I don't want to use QB for inventory tracking. I just want to enter my 12.31.18 inventory value as a balance sheet item. How do I do that?

Good day deltamolding,

Only inventory type items can automate inventory value. If you’d like to create an asset value for non-inventory, I recommend creating a journal entry.

Please note that a journal entry won’t be linked with your inventory items. However, it will record an asset value that will reflect on your Balance Sheet report.

To create a Journal Entry, Here’s how:

1. Select the Plus icon (+) on the Toolbar.
2. Under Other, select Journal Entry.
3. Enter the transaction date in the Journal date field.
4. On the first distribution line, in the Accounts field, enter any account listed in the Chart of Accounts.
5. Enter the transaction amount in the Debits or Credits column.
6. Specify a customer, vendor/vendor, or employee associated with the line, if any, in the Name field.
7. Continue to enter distribution lines until the sum of the Debit column entries equals the sum of the Credit column entries.
8. Select Save.

For more details, you can check this article: How to create a journal entry.

Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help you about QuickBooks. I’ll here to help have a great day!