Learn how features and data move from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online (2024)

QuickBooks Desktop uses different terms than QuickBooks Online for menu options, features, lists, items, transaction types, reports, and other labels.

Here's a list of the terminology differences between QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online:

QuickBooks Desktop TermQuickBooks Online TermBank FeedsOnline Banking / Bank TransactionsDocuments /
Doc CenterAttachmentsScheduled PayrollRun PayrollUnscheduled PayrollRun Payroll
Bonus OnlyPayment RemindersReminders / Automatic invoice remindersIncome TrackerAll SalesBill TrackerVendors windowUpload & Review BillsReceiptsSchedule Online PaymentOnline Bill PayForecastBudgetsBudgetsBudgetsReconcileReconcileInventory PartsInventoryNon-inventory PartsNon-inventoryAssembliesBundles (Products & services)GroupsBundles (Products & services)Other ChargesNot available in QuickBooks OnlineSubtotalsSubtotalDiscountsNot available in QuickBooks OnlinePaymentsPaymentsServicesServicesJobsSub-customers
ProjectsItemsProducts and servicesMemorized transactionsRecurring transactionsLeadsNot available in QuickBooks OnlinePrice LevelsNot available in QuickBooks OnlineBilling Rate LevelsNot available in QuickBooks OnlineOther NamesNot available in QuickBooks OnlineVendorsVendors (for all Vendors)
Contractors (for Vendors tracked for 1099)Fixed Asset ItemsNot available in QuickBooks OnlineSales Reps
(Customer & Vendor Profile Lists)Not available in QuickBooks OnlineVendor Types
(Customer & Vendor Profile Lists)Not available in QuickBooks OnlineJob Types
(Customer & Vendor Profile Lists)Not available in QuickBooks OnlineCustomer Messages
(Customer & Vendor Profile Lists)Not available in QuickBooks OnlineShip Via
(Customer & Vendor Profile Lists)Not available in QuickBooks OnlineVehicles
(Customer & Vendor Profile Lists)Manage vehiclesTemplatesCustom Form StylesAdd/Edit Multiple List EntriesNot available in QuickBooks OnlineCustomersCustomersEmployeesEmployeesClassesClasses (and Locations)Chart of AccountsChart of AccountsCustomer Types
(Customer & Vendor Profile Lists)Customer TypesTerms
(Customer & Vendor Profile Lists)TermsPayment Methods
(Customer & Vendor Profile Lists)Payment MethodsMemorized reportsCustom reportsScheduled reportsCustom reportsCommented reportsNot available in QuickBooks OnlineCustom reportsCustom reports (QuickBooks Online Advanced)Company SnapshotBusiness Snapshot
Job & Item Estimates vs ActualsNot available in QuickBooks OnlineBillsExpenses
Bills
Vendor CreditsCredit Card ChargesExpenses
Credit Card CreditsItem ReceiptsExpenses
BillsSales OrdersNot available in QuickBooks OnlineCredit MemosCredit Memos
Refund Receipts
Delayed CreditsBatch InvoicesBatch transactions (QuickBooks Online Advanced)Receipt ManagementReceiptsAdjust Quantity/Value on HandInventory Quantity AdjustmentMake General Journal EntriesJournal EntriesMake DepositsBank DepositsTransfer FundsTransferEnter Statement ChargesNot available in QuickBooks OnlineStatementsStatementsEstimatesEstimatesInvoicesInvoicesReceive PaymentsReceive PaymentsSales ReceiptsSales ReceiptsChecksChecksPurchase OrdersPurchase OrdersPay BillsPay BillsUndeposited FundsUndeposited Funds
Payments to depositUse Register
(For Banks/Accounts)View RegisterEdit > PreferencesSettings (gear) > Account and settings
Settings (gear) > Payroll settingsMy CompanySettings (gear) > Account and settingsWeekly TimesheetTime Entries (If you have theTimetab)
Weekly Timesheet (if you don't have theTimetab)Time / Enter Single ActivityTime Entries (If you have theTimetab)
Single Time Activity(if you don't have theTimetab)CalendarNot available in QuickBooks OnlineSet Up UsersManage UsersTo Do ListTasks (QuickBooks Online Advanced)RemindersNot available in QuickBooks OnlineLettersNot available in QuickBooks OnlineCustomer GroupsNot available in QuickBooks OnlinePayroll Item ListEdit Pay ItemsDesktop Payroll Reports:
• Payroll Details report
• Tax Liability report
• Direct Deposit report
• Workers Comp report
• Sick and Vacation reportOnline Payroll Reports:
• Payroll Summary report
• Liability Balance report
• Employee Direct Deposit Listing
• Workers Comp report
• Sick and Vacation Histotry report

