QuickBooks Desktop uses different types of files to store different types of data. For example, your main company files (QBW) and backup data files (QBB) are totally different file types.
Here are common file types and extensions you may see in QuickBooks Desktopfor Windows and Mac.
QuickBooks for Windows
Common QuickBooks files
| File extension | File type | Description |
| QBW | QuickBooks Company file | When you create a company file, QuickBooks creates a file with a .qbw extension. This file holds your company file and account info. For example, if you create a company called MyBusiness, QuickBooks saves the company file as: MyBusiness.qbw. |
| QBB | QuickBooks Backup file | When you back up your company file, QuickBooks creates a backup file with a .qbb extension. Here's how to back up your company file>and how torestore your company file from a backup. |
QBM | QuickBooks Portable file | When you e-mail or move a company file, QuickBooks creates a compressed version of your company file with a.qbm extension. For example, if you create a portable company file for MyBusiness, QuickBooks saves it as: MyBusiness.qbm. |
| QBO | QuickBooks Bank Statement file | When you download transactions from your bank, QuickBooks opens them from a file with a .qbo extension. You can import a QBO file to quickly get transactions into your bank register. |
Additional QuickBooks files
| File extension | File type | Description |
| DES | Layout Designer Template file | If you export a customized form template, QuickBooks creates a file with a .des extension. QuickBooks has a variety of templates. You may want to export your custom templates to use in your other company files or share with others. |
| QBR | QuickBooks Report Template file | If you export a memorized report template, QuickBooks creates a file with a .qbr extension |
QWC | QuickBooks Web Connector file | If you use QuickBooks Web Connector,you may need to open apps. When third-party developers create Web Connector app, they'll create a file with a .qwc extension. |
| qbstbl2.usa | US Tax Table file | (Payroll only) If you run payroll in QuickBooks Desktop, you'll need this file to get the current tax tables. It has all of the latest payroll info you need to calculate your payroll taxes. |
Accountant files
| File extension | File type | Description |
| QBX | Accountant's Review Copy / Transfer file | When you make a backup of your company file for your accountant, QuickBooks creates a file with a .qbx extension. This is the file you export and send to your accountant. When your accountant opens the backup, it becomes an accountant's copy file. |
| QBA | Accountant’s Copy file | When accountants open a .qbx file a client sends them for review, it becomes an accountant copy. This file has a .qba extension. |
| QBY | Accountant's Copy Import file | After your accountant reviews their accountant copy and makes changes, they'll send you a file with a .qby extension. You can import and apply their changes to your company file. |
| QBJ | General Journal Entries file | If you want to add journal entries created by your accountant, ask them to send you a General Journal Entries file. This file has a .qbj extension. |
Utility and log files
| File extension | File type | Description |
| IIF | Intuit Interchange Format file | If you export your list info, QuickBooks creates a file with an .iif extension. You can use IIF files to share your lists with other company files. |
| ND | Network Data file | If youstart using Multi-user mode, QuickBooks creates a file with a .nd extension. This file helps QuickBooks manage your user access settings. |
| TLG | Transaction Log file | QuickBooks keeps track of changes to your company file since your last backup. It saves this info in a file with a .tlg extension. The next time you back up your company file, QuickBooks resets the file. |
| LOG | Event Log file | QuickBooks records important events in a file with a .log extension. There are two types of LOG files:
LOG files can help with troubleshooting. |
| ECML | Entitlement file | When you install and register QuickBooks, QuickBooks creates a file with an .ecml extension. This file tells QuickBooks you're using a licensed product. |
| QBP | QuickBooks Print file | When you set your printing preferences, QuickBooks saves them in a file with a .qbp extension. QuickBooks auto-saves your settings. However, you may need to make changes to the file if you run into printer issues. |
QuickBooks Statement Writer files
| File extension | File type |
| QSM | If you use QuickBooks Statement Writer, QuickBooks saves your info in a file with a .qsm extension. QSW files can be used in Excel. |
| QSS | If you customize statements and reports with QuickBooks Statement Writer, QuickBooks saves your settings in a file with a .qss extension. You can use this file to apply settings to other reports. |
| QST | If you need a specific layout, you can use a template file that is already available. These files have a .qst extension. |
QuickBooks for Mac
| File extension | File type | Description |
| QB2016 | Company file | This is your company file for the 2016 version of QuickBooks for Mac. |
| QB2019 | Company file | This is your company file for the 2019 version of QuickBooks for Mac. |
| MAC.QBB | Backup file | You can use a MAC.QBB file to move your QuickBooks Mac file over to QuickBooks Desktop for Windows. |
| DMG | Apple disk image file | This is your backup Quickbooks company file. QuickBooks saves it as as an Apple disk image. |
| plist | Apple property list files | This stores your registration and preferences. |
