IIF, the Intuit Interchange Format, is the tab-separated text file that QuickBooks Desktop uses to import and export lists and transactions. Header rows, marked by an exclamation mark before keywords such as TRNS and SPL, name the fields; data rows follow. A mistaken import can create wrong accounts or entries, so check the file and keep a backup before importing. Klarbon support is planned, not available yet.
What is in an IIF file?
| Row | Holds |
|---|---|
TRNS header |
the field names of the transaction line |
SPL header |
the field names of the split lines |
ENDTRNS header |
the end of the header |
TRNS |
one transaction: type, date, account, name, amount |
SPL |
one split of that transaction, to another account |
ENDTRNS |
the end of that transaction |
CUST header and others |
headers for list imports, such as customers |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Syntax | ASCII text, tab-separated |
| Header rows | an exclamation mark, then the keyword |
| Program | QuickBooks Desktop for Windows and Mac |
Intuit describes the headers, the import kit and the limits of IIF (IIF overview, import and export).
IIF or a bank file?
| IIF | QBO | |
|---|---|---|
| Holds | ledger entries and lists | bank transactions |
| Made by | an accounting program or a person | the bank |
| Effect of import | posts entries to accounts | adds transactions to review |
What does Klarbon do with IIF files?
Reading IIF files is planned, not available yet. Klarbon does not create IIF files, because an import posts entries straight into the books. For bank data, see supported bank statement files.
Related
Frequently asked questions
What is an IIF file?
An Intuit Interchange Format file, ASCII text with tab-separated values that QuickBooks Desktop imports and exports. It can hold lists, such as customers and accounts, and transactions, such as checks and invoices.
How is an IIF transaction laid out?
Header rows name the fields. They begin with an exclamation mark before a keyword, usually TRNS, SPL and ENDTRNS. Each transaction then has a TRNS line, one SPL line per split, and an ENDTRNS line.
What goes wrong when importing IIF files?
An IIF import can change your books. Back up the company file first, check the field headers and account names, and review the imported entries. Spreadsheet editing can remove leading zeros.
Does QuickBooks Online accept IIF?
IIF import and export is a QuickBooks Desktop feature, for Windows and Mac. It also does not move data between country versions, such as the US and Canadian editions.
Sources
- Intuit, IIF overview, import kit, sample files and headers quickbooks.intuit.com
- Intuit, export, import and edit IIF files quickbooks.intuit.com