QuickBooks File Extension ( The File Type of QB in Windows & Mac)

File extensions play a major role to identify a file type in any software, or any app. This represents the file role and helps us to know which file contains which data. QuickBooks Desktop also uses different types of files to store different data. If you want to get the knowledge about the QuickBooks file extension or file type then read the article till the end.

In this article, we will talk about the types of files, and about their extensions in QuickBooks Desktop (Windows & mac). And will get an idea, how does QuickBooks file extension work.

How QuickBooks File Extensions Works

QuickBooks uses more than 50 different types of files to store and manage all data. And each extension serves its own functions in QuickBooks. These extensions help QuickBooks, as well as the users to recognize, what type of file is it.

Here are some of the benefits of QuickBooks file extensions. Have a look;

• Help the user to identify the content inside a particular file.
• File extensions make searching much easier.
• It enables the user to find identify files and their contents with the help of formats.
• File Extension in QuickBooks Desktop provides a simple method of keeping files together.
• Maintain File Security.
• Connection with safe and secure with remote connector for QuickBooks Digital Certificates and SSL.
• Components that are easy to use greatly reduce the code required to work with common QuickBooks.
• Move QuickBooks Information directly to a database.
• Strong, Fast, Reliable- consume resources.
• Basic development component support component technologies and platform.
• Documentation sample, Fully indexed files and a general online knowledge base.
• Support for multi-level professional support, including free email support and enterprise-level payment.

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Types of File Extensions in QuickBooks

QuickBooks Desktop is available in both Windows and Mac. Both QuickBooks Desktop versions use different types of file extensions to keep their file. So here we have described all of the extension’s details for both versions. 

File Extensions Used in Windows

QuickBooks Desktop (Windows) has different file types. And each file type includes a number of extensions according to the function. So here we have categorized all of the extensions with their respective file type, and functions. Have a look;    

Common QuickBooks Files

Here are some of the common QuickBooks file extensions, which are normally used on daily basis.     

• QuickBooks Company File (.QBW)

Whenever we create a company file in QuickBooks, QuickBooks creates the file with the .qbw extension. This file keeps the company file and all the detail of the account.   

• QuickBooks Backup File (.QBB)

QuickBooks uses the QBB extension when we create a backup of the company file.  

• QuickBooks Portable File (.QBM)

QuickBooks creates a compressed version of the company file when we email or move a file. And that file comes with the .qbw extension. 

Additional QuickBooks Files

QuickBooks has some additional files, which are additionally used by the users. So if you are using any one of the file type then read the following to know the extension type.

• Layout Designer Template file (.DES)

The .des extension is used in QuickBooks when we export a customized form template. This extension represents that, it is the layout designer template file of QuickBooks.   

• QuickBooks Report Template file (.QBR)

The .qbr represents the QuickBooks report template file. QuickBooks creates a file with this extension when we export a memorized report template.  

• QuickBooks Web Connector file (.QWC) 

The web connector file (.qwc) is totally optional for users. It will be applied in the case when a user uses the QuickBooks web connector and need to open apps. The third-party developers create the app and a file with the .qwc extension. 

• US Tax Table file (qbstbl2.usa)

This extension will be used only for USA users. This file needs to get the current tax tables.  Quickbooks create files with this extension if you are running payroll in QuickBooks Desktop. 

Accountant Files

QuickBooks has some file extensions, which are used when we send or receive any file from the accountant.

• Accountant’s Review Copy / Transfer file (.QBX)

When you export and send the backup file to your accountant, QuickBooks creates a file with this .qbx extension. This file converts to an accountant’s copy when the accountant opens it.  

• Accountant’s Copy file (QBA)

Whenever you send a file to your accountant for review, it becomes a QuickBooks accountant copy with the .qba file extension. 

• Accountant’s Copy Import file (QBY)

QuickBooks creates the .qby extension file, when the accountant sends you the file, that you have given for review. 

• General Journal Entries file (.QBJ) 

The accountants send journal entries files with the .qbj extension. 

Utility and Log Files

Here are some of the utility and log files extensions;

• Intuit Interchange Format file (.IIF)

QuickBooks creates files with this extension when you export your list information to other company files. In the alternative, you can use the IIF files to share your files. 

• Network Data file (.ND)

When we use QuickBooks in multi-user mode, we need a file to manage user access settings. That time, QuickBooks create a file with the .nd extension. 

• Transaction Log file (.TLG)

The .tlg file keeps all of the data of the company file since the last backup. QuickBooks resets the file when you perform the next backup of the company file.  

• Event Log file (.LOG)

In a regular interval of time, QuickBooks create some events. To save these files, QuickBooks creates a .log extension file. The .log file is of 2 types; Qbwin.log, and QWC.log.

• Qbwin.log keeps the issues found during the rebuild.
• QWC.log keeps all of the web connector errors.   

• Entitlement File (.ECML)

The .ecml extension file confirms that the QuickBooks you are using is a licensed product.  QuickBooks creates this file when we install, and register QuickBooks. 

• QuickBooks Print File (.QBP)

QuickBooks creates a .qbp file, when you set printing preferences, and save it to in QuickBooks. You need not do it manually. QuickBooks saves it automatically in its store. 

Statement Writer Files 

If you are using statement writer files then, the must know the extension are used.

• QSM

QuickBooks save all of the QuickBooks files in the .qsw file, we use the QuickBooks Statement Writer.  

• QSS

Whenever we customize any statement with the Statement Writer, QuickBooks save all of the files in the .qss file extension.  

• QST

If in case, you need a specific layout, then you can use a template file that is already available in QuickBooks. And these files are available in the .qst file. 

Extension for Fixed Asset Manager Files

Here are some of the extensions of fixed asset manager files.

File Type	Function of Files
Fx0	Compressed FAM data file. Stores asset data
FX1	Store System Data
Mx0	header file
FPx	Store File Data
FXR	FAM Backup Sync Log File
FIM	Stores import CSV data headers

File Extension Used in Mac 

The QuickBooks Desktop Mac has some specific extensions, which are used only for basic requirements. So you will not be confused between the extension type in the QuickBooks Mac version. Read the following list to know the extension type in QuickBooks for Mac.              

• Company File  

In mac, you will get different company file extensions for different QuickBooks versions. For example; the QB2016 extension will be applicable for the QuickBooks for Mac 2016, and QB2019 will be used for the 2019 version. 

• Backup File (MAC.QBB)

This is an important file, which is mainly used to move the QuickBooks company file from Mac to Windows.   

• Apple Disk Image File (.dmg)

This keeps the Quickbooks company file backup, which is stored as an Apple disk image. 

• Apple Property List Files (plist)

QuickBooks uses the .plist extension to keep the registration and preferences.  

It was the complete article about the QuickBooks file extensions. Hopefully, you find it informative and got knowledge about the file extensions. Still, if you have any kind of doubts regarding this topic then you can talk to a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors.