A Guide to Know About QuickBooks File Extensions

Published by david on Last Updated On :Aug 28, 2023

Do you know what QuickBooks File Extensions are? If you are using the QuickBooks accounting software, then file extensions can be of your great use. These extensions are used to manage various sorts of data, the software uses a variety of file types. These files are essential for sharing, storing, and backing up your financial information. In this guide, we have highlighted the different types of QuickBooks file extensions used in the file on Windows and Mac devices. Learn more by continuing to read! 

What is QuickBooks File Extensions?

The QuickBooks file extensions are basically used to avoid the codes or long strings of characters. By categorizing and recognizing various file kinds, these file extensions assist users and the program itself in recognizing and working with a variety of data and documents. The maintenance of QuickBooks Backup Files, and financial information. It helps in streamlining the accounting process for the users.

Having various QuickBooks Desktop file extensions benefits both the application and its users. Each extension has distinct characteristics and serves different purposes. Here’s why these extensions are essential.

The QuickBooks File extensions aid in the organization of data inside QuickBooks, making it simpler to find particular files and information.

1. Quick Identification: By looking at a file’s extension, users can quickly determine the kind and function of a file.
2. Easy Categorization: Extensions make it simple to categorize files, such as by separating backup files from company data.
3. Preventing Abuse: Direct opening of some files, such as backup files, is not advised. Users are prevented from unintentionally opening such files by extensions.
4. Differentiating identical Files: Files with identical names, such as Company Files and Log Files, are frequently found in QuickBooks. Extensions distinguish one from the other.
5. Enhanced Security: By ensuring that files are authentic and used for their intended purposes, file extensions help to protect data and files.
6. Easy Data Sharing: QuickBooks data may be distributed quickly and easily using portable files (.QBM).
7. Accountant Collaboration: File extensions for accountants (.QBX, QBA, QBY) make it easier for users and their accountants to work together.
8. Troubleshooting: Some log files (.log) aid in the diagnosis and correction of issues, improving the stability of software.
9. File Identification: Extensions help users quickly determine the content type of a file by looking at its extension.

Types and Usage of QuickBooks File Extensions

QuickBooks assigns different extensions to its files, categorizing them into various types. Let’s explore the different QuickBooks file types and their usage:

Extensions for Common QuickBooks Files

Common files are frequently used in QuickBooks, and they have the following extensions:

1. Company File (QBW): The QuickBooks Company File Extension has a .qbw extension and contains all financial data, journal entries, and more. Your primary company file with essential account information. For instance, if your company is named MyBusiness, QuickBooks saves the file as MyBusiness.qbw.
2. QuickBooks Portable File: When emailing or transferring your company file, use this compressed version with the.qbm extension.
3. QuickBooks Bank Statement File – For simple import into your bank record, transactions downloaded from your bank are stored with a.qbo extension.
4. Backup File (QBB): To recover lost or corrupted data, QuickBooks gives users the ability to create backup files (.qbb).
5. Portable File (QBM): QuickBooks can create portable files (.qbm) for easy movement or emailing of your Company file.
6. Bank Statement File (QBO): Bank transaction imports into QuickBooks result in statement files with a .qbo extension.

Extensions for Accountant Files in QuickBooks

Different types of accountant files exist in QuickBooks, each with its unique extension:

1. Review Copy File (QBX): To send the company file to an accountant, you can create a backup copy, saved with a .qbx extension, which becomes an accountant’s copy when opened.
2. Accountant’s Copy File (QBA): When an accountant opens a review copy file, it becomes an accountant’s copy, and the extension changes to .qba.
3. Accountant’s Review Copy/Transfer File QBX – Exported for accountants to review; it becomes an accountant’s copy with a .qba extension when opened.
4. Accountant’s Copy Import File (QBY): After review, accountants send back the file with changes in .qby format, allowing you to update your company file.
5. General Journal Entries File (QBJ): Accountants can send .qbj files containing journal entries for you to add to your records.

Utility and Log Files of QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks has various files that users don’t directly interact with but are essential for the application’s functions. These files include:

1. Network Data File (.nd): In multi-user mode, QuickBooks creates a .nd file to manage user access settings.
2. Transaction Log File (.tlg): QuickBooks records changes made to your Company file after backup in .tlg files, aiding in data restoration after damage.
3. Event Log Files (.log): QuickBooks uses .log files to record important events for troubleshooting, including Qbwin.log and QWC.log.
4. Entitlement File (.ecml): This file (.ecml) is created when registering QuickBooks to verify the product’s authenticity and license.
5. Print File (.qbp): QuickBooks saves printing preferences in .qbp files, which can be edited to resolve printing issues.
6. Intuit Interchange Format File (.iif): .iif files with this extension can export list information for sharing among company files.

QuickBooks File Types for Mac Systems

QuickBooks file types differ for Mac and Windows Operating Systems. For Mac users, here are the QuickBooks file extensions:

1. Company Files: QuickBooks File Extensions Mac saves company files with extensions like QB2018, and QB2017, indicating the version.
2. Backup Files: To transfer Mac-based company files to Windows-based systems, use .MAC.QBB extension backup files.
3. Apple Property List Files: Registration and preference-related QuickBooks files on Mac are stored as list files.
4. Disk Image Files: Backup of QuickBooks Mac company files results in DMG files, similar to Windows’ QBB files.

Additional QuickBooks Files

1. DES: Layout Designer Template File – Custom form templates are exported as .des files.
2. QBR: QuickBooks Report Template File – Memorized report templates are exported as .qbr files.
3. QWC: QuickBooks Web Connector File – Created by third-party developers for Web Connector apps, these files have a .qwc extension.
4. qbstbl2.USA: US Tax Table File (Payroll Only) – Necessary for payroll processing in QuickBooks Desktop.
5. Network Data File: ND – Created when Multi-user mode is initiated, managing user access settings.
6.  Event Log FileLOG: – Records important events in .log files for troubleshooting.
7.  QuickBooks Print FileQBP: – Stores printing preferences with a .qbp extension.

QuickBooks Statement Writer Files

1. QSM: QuickBooks Statement Writer File – Used for QuickBooks Statement Writer with a .qsm extension.
2. QSS: QuickBooks Statement Writer Settings File – Contains customized settings for statements and reports with a .qss extension.
3. QST: Template File – Templates with a specific layout have a .qst extension.

Take Away 

In this article, we’ve delved into the world of QuickBooks File Extensions, exploring their types and functions. We’ve also highlighted the significance of these extensions for both users and the application. These file types and extensions serve different purposes, ensuring the efficient management and security of your financial data in QuickBooks Desktop. In case you have any queries, feel free to contact the experts.