Quickbooks File Extension is a file type used by QuickBooks software. It stores financial data such as invoices, transactions, accounts, customers, and vendors. These extensions are typically used to save a copy of a QuickBooks file, allowing the user to view and edit the information later. QB file extensions usually consist of .QBW (QuickBooks Windows) or .QBA (QuickBooks Mac). The .QBW extension saves a copy of a QuickBooks file for Windows users, while the .QBA extension is used for Mac users.
Additionally, the .QBB extension is used for QuickBooks backup files.
QuickBooks stores financial information in a secure environment and uses file extensions to ensure the data is not accidentally changed or corrupted. QuickBooks files are essential to businesses as they store valuable financial information and can be used to track sales, expenses, invoices, and more.
Why is QuickBooks File Extension Important?
The QuickBooks data file extension is important because it helps identify the type of file it is and ensures that it can be opened and accessed using the appropriate software. QuickBooks uses different file extensions for different types of files, so it’s essential to know which extension is associated with the specific file you are trying to access.
For example, if you have a file with the “.QBW” extension, you will know that it is a QuickBooks company file extension and can be opened using the QuickBooks software. On the other hand, if you have a file with the “.QBB” extension, you will know that it is a QuickBooks backup file extension and may contain a copy of your financial data for safekeeping.
Also Read: QuickBooks File Doctor
In general, the QuickBooks file extension is an integral part of the financial management process because it helps to ensure that financial data is organized, accurate, and secure. Using the appropriate file extension, businesses can easily access and manage their financial data using the QuickBooks software.
What are the Types of QuickBooks Files?
There are many types of QuickBooks files for which different types of QuickBooks file formats are used. In this section, we will derive the types of QuickBooks files with their extensions for Windows and Mac, respectively.
Windows QuickBooks File
Common QuickBooks File extension, their file type, and description.
| File Extension | File Type | Description |
| QBW | QuickBooks Company File | QuickBooks generates a file with the.qbw extension when you create a company file. This file contains your company file and account information. For example, if you name your company MyBusiness, QuickBooks will save the company file as MyBusiness.qbw. |
| QBB | QuickBooks Backup File | QuickBooks generates a backup file with the.qbb extension when you back up your company file. |
| QBO | QuickBooks Bank Statement File | When you download bank transactions, QuickBooks opens them from a file with the .qbo extension.
You can quickly enter transactions into your bank register by importing a QBO file. |
| QBM | QuickBooks Portable File | When you email or move a company file, QuickBooks creates a compressed version with the .qbm extension.
QuickBooks, for example, saves a portable company file for MyBusiness as MyBusiness .qbm. |
Some Additional QuickBooks File Extensions
| File Extension | File Type | Description |
| QBR | QuickBooks Remote Template File | QuickBooks generates a file with the .qbr extension when you export a memorized report template. |
| DES | Layout Designer Template File | QuickBooks generates a file with the.des extension when you export a customized form template. QuickBooks includes a number of templates. You may wish to export your customized templates for use in other company files or to share with others. |
| QWC | QuickBooks Web Connector File | You may need to open apps if you use QuickBooks Web Connector. Third-party developers will create a file with the .qwc extension when they create a Web Connector app. |
| qbstbl2.usa | US Tax Table file | (Only for payroll) If you use QuickBooks Desktop to run payroll, you’ll need this file to get the most up-to-date tax tables. It contains all of the most recent payroll information required to calculate payroll taxes. |
Accountant File Extensions
| File Extensions | File Type | Description |
| QBX | Accountant’s Review Copy / Transfer file | QuickBooks creates a file with the .qbx extension when you back up your company file for your accountant. This is the file that you will export and send to your accountant. When your accountant opens the backup, a copy file is created. |
| QBY | Accountant’s Copy Import file | Your accountant will send you a file with a .qby extension after reviewing their accountant copy and making changes. You can import their changes and apply them to your company file. |
| QBA | Accountant’s Copy file | When accountants open a .qbx file sent to them for review by a client, it becomes an accountant copy. The file extension is .qba. |
| QBJ | General Journal Entries file | If you want to include journal entries created by your accountant, request a General Journal Entries file from them. The extension of this file is .qbj. |
QuickBooks File Extensions for Utility and Log Files
| File Extension | File Type | Description |
| ND | Network Data file | QuickBooks creates a file with the .nd extension when you start using Multi-user mode. This file assists QuickBooks in managing user access settings. |
| IIF | Intuit Interchange Format file | When you export your list information, QuickBooks creates a file with the extension .iif. IIF files can be used to share your lists with other company files. |
| LOG | Event Log file | QuickBooks saves important events in a file with the extension.log. LOG files are of two types:
Qbwin.log – logs issues discovered during a rebuild. QWC.log – logs Errors in Web Connect LOG files can be useful in troubleshooting. |
| TLG | Transaction Log file | QuickBooks records changes to your company file since the last backup. This information is saved in a file with the extension .tlg. QuickBooks resets the file the next time you back up your company file. |
| QBP | QuickBooks Print file | QuickBooks stores your printing preferences in a file with the .qbp extension after you set them. QuickBooks automatically saves your preferences. If, however, you experience printer problems, you might need to make changes to the file. |
| ECML | Entitlement file | QuickBooks creates a file with the .ecml extension when you install and register it. This file informs QuickBooks that you are working with a licensed product. |
QuickBooks File Extensions for Statement Writer Files
| File Extension | File Type |
| QSS | When you customize statements and reports with QuickBooks Statement Writer, your settings are saved in a file with the .qss extension. This file can be used to apply settings to other reports. |
| QSM | When you use QuickBooks Statement Writer, your data is saved in a file with the extension .qsm. Excel can open QSW files. |
| QST | You can use a template file that is already available if you require a specific layout. The .qst extension is used for these files. |
Mac QuickBooks File Extensions
| File Extension | File Type | Description |
| QB2016 | Company file | This is the company file for your QuickBooks for Mac 2016 installation. |
| QB2019 | Company file | This is the company file for your QuickBooks for Mac 2019 installation. |
| DMG | Apple disk image file | Your backup Quickbooks company file is located here. It is saved by QuickBooks as an Apple disc image. |
| MAC.QBB | Backup file | To transfer your QuickBooks Mac file to QuickBooks Desktop for Windows, use a MAC.QBB file. |
| plist | Apple property list files | Your preferences and registration are saved here. |
Also Read: QuickBooks Error 6000
Conclusion
In conclusion, the QuickBooks file extension is .QBW. It is the default file extension for the QuickBooks software. We also mention all types of file extensions for QuickBooks files for Windows and Mac. These are used to store financial information in a secure environment that can be accessed by authorized personnel. As with any file format, it is essential to ensure that the file is backed up and stored in a secure location to protect it from accidental deletion or corruption. However, if you want to know more about the file extension, then contact our ProAdvisors. Thank You!