Learn about different file types and extensions used by QuickBooks Desktop:

QuickBooks is one of the finest accounting software and to let the user make the best use of it, the software uses the file types and extensions. These file extensions are included at the end of a file name, which define the purpose of the file. The file extensions generally show up as .xxx. These QuickBooks File extensions usually help in spotting the files and finding out the purpose served by each of the files.

The file extensions are essential for users as they assist in the identification and segregation of files. To know more about the file types and extensions, make sure to go through the entire segment carefully. In this article, we will be discussing the complete information about file types and extensions used in QuickBooks Desktop. However, if you need our assistance at any point in time, then contact our tech support team at +1-844-539-0188 and our professionals will ensure to provide immediate support services. 

Importance of QuickBooks file extensions

Every QuickBooks file extension has certain significance and serves a different purpose. Here is how file types and extensions help a QuickBooks user. 

  • It helps in finding the type of content a particular file is having inside without opening the file 
  • The extensions help in verifying the authentication of data files in a manner to secure them.
  • It becomes easy for the user to categorize the same kind of QuickBooks file extensions for keeping the accounting data categorized and prevent data from merging.
  • They further help in identifying the file type, that can help the desktop to launch the file in the right application.

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Types of File Extensions in QuickBooks Desktop

The user can a bunch of file extensions in QuickBooks. Here is a list of different types of file extensions. 

Common QuickBooks File Extensions

File ExtensionFile TypeDescription
QBWQuickBooks company fileAt the time of creating a company file, a file with .qbw extension is automatically generated by the QuickBooks accounting software. This file has the company file and the other relevant account info. For example if you create a company file named My company, then it would automatically be created as mycompany.qbw. 
QBOQuickBooks Bank statement file
When the user downloads transactions from the bank, the QuickBooks accounting software locate the transactions from a file with an extension as .qbo. The file can be downloaded easily to register quickly.
QBBQuickBooks backup fileIt is a backup file created by the QuickBooks accounting software, when you take the backup of the company file
QBMQuickBooks portable fileWhen you try to email or transfer a company file, the software creates a qbm file which is a compressed version of a company file.

Additional QuickBooks file extensions

File ExtensionFile TypeDescription
QWCQuickBooks Web connector fileWhen employing the QuickBooks web connector, opening certain apps might be needed. And when the web connector app is opened up by third-party developers, a file with a .qwc file extension is created.
QBRQuickBooks Report Template FileIn case the user exports a memorized report template, QuickBooks software creates a file with the extension as .qbr
DESLayout Designer Template file At the time of exporting a customized form template, QuickBooks accounting software creates a file with a .des extension
Qbstbl2.usaUS Tax Table FileWhen running payroll on QuickBooks desktop, you might be required to get the current tax tables. And this file has all the information about the payroll tax tables.

Accountant files

File ExtensionFile TypeDescription
QBXAccountant’s review copy (export file)When you make an accountant’s review copy of the QuickBooks company file, the QuickBooks software creates an accountant’s review copy with a QBX extension.
QBJGeneral journal entries fileIf the user wishes to add journal entries made by the accountant, then it is essential to ask the accountant to send general journal entries file. This file comes with a .qbj extension.
QBAAccountant’s copy fileA .qba extension is the file sent by a client to the accountant for review purposes. 
QBYAccountant’s copy import fileAfter the accountant reviews their account copy and makes necessary changes, they send a file with .qby extension to users. QuickBooks users can easily import or apply changes to the company file.

Utility and log files

File ExtensionFile TypeDescription
IIFIntuit interchange format fileAt the time of exporting info, QuickBooks accounting software creates a file with a .iif extension. You can use this file to share the lists with other company files.
LOGEvent log file
.log extension is used by QuickBooks to record important activities. There can be two types of Log files:

# Qbwin.log: this records the errors that are identified during a rebuild.
# QWC.log: This one records the web connect errors 
QBPQuickBooks Print file
At the time of setting printing preferences, the QuickBooks software saves them in a file with the extension as .qbp. Also, QuickBooks auto-saves the settings. However, users might be required to make changes to the file, if there are any sort of printing issues. 
ECMLEntitlement fileWhen you install and register QuickBooks, it creates a .ecml file extension. This shows that you have a licensed product 
TLGTransaction log fileAny changes made to the company file are noticed by the QuickBooks accounting software since the last backup are recorded using this file. This software saves the information into a file, which is named with the .tlg extension. The next time users take a backup of the company file, QB will automatically reset the file.
NDNetwork data fileIf you are using multi-user mode, QuickBooks creates a file with .nd as the extension. This .nd file helps the software in managing the user access settings.

