Transferring Quicken files from a PC to a Mac requires you to install Quicken on both computers. Since Macintosh and Windows both require software specific to their operating systems, you can't use your PC version of Quicken on a Mac and vice-versa. Business owners who use Quicken to track finances, invoices and payments can save their files in a format that a Mac computer can read effectively. This enables you to transfer your PC Quicken data to a Mac system.
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Preparing Files
Running Quicken on a Mac has been a frustrating experience. I’m a longtime Windows user and, in fact, started using Quicken back when it was an MS-DOS application. Quicken for Mac: The Quicken Converter, and the Conversion Utility in QuickBooks, cannot convert Quicken for Mac data file. If you have Quicken for Mac, convert your data file first to Quicken for Windows or create a new QuickBooks company file instead.
1.
Launch Quicken on your PC and then click 'Tools' and 'Account List.'
2.
Select 'Options' and then 'View Hidden Accounts.'
3.
Click 'Manage Accounts.' Then, uncheck all of the 'Hide in Quicken' checkboxes.
4.
Reduce the file names for any accounts that have more than 15 characters or special characters by right-clicking the account name and clicking 'Edit.' Change all Ticker symbols to uppercase letters. Type a new name and then click 'OK.'
5.
Click each tab that contains financial data, such as Personal Cash Flow and Business, and click 'Accept All.'
6.
Select the 'File' menu, 'Export' and then choose 'QIF' as the file format. Click the 'Browse' button and navigate to the location where you want to save the file.
7.
Enter the file name 'Accounts.qif' into the text box and click 'OK.'
8.
From the 'Quicken Account to Export From' section, select the drop-down menu. Choose the account you want to transfer from to the Mac version of Quicken.
9.
Choose the date range for the transactions you want to export to your Mac. Then, select the 'Accounts' check box to export only your Accounts file. Complete the same process for Securities, Categories and Transactions. Then, click 'OK.'
10.
Insert a CD into your CD drive that is formatted in a FAT file format so that both your Macintosh and Windows computers can access the files. Locate the files and burn them to your CD.
Import to Mac
1.
Open Quicken on your Mac and select the 'File' menu, 'New' and then 'File.'
3.
Enter the appropriate information into the Create Data File dialog box. Then, click the 'Create' button. If the New Account Assistant window appears, click 'Cancel.'
4.
Insert the CD with your Quicken files on it into the disk drive.
5.
Click the 'File' menu, then 'Import' and 'From QIF.' Navigate to the 'Accounts' file on your CD and then click 'Open.'
6.
Complete the process for your remaining files: Securities, Categories and Transactions.
About the Author
Avery Martin holds a Bachelor of Music in opera performance and a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian studies. As a professional writer, she has written for Education.com, Samsung and IBM. Martin contributed English translations for a collection of Japanese poems by Misuzu Kaneko. She has worked as an educator in Japan, and she runs a private voice studio out of her home. She writes about education, music and travel.
Photo Credits
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Home›Quicken for Windows›File Conversion and Backup (Windows)
edited August 2018 in File Conversion and Backup (Windows)
In 2016 I tried to switch from the PC to the Mac version of Quicken Deluxe, and it would not import my subcategories. Has this been fixed with the 2018 Mac version?
Comments
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edited August 2018Hey Joe,
Here is an article outlining what data will be brought over https://www.quicken.com/support/what-data-gets-carried-over.
The article mentions that Categories will be brought over but not specifically subcategories, usually customized data doesn't transfer over as well.
The only way to truly know would be to convert the file, you can contact Quicken, https://www.quicken.com/support#windows and submit your file to us and have the file converted and see if you get better results.
If not the 2018 Mac product comes with both the Windows and Mac software and a 30 day money back guarantee.
-Hope this helps!0 -
edited March 2018Hey Joe,
Here is an article outlining what data will be brought over https://www.quicken.com/support/what-data-gets-carried-over.
The article mentions that Categories will be brought over but not specifically subcategories, usually customized data doesn't transfer over as well.
The only way to truly know would be to convert the file, you can contact Quicken, https://www.quicken.com/support#windows and submit your file to us and have the file converted and see if you get better results.
If not the 2018 Mac product comes with both the Windows and Mac software and a 30 day money back guarantee.
-Hope this helps!
Meanwhile, I would read over what it takes to perform a migration from QWin to QMac...Since your data is from QW2010 or newer, the mechanics are quite simple...copy data file over to Mac. Open data file with QM2018. The built-in conversion process will step you through but there are a few things you need to know; here is the entire process:
https://getsatisfaction.com/quickencommunity/topics/faq-converting-from-quicken-for-windows-includin...
