IIF file extension

[Bill Avant]

I recently was asked if a spread sheet I developed could be imported into Quick Books general ledger. I looked into the possibility. Unless the program is an on line program which allows CSV to be imported, I saw no way. The desk top QB programs required an iiF file so that left them out. I have 4.1.3 which doesn't handle that. I looked into QB web site and they posted an import link kit. However to import from a spreadsheet it had to be in excel which the newer versions do. Of course there are conversion programs from $50.00 to $199.00 available which di the trick. So after a couple of days studying the situation I believe I came up with something. I don't have QB to test it, but I'm sure someone can probably tell me if this idea is plausible.
First I downloaded the kit from their site. I followed directions and used the spread in their instructions regarding headings and such, because QB isn't given to second guessing an entry. After I had the spread on the sheet, I saved it using CSV as if to use it with the online version of QB. I then went to UTUBE and watched several videos which the instructions indicated that once the file was saved in CSV, you could rename the file changing the CSV to IIF. Using excel this was successful. I tried to do it with calc but of course it didn't work. Every time I tried to do it, the calc ended a writer document.
Now after many versions of desperate attempts I think I might have stumbled upon sometime but need it tested. 1st after getting the spread set on sheet, I used cell format to make all cells "TEXT". everything but the dates remained unchanged. So I used an apostrophe to make dates txt. Then I save the file. I then changed the file extension from CSV to iiF. Low and behold it saved in calc without a hitch with iiF as its extension. Would someone with QB or other the resources test this. I'm sure some of the sages may even know without having to do so may know. I think this would be a big feather on calc's hat if this works. I would greatly appreciate your reply

[toplogger]

you should have asked if Aoo had anyone who knew what the outcome of your input would make aoo react.

[John_Ha]

See QuickBooks Help - Import/export overview which says you can import .xls, .xlsx and .csv files.

Use Calc to write a .csv file from your spreadsheet. .csv files (csv means comma separated variable) are very basic and "nothing can go wrong with it". You can view a .csv file in Notepad to check it is correct, or open it with AOO if you rename it to a .TXT file.

Alternatively, use Calc to write a .xls file from your spreadsheet.

Note that you will be importing data and not formulae. You may need to experiment with the filter settings which determine how you create the CSV file. More likely, Quick Books will probably be able to accept variants.

Read the Calc Manual for more information. In particular read the Quick Books documentation as it gives precise instructions.

This is the text in the .csv file created from list.ods. The first line says 2 blank cells. The next line says one blank cell, a cell containing Apples, and a cell containing 10. And so on.

Code: Select all

,,
,Fruit,Quantity
,Apples,10
,Pears,20
,Oranges,7

If you want to be certain that you have imported your data correctly you need to do thorough checking. Judging from your post, may I suggest you ask someone with more computer expertise to assist you.

Filter settings on saving a .csv file

If your problem is solved please view your first post in this thread and click the Edit button (top right in the post) and add [Solved] in front of the subject.

[DiGro]

Every time I tried to do it, the calc ended a writer document.

Assign the extension .IIF to Calc.

Make a testfile (doesn't have to have any content) and save it as Test_IIF.iif

Open the Windwos Explorer en search for your saved Test_IIF.iif

Once found right-click on it en choose Properties.

A window opens and there will be an option Open with: with a button Change next to it.

Click Change and select Calc as the program to open it with.

The next iif file will be opend with Calc