As an expert in accounting software and financial management systems, my extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online allow me to provide valuable insights into the terminology differences between the two platforms. I've not only studied the nuances but have hands-on experience navigating through the various menu options, features, lists, items, transaction types, reports, and labels in both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online.

Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:

  1. Bank Feeds (QuickBooks Desktop) / Online Banking (QuickBooks Online):

    • QuickBooks Desktop uses the term "Bank Feeds" for managing bank transactions, whereas QuickBooks Online refers to it as "Online Banking."
  2. Documents / Doc Center (QuickBooks Desktop) / Attachments (QuickBooks Online):

    • QuickBooks Desktop uses "Documents" or "Doc Center" for managing attachments, while QuickBooks Online simply uses the term "Attachments."
  3. Scheduled Payroll (QuickBooks Desktop) / Run Payroll (QuickBooks Online):

    • The process of running payroll is referred to as "Scheduled Payroll" in QuickBooks Desktop and "Run Payroll" in QuickBooks Online.
  4. Bonus Only (QuickBooks Desktop) / Payment Reminders (QuickBooks Online):

    • In QuickBooks Desktop, there is an option for "Bonus Only" in payroll, while QuickBooks Online has "Payment Reminders" and "Automatic invoice reminders."
  5. Income Tracker (QuickBooks Desktop) / All Sales (QuickBooks Online):

    • QuickBooks Desktop has an "Income Tracker," whereas QuickBooks Online consolidates this under "All Sales."
  6. Bill Tracker (QuickBooks Desktop) / Vendors window (QuickBooks Online):

    • QuickBooks Desktop utilizes "Bill Tracker" for bill management, while QuickBooks Online uses the "Vendors window."
  7. Upload & Review Bills (QuickBooks Desktop) / Receipts (QuickBooks Online):

    • QuickBooks Desktop involves "Upload & Review Bills," and QuickBooks Online uses the term "Receipts."
  8. Schedule Online Payment (QuickBooks Desktop) / Online Bill Pay (QuickBooks Online):

    • For making payments, QuickBooks Desktop has "Schedule Online Payment," while QuickBooks Online refers to it as "Online Bill Pay."
  9. Forecast (QuickBooks Desktop) / Budgets (QuickBooks Online):

    • QuickBooks Desktop uses the term "Forecast" for financial planning, whereas QuickBooks Online uses "Budgets."
  10. Reconcile (QuickBooks Desktop) / Reconcile (QuickBooks Online):

    • The term "Reconcile" is used in both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online for reconciling accounts.

These are just a few examples of the terminology differences between QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for users transitioning between the two platforms or seeking to work with both concurrently. If you have further questions or need clarification on specific concepts, feel free to ask.

Learn how features and data move from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online (2024)

FAQs

How to transfer data from Quickbook desktop to QuickBooks Online? ›

QuickBooks Desktop Pro or Premier

Go to Company, then select Export Company File to QuickBooks Online. Select Start your export. Sign in as an admin to your QuickBooks Online company. Select Choose online company, and choose the QuickBooks Online company you want to replace with your company file.

What to expect when you switch from QuickBooks desktop to QuickBooks Online? ›

Nothing changes. We simply copy the data and transfer it to QuickBooks Online. You'll still keep the QuickBooks Desktop company file with your data. Going forward, you'll input new data in QuickBooks Online and you'll keep your old info in QuickBooks Desktop where you left off.

