Can You Import IIF Files Into QuickBooks Online? (How to Do It)
No — QuickBooks Online can't import IIF files directly. IIF (Intuit Interchange Format) is an older text format built for QuickBooks Desktop, and QuickBooks Online doesn't accept it. You can still get the data in; you just have to convert it first.
What Is an IIF File?
An IIF file is a tab-separated text file that QuickBooks Desktop uses to import and export lists (customers, vendors, items, chart of accounts) and some transactions. Many older programs, banks and payroll tools still export IIF for Desktop users.
What QuickBooks Online Accepts Instead
- CSV and Excel files for customers, vendors, products and services, and chart of accounts
- CSV files for bank transactions and some other transaction types
- Bank files in QBO, OFX or CSV format
- Data sent through apps connected to QuickBooks Online
Option 1: Convert the IIF File to CSV
Open the IIF file in Excel or Google Sheets (it's just tab-separated text). Delete the header rows that start with ! and reorganize the columns to match the QuickBooks Online import template for that data type. Save as CSV and import it from Settings, then Import data. This works well for lists and simple transactions.
Option 2: Use an Import App
Third-party import tools available in the QuickBooks App Store can read IIF files and send the data to QuickBooks Online for you. This is the easiest route for large or complex files, such as journal entries or invoices with many lines.
Option 3: Import Into QuickBooks Desktop First
If you already have QuickBooks Desktop, import the IIF file there (File, Utilities, Import, IIF Files), then move the whole company file to QuickBooks Online with Intuit's migration tool. This is the most complete option when you're moving your entire history.
Before You Import Anything
- Back up your QuickBooks Online data or test the import in a trial company
- Make sure account names in the file match your chart of accounts exactly
- Import lists (customers, vendors, items) before transactions that use them
- Check balances on your reports right after importing
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