Instant Tactics to Convert QuickBooks Online to Desktop

Is converting QuickBooks Online to Desktop your decision? Do you wish to convert a QuickBooks Online file so you can use it in the QuickBooks Desktop program? 

Converting from QuickBooks Online to Desktop is a frequently asked question that has been posted online numerous times. Fortunately, several file conversion techniques are available for different QuickBooks versions. 

This article aims to demonstrate how to convert QuickBooks Online data to QuickBooks Desktop for the Pro and Premier versions.

To make the conversion procedure of QBO to QBDT quick & smooth, you need to consult your QB professional; they’re available 24/7 to guide you.

Reasons to Switch from Desktop to Online QuickBooks

The reasons behind users' conversions from QuickBooks Enterprise to Premier differ. 

These include, among others:

• Making the switch to QuickBooks Online is completely free of charge. Making the switch to the online version is free with Intuit

• Comparing reports from many years becomes simpler and easier

• There are hundreds of add-ons available in QuickBooks Online, although the Desktop version often has fewer

• You can use QuickBooks Online to save your data in a highly secure environment on top-tier servers instead of local networks or drives

• There are no hosting fees involved when you switch from QuickBooks Enterprise to QuickBooks Online. QBO is stored on the servers of Intuit and is available from there

4 Effective Methods To Switch from QuickBooks Online to Desktop

Below are the steps you can follow to complete the conversion procedure from QBO to QBDT on your screen.

Approach 1: Confirm Information

• Open QBDT and select Verify Data under the File tab > Utilities

• It may be necessary to reconstruct the data if any errors are found during the data verification process

• To ensure that no errors remain, double-check the data after rebuilding

Approach 2: Utilize the QB Online Format for File Saving

• To copy company files for QuickBooks Online, move the mouse pointer to the Files tab > Utilities page

• You can then save the files to your desktop or make them available online

• QuickBooks has produced a new file with the OE.qbw extension, as you can see

Approach 3: Download the Migration Tool for the QBO Version

• Log in to your version of QuickBooks Online

• Enter the URL https://app.qbo.intuit.com/app/exportqbodatatoqbdt

• The option to export an overview is now available

• Print it out and, as the screen indicates, choose the Get Started option

• Select the Download Tool option to start the migration tool's download

• After the utility has been installed, launch it and select Next

• Click Next once again after reviewing the terms and license agreement

• To install it, choose Complete as the setup option

• Finally, the installation will be finished when you click Finish

Approach 4: Open the QBDT Migration Utility

• Open QuickBooks Desktop in the No Company Open window

• Launch the QuickBooks Migration Tool version that you downloaded

• Click Import after finding the path where the QBXML file is kept

• When choosing a name and location for QuickBooks files, avoid using the QuickBooks Application Certificate

• If you would like to add any more information for the QuickBooks Online to Desktop migration, select Read/Modify

• After that, click Continue and choose Done

• When the import is finished, tap the Done button

Conclusion

This blog provides comprehensive information on converting QuickBooks Online to Desktop, including the reasons behind this conversion. However, if you are facing issues in doing so, you need to join our troubleshooting team by dialing +1(855)-738–0359, and they will surely resolve your issue. 

Convert QuickBooks Online to Desktop — FAQ

What does converting QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop involve?

• Converting QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop means exporting your company data from the cloud-based QuickBooks Online environment and bringing that data into a locally installed QuickBooks Desktop company file. The process transfers core accounting records such as chart of accounts, customer and vendor lists, invoices, bills, bank balances and historical transactions so you can continue bookkeeping and reporting inside QuickBooks Desktop.

Can I convert my QuickBooks Online company to QuickBooks Desktop by myself?

• Yes, many users can perform the conversion themselves using QuickBooks Online’s export tools combined with QuickBooks Desktop’s import or conversion features, but the ease depends on the size and complexity of your file. Simple companies with standard transactions convert smoothly, while accounts with complex inventory, extensive attachments, multi-currency setups, or integrated third-party apps may need extra preparation or expert assistance.

Which QuickBooks Desktop editions support importing data from QuickBooks Online?

• QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier and Enterprise all support importing core data exported from QuickBooks Online, though Enterprise offers more advanced features for larger firms and inventory management. Make sure your Desktop edition is up to date and that you choose the correct company file format during conversion so that features such as classes, locations or advanced inventory map correctly.

What specific data usually transfers when I convert from QuickBooks Online to Desktop?

• Typical data that transfers includes the chart of accounts, customer and vendor lists, employee lists, open invoices and bills, payments, sales and purchase transactions, account balances and bank reconciliations summary. While transaction history is generally preserved, some items are condensed or summarized during export, so it’s important to verify balances after conversion.

What commonly does not transfer or has limitations during the conversion?

• Certain elements often do not transfer intact, including payroll history tied to online payroll subscriptions, attached documents and scanned receipts, some custom form templates, recurring transactions, online bank connection credentials and some app-specific data. Inventory details with advanced serial or lot tracking, class or location histories and multi-currency nuances can also require manual cleanup or adjustments after import.

How should I prepare my QuickBooks Online file before starting the conversion?

• Prepare by reconciling bank and credit card accounts, cleaning up duplicate or inactive lists, closing the accounting period you don’t want changed, backing up important documents locally and turning off third-party app connections. Running a final trial balance and export of critical reports such as balance sheet and profit and loss helps you compare figures after conversion to ensure accuracy.

What are the basic steps to export data from QuickBooks Online and bring it into QuickBooks Desktop?

• First, create a complete backup of your QuickBooks Online data and download the available export package and key reports. Next, install and open QuickBooks Desktop, create a new company file if needed, and use the Desktop import or conversion utility to bring in the exported files. Finally, run account reconciliations and compare trial balances and customer and vendor balances to confirm the data matches.

Will my historical transactions and account balances be preserved exactly after conversion?

• Most core historical transactions and account balances are preserved, but certain transactions may be summarized or reorganized depending on how QuickBooks Online exports them and how Desktop imports them. Expect to verify key totals such as opening balances, retained earnings and bank balances, and perform targeted reconciliations to ensure the numbers align precisely.

What happens to payroll, bank feeds and connected apps when I move to QuickBooks Desktop?

• Payroll subscriptions and cloud-based payroll services do not automatically transfer; you will generally need to activate or re-establish payroll services in QuickBooks Desktop and, if required, import payroll history separately. Bank feeds must be reconnected inside the Desktop environment and any integrations with third-party apps will need to be reconfigured or replaced with Desktop-compatible solutions.

How can I confirm the conversion was successful and what checks should I perform immediately afterward?

• After conversion, compare the opening balances, trial balance, total accounts receivable and accounts payable, and bank account balances against the final QuickBooks Online reports you exported. Run sample invoices and supplier payments, check customer and vendor lists for missing items, and reconcile at least one bank account to confirm transactions match. If discrepancies appear, document them and correct account mappings or re-import affected data as needed.