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What are the Different types of QuickBooks File Extensions?

QuickBooks provides a comprehensive solution for all the accounting needs of a business organization. It caters particularly to the bookkeeping needs of small and mid-range businesses. While primarily an accounting software, it is not limited to bookkeeping and also provides advanced features such as Inventory tracking. You can also manage your invoices, track cash flows, pay the bills, and perform several other functions easily. This range of services requires various components to aid as well as the different file types. All these require a different QuickBooks file extensions. Extensions are a string of characters attached to a file name and usually come after a period. They show the file format and help in identification. There is an extensive list of extensions used by QuickBooks to categorize their files and components. In this article, we will look at the different file types, their extensions, and the functions.

“If you have further queries or you are facing any issues regarding QuickBooks file extensions, contact Direct QuickBooks Support at 1-(855)-542-9309”

You may also see: Transfer QuickBooks license to new owner

Why are there different QuickBooks Desktop File Extension?

Having different QuickBooks Desktop file extensions serves well not only for the application but also for the users. Each extension has different characteristics and is thus used for different purposes. The importance of these extensions are enumerated below for you:

  • Users can easily find out the type of content that a file contains by looking at its extension.
  • These extensions can be used to categorize the files in order.
  • Users cannot open and read all kinds of files that QuickBooks creates, such as the backup file. You will need identification for such files, and extensions serve that purpose pretty well.
  • Different types of files in QuickBooks have the same names, such as the Company file and its Log file. The difference between these files is that of the extension.
  • Extensions help the application in identifying the file type so that it can be opened as per the respective protocol.
  • Extensions also helps to keep the QuickBooks data and files secured as it ensures authenticity.

What are the different QuickBooks File Types and Usage?

QuickBooks assigns different extensions to its files and segregates them into categories. Let us look at the different QuickBooks File Types and Usage:

File Extensions Used in QuickBooks for Common Files

Common files in QuickBooks are the most used files by the users. The file extensions used in QuickBooks for such files are as follows:

  • Company File (QBW): The Company file in the QuickBooks Desktop application has a .qbw extension. It contains all your financial data, journal entries, etc.
  • Backup File (QBB): QuickBooks provides the option to create a backup of your Company File to restore your lost or damaged data. QuickBooks saves such files with a .qbb extension.
  • Portable file (QBM): You can create a portable file of your QuickBooks Company file which you can easily move or e-mail. Such files are stored by QuickBooks as .qbm files.
  • Bank Statement file (QBO): You can easily import your bank transaction into QuickBooks, and it saves the statement file as a .qbo file.

QuickBooks File Extension for Accountant Files

There are different types of Accountant files that are saved in QuickBooks. QuickBooks File extension in these files are as follows:

  • Review Copy file (QBX): When users needs to send the company file to their accountant, they can do so by creating a backup copy of the Company file. It saves the file as a .qbx extension and can be exported to the accountant. When the accountant opens this file, it becomes an accountant’s copy file.
  • Accountant’s Copy file (QBA): When the review copy file sent by the user is opened by the accountant, it becomes an accountant copy. Extension for such files then becomes (.qba).
  • Accountant’s Copy Import file (QBY): After reviewing the file sent by the user, the accountant sends the file back to the user after making the required changes. You can make changes to your company file after importing the .qby file.
  • General journal Entries File (QBJ): You can ask your accountant to send a .qbj file to add the journal entries created by the accountant

Utility and Log Files of the QuickBooks Desktop application

There are various other files associated with QuickBooks that may not be used by the users directly. These files aid the application in performing various crucial tasks. Let us analyze these QuickBooks file extensions and their functions.

  1. The Network Data File: When QuickBooks users use the Multi-user mode, QuickBooks creates a .nd file, i.e., a network data file. This help the application in managing user access settings.
  2. The Transaction Log File: QuickBooks records the changes that you make to your Company file after a backup. These records are saved in the file with a .tlg extension. When you create a new backup, the application resets this file, and new records start to feed in. This file helps in case any damage occurs to restore the data after backup.
  3. The Event Log File: QuickBooks uses the .log extension file to record important events. These files help in troubleshooting QuickBooks errors. The two types of log files are as follows:

Qbwin.log – It saves the records of issues discovered during the rebuild process.

QWC.log – It records the errors related to Web Connect.

  • The Entitlement File: QuickBooks creates the .ecml file when you register the product after installing it. The file ensures that you are using a genuine and licensed product.
  • The Print File: QuickBooks saves your printing preferences as the QuickBooks Print file. These files have a .qbp extension. If you come across any issues while printing, you can correct them by making changes to the file.
  • Intuit Interchange Format File: The Intuit Interchange Format file with the .iif extension can be used to export your list information. If you have to share the list with other Company files, these files can be used.

QuickBooks File Types for Mac Systems

The QuickBooks file types are different for Mac and Windows Operating Systems. If you are a Mac user, there is a whole different list of QuickBooks File extensions. These have been mentioned below for you:

Company files: QuickBooks saves its company files on QuickBooks Mac with QB2018, QB2017, etc. Extensions. You should note that the QB2018 suggests that the company file is for the 2018 version of QuickBooks for Mac.

Backup File: If you want to move the Company file from a Mac-based system to a Windows-based system, you can do it through the MAC.QBB extension files. It is a type of backup file that is used for the transfer.

Apple Property list file: QuickBooks files related to registration and preferences are saved in your Mac system as plist files.

Disk Image File: When you create a backup of your company file in the QuickBooks Mac version, the file gets saved as a DMG file. It is similar to the QBB file of QuickBooks Windows.

You may also read: How to Backup QuickBooks to Flash Drive

Through this article, we had a detailed discussion on different QuickBooks file extensions, their types, and functions. We also discussed the significance of having these extensions for the users and the application. If you still have any queries left or you face any issues regarding the extensions in the QuickBooks Desktop application, contact Direct Support for QuickBooks Desktop at Helpline Number 1-(855)-542-9309 and take help from our experts.

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