How to import a QBO file into Quickbooks Desktop

Import created QBO file into Quickbooks for Windows

Use the Transactions app to convert your transaction files to required by your accounting software file format.

Follow the steps below for the Windows version, followed by the Mac version.

When the QBO file is created, switch to Quickbooks and import created QBO file. Before importing, make sure that the account you need to import into doesn’t have the yellow strike icon. Click 'Lists' - 'Charts of Accounts'. 

If you have the icon, it means the account is online linked to direct download. You need to disconnect first to import a QBO file.  

To disconnect, right-click - 'Edit Account'. 

Then click on 'Bank Feed Settings' and 'Deactivate All Online Services' first if needed. Check there is no yellow icon after the change. After disconnecting the account from online services, you can import a QBO file.  

To import a QBO file, select 'File' - 'Utilities' - 'Import' - 'Web Connect Files', select created QBO file. 

 And select an existing account to import transactions. Check bank label, Account Type, Account number to select the correct Account in Quickbooks. Then click the 'Continue' button. 

Now your data is imported. 

Click on 'Transaction List' to review transactions. Assign Vendor Records and expense/income accounts before adding transactions to the register.  

'Downloaded as' column shows Payee names from the QBO file. And the 'Payee' column is empty. It shows Vendor Records. When you choose a Vendor Record, for the Payee from the QBO file, QuickBooks will remember your choice for the next QBO import. 

Click 'Show Bank Memo' to see the description to the 'Bank Memo' column.  

Once Vendor Records and Account are set, you can add transactions to the register. The rename rule creation dialog will show up after to use for the next time. 

Import created QBO file into Quickbooks for macOS

When the QBO file is created, switch to Quickbooks and import created QBO file. Before importing, make sure that the account you need to import into doesn’t have a blue ball icon. Click 'Lists' - 'Charts of Accounts'. If it has a blue ball icon it means the account is online linked to direct download. You need to disconnect first to import a QBO file.  

To disconnect, right-click - 'Edit Account'. 

Then click 'Online Settings' and select 'Not enabled' and click 'Save'. 

Then click 'Ok'.  Check there is no blue ball after the change. After disconnecting the account from online services, you can import a QBO file.  

To import a QBO file, select 'File' - 'Import' - 'From Web Connect', select created QBO file.  

And select an existing account to import transactions. It shows Account ID, Account Type and it offers you to choose an existing Account. Click the 'Continue' button. 

Now your data is imported. Assign Vendor Records and expense/income accounts before adding transactions to the register.  

'Downloaded Payee' column shows Payee names from the QBO file. And the 'Payee' column is empty. It shows Vendor Records. When you choose a Vendor Record, for the Payee from the QBO file, QuickBooks will remember your choice for the next QBO import.  

Once Vendor Records and Account are set, you can add transactions to the register. The rename rule creation dialog will show up after to use it for the next time.