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GETTING STARTED WITH CONFIDENCE

Transactions

Transactions are the basis of your financial statements in QuickBooks. It’s important to understand how your transaction workflows change when you switch from QuickBooks Desktop to Online. This guide will help make the transition easier.

To learn more, call 800-595-4219.

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Onboarding guide

Transaction workflowsTransaction differencesAutomatic transactions

Enter new transactions

QuickBooks Online Display   QuickBooks Online Display

There are two ways to display your account in QuickBooks Online: business view and accountant view. Your default view is based on what you told us when you first set up QuickBooks. The content and images in this guide are for the accountant view. If you're working in business view, you'll see differences in the left navigation menu but the workflows are the same.

Switch between Business View and Accountant View in QuickBooks Online

In QuickBooks Desktop, the Home page helps you record transactions in the correct order. For example, you record an invoice before you record a customer payment.

In QuickBooks Online, you’ll see a similar view of suggested workflows on the home page to help you record transactions in the correct order. Or, select +New to record transactions. You’ll see your transactions organized by Customer, Vendor, Employee and Other.

If you use QuickBooks Online Advanced, the app has a Map View. This is like the experience in QuickBooks Desktop. 

In QuickBooks Online, when you record a transaction, it takes up your entire screen.


Just open a new browser to get around easier when you want to switch between the transaction and other reports or tasks. Right-click on the icon or transaction name and select Open in a new tab.


Once the transaction is open, you’ll see most of the same fields like Customer or Payee, and Date. You'll see fields to record a customer for job costing or to record a class for the transaction. Check your sales or expense settings if you don't see these options.


QuickBooks Online has different names for things you're used to. Items and Services in QuickBooks Desktop are now Products and Services and Accounts are Categories.

Webinars to help get you started

Learn how to get around in QuickBooks Online

Working within QuickBooks Online is different from what you’re used to in QuickBooks Desktop. Watch this webinar to discover how to use lists to organize your data, record transactions, customize reports, and much more.

Connect your bank feeds

You can quickly record and verify transactions by connecting your bank and credit card accounts to QuickBooks Online, as well as set up rules and allow QuickBooks Online to learn from you automatically to help speed up this task. 

Manage payroll with ease

If you’re using QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, you’ll want to ensure your transition to using QuickBooks Online Payroll is seamless. Learn how to set up payroll from beginning to end, run payroll reports, and understand tax forms and payments.

Recording sales

Learn the unique workflows for recording sales in QuickBooks Online, like mapping the QuickBooks Online workflows to what you're used to in QuickBooks Desktop, and keeping track of your products and services.

Money-out transactions

Learn workflows for recording expenses in QuickBooks Online. Map the QuickBooks Online workflows to what you're used to in QuickBooks Desktop and find your vendors and associated transactions easily.

Get free data migration assistance (up to $500 value) when you move from Desktop to Online today.* Call 800-595-4219