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April 17, 2026
Question

we have historical information on a desktop version of QB. How do i upload this information onto the online version?

  • April 17, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 5 views
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1 reply

SIAB
Level 2
April 17, 2026

Where is your company located? US, UK, Canada or else?

QuickBooks Team
April 17, 2026

Hi there, Suzan. You can move your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) historical information over to QuickBooks Online (QBO) through the migration process, so you don't have to start from scratch.

 

This is the recommended path for a seamless transition to ensure your business remains MTD-compliant if your QBO account currently has no data. We've partnered with Movemybooks to provide a self-service tool that automatically converts and transfers your information.

 

Alternatively, you can back up your QBDT company file and export your lists, including your chart of accounts, customer, and supplier lists. Then, download all sales and purchase invoices, along with copies of your bank statements. After that, let's Import data into QBO.

 

If your QBO already contains data, you'll want to record past sales and A/R transactions chronologically, meaning entering transactions (charges, invoices, credits, payments) in the same order they were created or received. Or, add them in Batches if you don't have time to record your charges in order.

 

For past supplier transactions, enter them in the following order: Bills, Credits from Suppliers, and Payments. This order ensures that you can properly apply credits and payments to the respective bills, just as you would in standard recording. For more information, check out this article: Enter historical information in QBO.

 

If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to reply below. I'm here to help.