Last Updated on October 22, 2025
When working with the company file and exporting it to store or share with another user, you must convert the file formats. This blog serves as a guide to help you convert a QuickBooks file to CSV format. We have provided a detailed explanation of the preparation required before you begin converting the file. Additionally, we have listed the steps to convert the CSV files into different formats according to your needs in the QuickBooks Desktop and Online versions.
Moreover, this blog includes a section to assist in overcoming the issue of converting a QuickBooks File to CSV Format.
If you need more help or to make this process smooth, contact our experts at +1(855)-738-0359 to get a free consultation.
Before You Begin to Convert a QuickBooks File to CSV Format
There are specific preparations you should check before you convert a QuickBooks file to CSV format. Listed below are some of them:
- The conversion process is straightforward, requiring just a single click.
- Ensure to run the process in the QBDT version only, without requiring any immediate access to your linked accounts.
- QuickBooks is easy to understand and use for new users.
- Financial operations, such as credit, banking, and brokerage accounts, can be easily managed.
- Global broadcasting allows you to view both US and European dates, providing you with the flexibility to choose.
Ensure you maintain the pointers mentioned above before beginning the conversion process of the QuickBooks file to CSV format.
What are the Steps to Convert a QuickBooks File to CSV Format?
When you need to convert a QuickBooks file to CSV format, follow the detailed instructions below:
A Guide to Export Customers and Vendors List
When you opt to export the customers and vendors list from QuickBooks in a CSV, here are the steps to follow:
- Run the QuickBooks Desktop.
- Access the Customer/Vendor Center section.
- Here, click on the Excel drop-down menu and select the Export Customer/Vendor List option to export the data.
- Now, you need to choose the Export Transaction option to export the transactions by name or transaction type.
- Head to the Export window.
- Tap on Create a comma-separated values file.
- Then, tap on the Export option.
- Choose a location to save the file.
- Enter a name for the file.
- Finally, click on Save.
Now, let’s move forward to the next section and learn how you can export the items list as data.
Note: Learn how to Convert QuickBooks Online to Desktop easily with our step-by-step guide. Transfer your data securely and manage finances offline without losing any information.
Steps to Export Items List Data
If you wish to export the items list data in a CSV format in QuickBooks, perform the following steps:
- From the Lists tab, tap on the Item List.
- Now, click on Export all items from the Excel drop-down list.
- Under the Export window, tap on Create a comma-separated values (.CSV) file.
- Then, click on the Export and choose a location to save the file.
Note: Need to Transfer QuickBooks License to New Computer? Follow our quick guide to move your QuickBooks installation and license seamlessly without losing any company data.
Steps to Exporting Reports
A step-by-step guide is mentioned below that will help you export reports in your QuickBooks:
- Go to the Reports section in QBDT.
- Tap on the Excel drop-down menu list from the top.
- Now, click on Create a New Worksheet.
- Under the Send Report Excel window, tap on Create a comma-separated values (.CSV) file.
- Tap on the Export and then select a location to save the file in Windows.
These steps will guide you through exporting reports, item lists, and vendor lists, which will help you convert a QuickBooks file to CSV format.
What are the Steps to Import CSV Files in QuickBooks?
It is essential to have the QuickBooks Import Excel and CSV toolkit to enter data into QBDT, which includes the following:
- Import the document associated with the CSV manual and Excel, specifically a PDF document that contains all the instructions, effective practices, and notes.
- A CSV examples folder that has a 4-sample CSV file containing one for each type of list.
- An XLS example folder containing a sample Excel file with four worksheets, each representing one type of list item.
- Here, the available fields for Excel and CSV can be seen for import.
To install the QuickBooks Import Excel and CSV Toolkit, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Access the file download window and choose Save for the toolkit.
- Now, go to the Windows Desktop.
- Opt for the Save option and double-click on the QuickBooks_Import_Excel_and_CSV.exe file to access the WinZip Self-Extractor window.
- Then, click on the Browse section.
- Choose the folder where you wish to install the toolkit.
- Click on the OK button.
- Now, to extract the contents, select the Unzip option.
- Then click on Close to exit the WinZip Self-Extractor window.
- Access the QuickBooks Import Excel and CSV folder from your saved location.
Let’s now learn how you can export the CSV in the online version.
- Input the accurate credentials to log in to your QuickBooks Online.
- Choose the export data option.
- In the upper-right corner, tap the Gear icon.
- Now, move to the Reports section.
- Then select the desired time period.
- Select the report from the available options.
- Tap on the Export to Excel option.
- Move to the Export data menu.
- Now, choose the Lists tab.
- Under the option, select Customers, Employees, and Suppliers, and then tap the Export to Excel button.
Let’s move forward and convert a QuickBooks file to CSV format by following these steps:
- Access the Excel file that you chose to convert a QuickBooks file to CSV format.
- Tap on the File option.
- Now, click on the Save As option and under the Save as type section, choose CSV and name the file.
- Select the location where you want to save the file and click on Save.
- Hit OK and Yes on the next section.
These steps will help you convert the QuickBooks file to CSV format effectively and fast.
Unable to Convert a QuickBooks File to CSV Format? Here’s What to Do
There can be situations when you can’t convert a QuickBooks file to CSV format. Here, you can follow the guidelines mentioned below to overcome it.
- If there is any punctuation mark in your report, then the report value can be changed, and you may face a problem. To overcome this scenario, you need to save the Excel file in a CSV format.
- You may also encounter issues when converting a QuickBooks file to CSV format if you are using an outdated version of QuickBooks on your system.
- Ensure that your CSV file format contains 3 or 4 columns in the accurate order. Different banks use different formats for writing and recording CSV files, which can either allow or deny you from importing a CSV file from banks.
- Try using a new Google spreadsheet to import a CSV file, copy and paste your data into a new sheet, and then save the new data.
These case scenarios illustrate the problem and its causes, as well as methods to overcome the issue.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have helped you convert a QuickBooks file to CSV format in a step-by-step manner. Additionally, we have discussed what you can do if you are unable to convert the file into CSV format. This blog begins with preparations to convert the file and then takes a deep dive into the conversion process. If you need any more help to change the file format, feel free to get in touch with our experts at +1(855)-738-0359!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the steps to help you when you wish to download the QuickBooks Import Excel and CSV Toolkit in your system:
1. Download the QuickBooks Import Excel and CSV Toolkit and save it.
2. Move to the folder or the Desktop where you have saved the downloaded file.
3. Now, double-tap on the file to run the installation process.
If you’re considering transforming a PDF file to CSV format, it’s definitely possible. Here are the steps to guide you through it:
1. Select a reliable PDF to CSV converter tool and upload the PDF file that you prefer to convert.
2. Once the conversion process is completed, choose the output process and review the file.
Converting the QBO file format to a CSV file in QuickBooks is a straightforward task. Here’s how:
1. Under the Save section in your computer, check if the file’s extension is QBO.
2. Now, choose the file format as CSV and tap on Save to save in CSV format.
With the help of these steps, you can choose the format in which you can save your file.
Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.