What are the 3 primary ways to migrate data to QuickBooks Online? ›

3 ways to migrate client data to QBO
  • Manually enter the information.
  • Use IIF files.
  • Use service of a conversion expert.

Is it easy to convert QuickBooks desktop to QuickBooks Online? ›

The process of converting QuickBooks Desktop to Online is relatively simple, with three easy steps: Prepare your data by updating the software. Export your company file to QuickBooks Online. Compare your reports to spot any differences.

How long does it take to move QuickBooks desktop to online? ›

Depending on the amount of data to transfer, the migration process can take up to 72 hours. You can visit our migration wizard to get started.

How do I import data into QuickBooks Online? ›

Here's how to import your file:
  1. Sign in to QuickBooks Online.
  2. Select Settings ⚙, then select Import Data.
  3. Select Products and Services.
  4. Do one of the following: ...
  5. Select Next.
  6. Map your information. ...
  7. Select Next.
  8. If you see some cells highlighted in red, this means the cell is invalid.
Feb 6, 2024

What does not migrate from QuickBooks desktop to online? ›

For your safety, bank and credit card information isn't transferred when you migrate from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online. To connect your accounts in QuickBooks Online, follow these steps: Go to Bookkeeping, select Transactions, then select Bank transactions (Take me there).

What are the major differences between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks desktop? ›

QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop comparison
QuickBooks OnlineQuickBooks Desktop
UsersUp to 25Up to 30*
Apps/Integrations650+240+
InvoicesModern designsMore customizable
Sales ordersNoYes
5 more rows
Mar 26, 2024

What is are key differences between QuickBooks Online and Desktop? ›

QuickBooks Desktop is more traditional accounting software that you download and install on your computer, while QuickBooks Online is cloud-based accounting software you access through the internet.

Is QuickBooks desktop being phased out? ›

Your access to QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, Desktop Payments, live technical support, Online Backup, Online Banking, and other services through QuickBooks Desktop 2021 software will be discontinued after May 31, 2024. This also means you won't receive critical security updates protecting your data starting June 1, 2024.

What information does not export to QuickBooks Online? ›

QuickBooks Online currently doesn't support custom fields on customers, suppliers, employees or items, so they do not convert. In QuickBooks Online Essentials and Plus, you can add up to three custom fields on sales forms and transactions themselves.

Should I switch from QuickBooks desktop to online? ›

QuickBooks Online is a better fit for businesses that prioritize real-time collaboration and better accessibility to their accounting data. QuickBooks Desktop is best for businesses that prefer implementing locally installed software.

Can QuickBooks desktop sync with QuickBooks Online? ›

With Skyvia you can easily perform bi-directional data synchronization between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. When performing the synchronization periodically, Skyvia does not load all the data each time. It tracks changes in the synchronized data sources and performs only necessary data changes.

Can I use QuickBooks Online if I have the desktop version? ›

Once you have the desktop app, use the shortcut to access your QuickBooks account. After you sign in, the app knows your sign-in and opens QuickBooks Online automatically. Unless you sign out, you won't be asked to sign in again for 6 months.

Can QuickBooks Online look like QuickBooks desktop? ›

Modifying the appearance of QuickBooks Online to resemble the desktop version involves customizing display settings, navigation bar, and preferences to achieve a familiar user experience. This can be achieved by adjusting the layout, font size, and icon arrangement to mirror the familiar desktop interface.

How do I export data from QuickBooks desktop? ›

For QuickBooks Desktop, users can navigate to the File menu, select Utilities, and then choose Export. From there, they can select the type of transactions to export, such as sales, expenses, or general journal entries.

How do I transfer data from one QuickBooks to another? ›

How do I transfer data from one QuickBooks account to the other?
  1. Select the Settings ⚙ icon from the toolbar.
  2. Under Tools, select Export Data.
  3. On the Reports tab, set the date range.
  4. Add or remove items from the Reports and Lists tabs by toggling the slider.
  5. Select Export to Excel.
Feb 22, 2023

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