Since yesterday my reports are downloading in a format that my computer doesn't recognize and I am unable to convert to Adobe. How do I change the default format?

There are three options for changing the format for downloading your reports in QuickBooks Online (QBO), Gina. Let me guide you through the process.

Before we begin, could you let me know what file format you've seen after exporting the data? This information will help us address your concern more effectively.
 
To change the report format, choose from Excel, PDF, or CSV options. If you export the data as a PDF, you can convert it to an Adobe format.

To convert the file to Adobe Reader, follow these steps:
 

1. Export the report in PDF format.
2. Locate the downloaded file in your folder.
3. Right-click the file and select Open with.
4. Choose Adobe Reader to convert it.

 
Also, ensure your Adobe Reader is up to date to avoid any conversion errors.
 
If your computer still doesn't recognize the data, I recommend troubleshooting to resolve any loading issues in QBO. Start by accessing QuickBooks in incognito mode or a private window.
 
Here are the key shortcuts:
 

• Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Microsoft Edge: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Safari: Command + Shift + N

If this works, you can clear your browser's cache and cookies and any temporary files running in your browser that may have caused the malfunctions. Otherwise, you can use other supported browsers to ensure QBO runs efficiently.
 
Furthermore, refer to this article for detailed steps in exporting your report in QBO.

Feel free to enhance your financial trajectory by working with our QuickBooks Live Expert Assisted team. These financial maestros streamline your processes and provide bespoke advice to meet your business's unique needs. Click now to embark on a new era of financial clarity and success.

After exporting your report, consider scheduling a memorized report in QBO. This will automatically run the report, saving you time each month or year.
 
Following these detailed steps will help you access the correct format in QBO. If you have any further concerns, feel free to reply to this post. I am always here to assist you.

This is happening to me.  I've schedule a report to be emailed to me.  In the past, all is well.  As of 5/5/25, the report is emailed but the attached file is not a pdf or an excel spreadsheet,  It's a file titled "attachment_20250506_081826" with no file extension that I cannot open.

Thanks for following along with the thread and sharing your concerns, @GMH8409.

Before we get deeper into this, I wanted to clarify if you have tried the steps my colleague has provided above? If changing the format doesn't work for you, it's important to clear the cache from your browser. 

Web browsers collect cache to save time when loading repetitive data and images. Over time these files can become outdated and corrupted, causing issues like the one with your report downloads. Since you stated this worked fine in the past, corrupted cache could be the issue here. 

Please keep in mind to restart your browser once the cache has been cleared so the changes can take effect. 

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for your reply. Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. Chat with you soon! 

Yes, I cleared the cache, etc...  I can manually create the report within Quickbooks and have it exported to pdf or excel.  It's when the scheduled email is sent that it is sending the report in a unknown format.

Maybe it's a glitch.  I am emailing the report tomorrow.  We'll see what happens.

@Tori B  RE: Before we get deeper into this, I wanted to clarify if you have tried the steps my colleague has provided above?

Those steps don't apply to scheduled reports, which you should know. Have you used scheduled reports to send yourself a report - to see how it works?

I'd never used it, so I just tried and there is no option to choose the file type. I guess QuickBooks just does whatever it wants. In my case it decided to attach an Excel workbook, an *.xlsx file.

Yes, I use scheduled reports on a monthly basis and it has worked in the past.  The implementation of scheduled reports in QB looks a little different than before so maybe they are making changes and this may be a glitch.  I re-scheduled my report for tomorrow so I'll see what kind of file I am sent.

@Tori B  RE: I'll be sure to keep an eye out for your reply. Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. Chat with you soon!

OK. We have replied. We're waiting for your response. Please don't hesitate. There's no need for that.

Hey there, @GMH8409. 

Thanks for giving us some more information on the problem. 

Waiting to see exactly what the file is coming up as will be a great direction to go in at this time. Please send us a screenshot of what the file shows up as tomorrow so that we have all the details we need to provide you with a solution or a route to get this resolved once and for all. 

We'll be waiting for your response! 

@Candice C 

What happened to @Tori B , who said she'd reply and wanted to chat?

I scheduled a couple of test reports to be send and it looks like it's working properly now.  The emails are being sent and the reports are attached correctly as pdf files.

I've schedules a couple of test reports to be sent via email and it looks like they are being sent correctly now.  I've received the emails and the attached reports are sent as pdf files.

Thanks for following up with the Community, GMH8409.

I'm happy to hear my colleagues were able to help with getting scheduled reports sent by email.

You'll also be able to find many detailed resources about using QuickBooks in our help article archives.

Please feel welcome to send a reply here, or create a new thread if there's ever any questions. The Community's always here to help. Have a wonderful Friday!

So, when I schedule a report I get an Excel file. Others appear to get a PDF file. How do I change it so I get a PDF file? I can't see any way to do that.

Currently, QuickBooks supports attaching scheduled reports as Excel files only, BigRedConsulting. Let me provide you with an alternative way.  

As a workaround, you can export your reports with the option to save them as PDFs. In that way, you can have the format you want. Here's how:

1. Go to Reports and then Custom reports.
2. Choose the report you want to export.
3. Click Export beside Print.
4. Select Export to PDF.
5. Save as PDF.

Additionally, you can utilize this article to learn how to tailor your reports to meet your business needs: Customize reports in QuickBooks Online.

Moreover, you can refer to this article to learn about alternative ways for exporting your report outside QuickBooks: Get started with Spreadsheet Sync for QuickBooks Online Advanced or Accountant.

If you have more questions about how PDFs work, revisit this thread or open a new one. We're always here to address any queries you may have.

@TrixieD  RE: Currently, QuickBooks supports attaching scheduled reports as Excel files only, BigRedConsulting.

Well, @GMH8409  wrote just s few posts back in this thread, "I've schedules a couple of test reports to be sent via email and it looks like they are being sent correctly now. I've received the emails and the attached reports are sent as pdf files."

That is why I asked how to do that - to get PDF files.