In your case, you can skip steps 1 and 2 but review all the prep and background info before:
https://www.quicken.com/support/things-do-converting-your-data-quicken-mac-2016
NOTE: Be aware that at this time, it is very difficult to convert back from Mac to Windows, as there are many problems with the reverse conversion process.
I also suggest that you make sure that Quicken 2018 for Mac will meet your needs, since it was re-written from the ground up (first with Quicken Essentials in 2010, then again with QM2015 onward) and is not the same product as the Windows version, so there are some features that are still not there e.g. full loan amortization*, 2-line display, QuickMath, or are not as fully developed yet, e.g. Customized Reports, some investment performance reports and stats (therefore some data may not carry over). You can start here:
http://www.quicken.com/mac/compare
https://www.quicken.com/whats-new-quicken
https://www.quicken.com/mac/upgrader-compare
*NOTE: Support for fixed rate loans has been released as of QM2017 v4.5.x but there is no announced timing for support for variable rate or simple daily interest loans.
You may want to review the List of Obstacles and Hindrances for Migrating from QM2007 or QWin to Quicken for Mac. Add your vote to any features that are missing for you. Your VOTES matter!
Be aware of data that will and will not carry forward:
https://www.quicken.com/support/what-data-gets-carried-over
(A couple more things to note: historical currency rates are not migrated AND currency conversions of transactions are not migrated).
Then look at the updates since the original release here:
https://www.quicken.com/support/2018-release-quicken-mac-release-notes
You will also want to look at a more detailed comparison done by a SuperUser which also identifies nuances not mentioned elsewhere (and read on for comments from other users too on that same discussion thread):
https://getsatisfaction.com/quickencommunity/topics/can-anyone-who-has-switched-from-2007-to-2015-he...
Take a look at the following videos to give you a better idea:
https://www.youtube.com/user/QuickenMac
Note that there are many differences that are rather subtle, that are not necessarily identifiable via documentation, for example, the 12-month budget feature does not allow including transfers, including investment income, selecting specific accounts, or have rollover capability.
If you find that QM2018 does not meet your needs, the alternative is to run Quicken for Windows in a virtual machine on your Mac. There are 5 popular products you can use: Parallels, VMWare Fusion, Oracle VirtualBox, Bootcamp or CrossOver. The first 4 require you to also buy a copy of Windows. The first 2 cost $50-80, the third and forth are free. CrossOver also costs about $50-$80 but does NOT require you to buy Windows.
If you plan to keep your PC & Mac, you could also run Quicken on the PC and use remote access (several free options, e.g. NoMachine and Teamviewer) to access Quicken from your Mac (or even a tablet or phone) (see this great article for complete review of many options (most are free): http://machow2.com/rdp-for-mac/ ).
(If you find this reply helpful, please be sure to click 'Like', so others will know, thanks.)
If you find this reply helpful, please be sure to click 'Like', so others will know, thanks.
(Canadian user since '92, STILL using QM2007)
Have Questions? Check out these FAQs:
- Quicken Windows FAQ list
- Quicken Windows FAQ list
-
edited February 2018Hey Joe,
Here is an article outlining what data will be brought over https://www.quicken.com/support/what-data-gets-carried-over.
The article mentions that Categories will be brought over but not specifically subcategories, usually customized data doesn't transfer over as well.
The only way to truly know would be to convert the file, you can contact Quicken, https://www.quicken.com/support#windows and submit your file to us and have the file converted and see if you get better results.
If not the 2018 Mac product comes with both the Windows and Mac software and a 30 day money back guarantee.
-Hope this helps! -
edited February 2018Hey Joe,
Here is an article outlining what data will be brought over https://www.quicken.com/support/what-data-gets-carried-over.
The article mentions that Categories will be brought over but not specifically subcategories, usually customized data doesn't transfer over as well.
The only way to truly know would be to convert the file, you can contact Quicken, https://www.quicken.com/support#windows and submit your file to us and have the file converted and see if you get better results.
If not the 2018 Mac product comes with both the Windows and Mac software and a 30 day money back guarantee.
-Hope this helps!
If you find this reply helpful, please be sure to click 'Like', so others will know, thanks.
(Canadian user since '92, STILL using QM2007)
Have Questions? Check out these FAQs:
- Quicken Windows FAQ list
- Quicken Windows FAQ list