How do I group the same description items to save time assigning to categories? My bookkeeper showed me and I can't remember.

Hi there, userelizabeth.

Thank you for posting here and welcome to QuickBooks Community. 

May I ask what are you referring to " group the same description items to save time assigning to categories"? are you referring to group products and services into categories to keep things organized? Or, to split a transaction into a different categorize? I appreciate any further details so I can share accurate information.

Don't hesitate to post again with detailed information, I'm always here to help.

I was told I could the same vendors in the "description category" in an effort to save time then click "Update" button. I cannot remember HOW to group the "description category" items with the same vendor. Please advise. 

Thanks for getting back to us, @userelizabeth.

Allow me to chime in and get you back in running your business. I want to ensure I’ll be able to provide you the right resolution. Are you referring to categorizing your product and services? If so, you can follow these steps on how to group your items into categories:

1. Go to the Sales menu.
2. Select Products and Services.
3. Click the More drop-down menu and select Manage categories.
4. Select New category, enter the name of the category then click Save.
5. Go back to the Sales menu, then select Products and Services.
6. Find the product or service you want to categorize.
7. Click Edit under the Action column.
8. Select the Category drop-down, then select one that fits this item. 
9. Then simply click Save and close.

You can also check this article for more details about the process: Group your products and services into different categories.

Once done, you can now select the category you’ve created under the Product/Service column when creating a transaction. This way, you can easily save time when you buy and sell many different things using categories.

In case you need to import your product and services, you can refer to this article for the complete guidelines: Import products and services into QuickBooks Online.

If you’re referring to something else, you can always tag me in your reply. I’m more than happy to work with you again. Keep safe.

Hi,

How to re-categorize all items in a particular "Description"?

For example :  I have expenses for a vendor, and ALL transactions for that vendor are categorized as "SERVICES".  I am trying to change them all to be categorized as " COGS"

Can this be done as a group vs. individual item?

Good day, @Lama22. 

Can you share with me more details about your concern? That way, I can provide you with the correct information to accomplish your QuickBooks task. 

If you're referring to the account in the Expense account drop-down list in your service items, you'll have the option to apply the changes to all your transactions with just one click.  

Here's how:

1. Go to Sales and select Product and Services.
2. Look for the item, then click Edit.
3. From the Expense account drop-down list, choose the correct expense account.
4. Check the Also update this account in historical transactions box.
5. Click Save and close.

If you're referring to the category or item details in your expense transactions, you'll have to edit them individually in QuickBooks. You can follow the steps in this article to accomplish this task in QuickBooks: Find, review, and edit transactions in the account history in QBO.

On the other hand, you'll have the option to reclassify transactions by batch if you have a QBO Accountant account or an Advanced version of QuickBooks subscription. 

Please get back to me if you have any follow-up questions or clarifications in QuickBooks. Have a nice day.