

@nsliger 

You should use an importer tool. It's a $200 one time license. You can get $100 cashback to purchase from a partner.

https://get.transactionpro.com/qbd

 

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