How to Import Invoices into QuickBooks Desktop?

August 25, 2025

How to Import Invoice to QuickBooks Desktop?

Import bulk/batch invoices from Supported File Formats directly into QuickBooks Desktop using SaasAnt Transactions (Desktop) application - #1 user-rated and Intuit-trusted bulk data automation tool built exclusively for QuickBooks. 

SaasAnt Transactions (Desktop) supports QuickBooks Pro, Premier, Enterprise, and Accountant Editions.

You can download the free trial of the software directly from the SaasAnt Website. Follow this article for detailed installation instructions.

Steps to Import Invoices into QuickBooks Desktop

This guide outlines the complete process of importing data into QuickBooks Desktop, from downloading the application to reviewing the final results.

Step 1: Download, Install, and Connect Saasant

Before you can import, you need to set up the Saasant Transactions application.

  • Download: Go to the Saasant.com website and download the Saasant Transactions Desktop application.

SaasAnt Desktop Download - SaasAnt Website.png

  • Install: Run the installer and complete the installation on your computer.

  • Connect: Open the Saasant application and connect it to your QuickBooks Desktop company file by following the on-screen instructions. This will authorize Saasant to access and import data into your file.

Connect SaasAnt Desktop with QuickBooks Desktop.png

Step 2: Start the Import Process

From the Saasant home screen, you have two options to begin:

  • Click the Import button.

  • Go to the File menu and select Import.

Start Import SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

Step 3: Select Your Transaction Type and File

On the first screen, you will need to define what you are importing.

  • Choose Transaction/List Type: Use the dropdown menu to select the type of data you want to import “Invoice”

  • Download a Sample Template (Optional): You can download a sample CSV/spreadsheet file. This template shows you the correct column structure and formatting for a successful import.

  • Select Your File: Click Browse File to locate and select the CSV or spreadsheet file you want to import from your computer.

Browse and Select File - SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

Step 4: Map Your File to QuickBooks Fields

This is a critical step where you tell Saasant how the columns in your file correspond to the fields in QuickBooks.

  • Automatic Mapping: Saasant will automatically map columns from your file if their headers match the QuickBooks field names.

  • Manual Mapping: If your column names are different, you can manually select the correct QuickBooks field from the dropdown list for each of your columns.

  • Customization Options: Use advanced options to manipulate your data during the import:

    • Set value if empty: Fill in a default value if a cell in your file is blank.

    • Merge: Combine data from multiple columns into a single QuickBooks field.

    • Override: Replace existing data with new information.

  • View Mandatory Fields: Click the Show Important Fields button to see which fields are required by QuickBooks for the transaction type you are importing.

  • Save Your Mapping: You can save your mapping configuration. This creates an efficient workflow for future imports, as you won't have to map the same file format again.

Mapping SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

Step 5: Review, Edit, and Configure Settings

The final screen, "Review and Import," gives you a last chance to check and modify your data before it goes into QuickBooks.

  • Review Your Data: Your data is displayed in a spreadsheet-like grid. You can review all entries for accuracy.

Review and Import Screen - SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

  • Make Final Edits: The fields in the grid are editable, allowing you to make last-minute corrections directly within Saasant.

  • Filter Data: If you have a large file, use the filter options to find and review specific lines or make bulk changes.

  • Selective Import: Use the checkboxes next to each row to select or deselect specific lines you want to import or skip.

  • Configure Import Settings: Click Import Settings to access powerful automation features:

    • Assign transaction numbers from your file.

    • Specify the date format used in your file.

    • Set rules for finding and handling matching transactions already in QuickBooks.

    • Automatically create new Customers, Vendors, Products/Services, or Accounts if they don't already exist.

Import Setting - SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

Step 6: Send to QuickBooks and Monitor Results

Once you are satisfied with the review and settings:

  1. Click the Send to QuickBooks button to start the validation and import process.

Send To Quickbooks - SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

  1. If you need to start over, click Select file again.

  2. After the import, a results screen will appear, clearly showing which lines were successful and which failed with errors.