QuickBooks statement writer files

QSSAt the time you customize the statements and reports with QuickBooks statement writer, the software saves the settings in a file with .qss as the extension. You can use this file, to apply settings to other reports.
QSMIf you use the QuickBooks statement writer, the software saves the information with the .qsm extension. QSW file can be used in MS EXCEL.
QSTA template file can be used, when a specific format is required. These files generally have .qst as an extension.

See also here: How to Solve QuickBooks Error Code 7010?

Miscellaneous File Extensions

File ExtensionFile TypeDescription
Temp 1234.qbtTemp rebuild fileThis file is generated when “Pass 1 of the rebuild” & is deleted on its own when the rebuild is finished.
QBwin.logQuickBooks Log fileYou can see this file when you run the verify and rebuild data option. It helps in looking for “Log problems and situations corrected”. The Qbwin.log file is stored in the QuickBooks installation directory.
QuickBooks Letters Templates folderLetters FolderThe QuickBooks letters templates folders contain the word document templates for the QuickBooks writer letters function.
QBrestor.TMPTemp restore the fileWhen restoring the QBB file, which was deleted automatically during the restore process, this file is generated.
Inet FolderInetThis folder was earlier used to store “License information” for QuickBooks.
Images folderImages folderThe images folder stores the temporary copies of images that are used by QuickBooks.
QBInstanceFinderInstance finder fileYou can delete the file, but it might seen later

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File Types of QuickBooks Desktop for Windows

The below-discussed QuickBooks file extensions are for Windows users. Let us have a look:

Common File Extensions for QuickBooks Desktop

  • QBW (QuickBooks Company File): When you create a new company file, it is save with this extension. It is helpful in case the users are looking to hold their account information and company files.
  • QBM (QuickBooks Portable File): When you create a new compress version of the company file, a file with qbm as extension is create. Moreover, when the user moves or e-mail a company file.
Restore a QuickBooks Portable File
  • QBB (QuickBooks Backup file): It is available only in the case of the creating a backup file.
  • QBO (QuickBooks Bank Statement File): Files that are Bank statements come with this extension. Such files are easy to import and are fast in terms of getting the transactions into the bank register.

Accountant Files

  • QBY (Accountant’s Copy Import File): At the time when the files and accounts are gone through and edited by the accountant, the file that sent by him is .qby extension.
  • QBX (Accountant’s Review Copy or Transfer File): In case a duplicate or backup of the company file is creating, the new file is save in the .qbx format.
  • QBJ (General Journal File): If there are any changes that are to be make by the accountant in the form of General Journal Entries, the file extension require to complete it is .qbj
  • QBA (Accountant’s Copy File): After the client sends the accounts to the accountant by creating an accountant copy then the created files will be in the .qba file extension.

See also: How to Resolve the QuickBooks Error Code 15103?

QuickBooks for Mac

Following are the file types and file extensions that are available on a Mac OS System:

  • DMG (Apple Disk Image):  At the time of a backup of a company file is create, the file is saved as an Apple Disk Image.
  • QB2016 (Company File): It shows up with the company file on the 2016 version of QuickBooks Desktop.
  • QB2019 (Company File): It can be seen with the company file on the 2019 version of QuickBooks Desktop.
  • MAC.QBB (Backup File): This can be use to move the QuickBooks Mac files over to the QuickBooks Desktop for Windows.
  • Plist (Apple Property list files): It is create at the time when the user stores a preference or a registration.

Fixed Asset Manager Files

  • *.Fx0- Compressed FAM data file. Stores Asset data
  • *.Fx1- Stores system data
  • *.Mx0- Header File
  • *.FPx- Stores report data
  • *.FXR- FAM backup sync log file
  • *.FIM- Stores CSV import data headers

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Connectivity factors in file extension

The software offers easy-to-use components for carrying out different activities like adding, updating, developing, selling information, employee information, transaction, etc. It further allows the user to access QuickBooks remotely including QuickBooks attached component or free remote connector for QuickBooks utility:

  • Swift performance
  • Fully integrated components
  • Uniform design
  • Easy access to QuickBooks remotely
Ending Up..!

We end this article right here with the hope that the information shared above might be of some help in understanding the different file types and extensions are used by QuickBooks Desktop. However, in case you have any query or if you need our assistance at any point in time, then feel free to contact our 24*7 QuickBooks Premier Support team at +1-844-539-0188 and they will provide you with immediate support and assistance. 

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