File Types and Extensions used by QuickBooks (Detailed Guide)

More about different file types and extensions used by QuickBooks Desktop

There are different file types and extensions used by QuickBooks desktop, which the user needs to know. Each type of QuickBooks file has its unique extension, depending on the version of QuickBooks used. There is a huge list of extensions used in QuickBooks and each of them indicates different file types.

In today’s blog post, we are going to share with you the file types and extension used in QuickBooks desktop. Thus, make sure to read this post till the end. However, you can also get in touch with our QuickBooks support team via our toll-free number i.e. 1(888)383-0323. Our accounting help team will guide you with the most relevant answers to all your queries.

Different types of file extensions used in QuickBooks

There are plenty of extensions that are categorized by Intuit, to make it simple to understand. The categories are as follows:

• QuickBooks file extension for Windows
• QuickBooks file extensions for accountant
• QuickBooks file extensions for payroll files
• Other QuickBooks company file extensions
• QuickBooks Utility and log files
• QuickBooks statement writer files
• QuickBooks file extensions for MAC

We have stated below a table, which will brief you with the extensions indicating each of the files.

QuickBooks for Window

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 My Business, 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 to restore 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 you start 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: Qbwin.log - records issues found during a rebuildQWC.log - records Web Connect errors 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 an Apple disk image.
plist	Apple property list files	This stores your registration and preferences.

This brings us to the end of this post, where we hope that the information stated about file extensions and QuickBooks file types with differences in the post might be of great help. However, if you are having any doubt, then do not hesitate in calling us anytime at our toll-free number i.e. 1(888)383-0323.


We are a hub of experts and certified QuickBooks professionals, who do work round the clock just to provide the best possible support. Thus, contact us anytime, our QuickBooks enterprise support team will be happy to help you.

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