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TaniaCPT
Level 2

Windows CSV for Mac Invalid File Format

Please can someone help me. We have a problem where Quickbooks doesn't automatically update 5 of our bank accounts as they conflict (no fix for 7 months already). We have to update the bank accounts manually, easy to do on a Windows based computer however we have now moved to Mac (Apple) and each time we try to update the CSV it shows an invalid file format. 

Our version of Excel (Office 365 - V16.30) does not offer a "Windows CSV" in the speciality drop down on saving. The Macintosh-CSV option also gives an invalid format error.

If we use the OFX document from our bank it doesn't allow us to select the transactions to import, it auto adds everything which means we then need to delete each duplicate transaction.

We have 11 accounts in total of which 5 we have to manually upload each week. This is extremely frustrating and I am not getting any help with this issue. We urgently require assistance and a fix.

Does anyone else have this problem? Or can anyone help?

 

Thanks in advance!

Solved
Best answer November 14, 2019

Best Answers
TaniaCPT
Level 2

Windows CSV for Mac Invalid File Format

After hours of trying to sort this out, without much help from QBO, I have found a solution. Open the document as a Google Sheet and make the necessary changes. Then download this as a CSV document.

View solution in original post

7 Comments 7
IamjuViel
QuickBooks Team

Windows CSV for Mac Invalid File Format

Hello, @TaniaCPT.

 

When importing bank transactions to QuickBooks, you can use either a Comma-Separated Values (CSV) or the QuickBooks Online (QBO). I can provide you with information so you'll be able to successfully import your transactions.

 

To save your downloaded transactions as a CSV file, here's how:

  1. Click the File menu.
  2. Choose Save As.
  3. Type in the name of the file in the Save As field.
  4. From the Format drop-down, look for Comma Separated Values( .CSV)
  5. Click Save.

If you still don't have the option to save as a  Comma Separated Values( .CSV), you can look up on the internet for a free and secured file converter or use Google Docs. Also, you can visit the Intuit App Center and check out a supported third party import tool.

 

To learn more about how the importing process works, you can read through these articles:

Let me know if you have other questions or concerns. I'm just a few clicks away.

TaniaCPT
Level 2

Windows CSV for Mac Invalid File Format

Hi

 

Thanks for your reply, but I don't think you actually read my question. I am using a MacBook Pro (IOS software, not Windows). In order to manually upload the statements to Quickbooks Online I need to save it as a Windows CSV. As you can see from the screenshot below this isn't an option for me.

 

I have tried to save and upload in every single version of the CSV available in my Excel, every option gives me an invalid file format. And before you ask I am using the Quickbooks requirements for the CSV document. I also don't have the QBO option when downloading from my bank.

 

I urgently need assistance with sorting this out as currently we cannot use most of the functionality on Quickbooks.

MariaSoledadG
QuickBooks Team

Windows CSV for Mac Invalid File Format

Hi TaniaCPT,

 

You'll want to use a 3 or 4 column format when importing a CSV file. Let me provide you more information about this so you can successfully upload your file.

 

Here are some formatting that you need to avoid:

  • Special characters are not allowed.
  • Remove zeros (0) from the file and leave those cells blank.
  • Correct any transactions that display a number in the Description column.
  • Remove the word amount if it appears in the name of the Credit or Debit column (Credit amount and Debit amount are incorrect).
  • MAC users must save the file as a Windows CSV file.
  • Correct and standardize the Date format to a single format (for example, dd/mm/yyyy).
  • Some banks provide the day of the week and include it in the Date column.

Please check this article for more information and detailed steps: Import Bank Transactions Using Excel CSV File.

 

I also have this Help Articles in case you have other questions about QuickBooks Online.

 

Keep in touch if there's anything you need. I'm always right here to help.

TaniaCPT
Level 2

Windows CSV for Mac Invalid File Format

Thanks for your reply. I have done all of this. If you read my question - the problem is the following:

MAC users must save the file as a Windows CSV file.

 

As stated each time our version of Excel does NOT give us this as an option. Therefore every single version of CSV saved is an "invalid file format". This is extremely frustrating and I cannot be the only user with this issue.

 

Can someone provide me with an actual solution and not just copy and paste responses.

TaniaCPT
Level 2

Windows CSV for Mac Invalid File Format

After hours of trying to sort this out, without much help from QBO, I have found a solution. Open the document as a Google Sheet and make the necessary changes. Then download this as a CSV document.

JCampbell
Level 1

Windows CSV for Mac Invalid File Format

How did you download The Google Sheet without it just being a shortcut to the Google sheet?

Do you have Microsoft Excel on your hard drive?

JonpriL
Moderator

Windows CSV for Mac Invalid File Format

Hello @JCampbell,

 

While waiting for the response from our member, @TaniaCPT, I'd recommend manually surfing the internet on how you can use google sheets on your Mac. If you haven't yet, I've found this link where you can download the app on your Apple device: Google Sheets for Mac.

 

Additionally, I've also included this reference for a compilation of articles you can use while working with us: Banking with QuickBooks Online.

 

If you have any other questions, please let me know in the comments below. I'll be here to lend a hand. Stay safe!