Import file templates
Download CSV headers for lists and opening records, then use the matching import guide to prepare and review your data.
- Who can do this
- Anyone can download; owners or people with the chosen import's permissions can upload
- Where
- Books, then Import data
- You'll need
- A CSV editor; Accounting enabled and the required permissions to import
On this page
Choose the records you are bringing in
- Download the matching template below.
- Keep its header row and add one record per row.
- Save the completed file as CSV.
- Open Books, then Import data, to upload and review that record type.
Each download contains column headers only. It does not include sample records or create anything in your books.
| Download | Header row |
|---|---|
| Accounts | Code, Name, Type, Subtype, Parent Code, Description |
| Customers | Name, Email, Company Name, Phone, Address, City, State, Postal Code, Country, Notes |
| Vendors | Name, Email, Company Name, Phone, Address, City, State, Postal Code, Country, Notes, Track 1099 |
| Open invoices | Number, Customer, Date, Due Date, Open Amount, Description |
| Open bills | Number, Vendor, Date, Due Date, Open Amount, Description |
| Opening balances | Account Code, Debit, Credit |
Check the file before uploading
The limit is 5 MB and 100 columns. Accounts, customers and vendors allow 5,000 data rows per file; open invoices and open bills allow 500; opening balances allow 2,000. Include at least one data row.
Use UTF-8 or Windows-1252 text. The importer accepts commas, semicolons or tabs. Dates use YYYY-MM-DD or US month/day/year with a four-digit year. Amounts must be nonnegative with at most two decimal places, and Open Amount must be greater than zero. Put a balance on the appropriate debit or credit side.
Nonprofit can import accounts, customers and vendors here. Open invoices, open bills and opening balances are blocked for Nonprofit; contact support to plan opening records.
Uploading leads to review rather than adding business records. Follow Prepare and review an import file before committing.
Bank statement and budget files use different layouts: see the bank file guide and budget template guide.