Success Import - SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

Step 7: Handle Errors and Finalize

The import results screen provides tools for troubleshooting and finalizing the process.

  • Fix Errors: For each failed line, an error message will explain the problem (e.g., "No account found in the specified name").

    • Click the Fix button next to the error to correct the data in the table directly.

    • After making corrections, you can attempt to re-import only the failed lines.

  • Undo Import: If there are major issues with the entire import, click the Undo button. This will safely delete all records created in QuickBooks during this specific import session.

  • View Logs: You can access detailed Warning and Error Logs for further analysis.

How to Map QuickBooks Fields?

Field Name

Format

Description

Invoice No

Text (Max Length: 11 Characters)

Reference number for the transaction. By default, this value is used only for internal processing by SaasAnt Transactions , and QuickBooks auto-generates a new value. This can be changed in the import settings.

Customer *

Reference Text (Max Length: 41 Characters)

Reference to the customer.
Customer reference can be matched by Full Name, First Name, Company Name, Account NO., Resale NO., Custom Field, Look up (configured via
Import Settings)

Invoice Date

Date

Date of the transaction.

Due Date

Date

Date when the payment of the transaction is due.

Terms

Text (Max Length: 11 Characters)

Payment Terms

PO No

Reference Text

Purchase Order number

Ship Date

Date

Date when the item is shipped.

Shipping Address Line 1

Text (Max Length: 41 Characters)

First line of the shipping address.

Shipping Address Line 2

Text (Max Length: 41 Characters)

Second line of the shipping address.

Shipping Address Line 3

Text (Max Length: 41 Characters)

Third line of the shipping address.

Shipping Address City

Text (Max Length: 31 Characters)

Shipping address - City

Shipping Address State

Text (Max Length: 21 Characters)

Shipping address - State or Province

Shipping Address Postal Code

Text (Max Length: 13 Characters)

Shipping address - Postal Code

Shipping Address Country

Text (Max Length: 41 Characters)

Shipping address - Country

FOB

Text (Max Length: 13 Characters)

FOB destination

Billing Address Line 1

Text (Max Length: 41 Characters)

First line of the billing address.

Billing Address Line 2

Text (Max Length: 41 Characters)

Second line of the billing address.

Billing Address Line 3

Text (Max Length: 41 Characters)

Third line of the billing address.

Billing Address City

Text (Max Length: 31 Characters)

Billing address - City

Billing Address State

Text (Max Length: 21 Characters)

Billing address - State or Province

Billing Address Postal Code

Text (Max Length: 13 Characters)

Billing address - Postal Code

Billing Address Country

Text (Max Length: 41 Characters)

Billing address - Country

Sales Rep

Reference Text

Reference to the SalesRep associated with the transaction

Shipping Method

Reference Text

Reference to the ShipMethod associated with the transaction

Print Later

Boolean (True/False)

Print Status

Email Later

Boolean (True/False)

Email Status

Memo

Text (Max Length: 4095 Characters)

Customer Message

Reference Text

Message to the customer from the available list in QuickBooks

Class

Reference Text (Max Length: 31 Characters)

Transaction Class

Product/Service *

Reference Text (Max Length: 31 Characters)

Item reference from below options.
Item Look up Strategies with Import Settings- Full Name, Custom Field, Look up

Product/Service Quantity

Decimal

Product/Service Rate

Decimal

Unit Of Measure

Reference Text

Product/Service Description

Text (Max Length: 4095 Characters)

Product/Service Amount *

Decimal

Product/Service Service Date

Date

Date when the service is fulfilled

Product/Service Class

Reference Text (Max Length: 31 Characters)

Class reference to this line

Product/Service Sales Tax

Reference Text

Sales Tax Code to this line

Other

Text (Max Length: 29 Characters)

Other 1

Text (Max Length: 29 Characters)

Other 2

Text (Max Length: 29 Characters)

Sales Tax

Reference Text

Transaction Sales Tax Code

Customer Sales Tax Code

Reference Text

Tax Code corresponding to Transaction

Template

Reference Text

Template reference to this Invoice

AR Account

Reference Text

Accounts Receivable account reference to this Invoice

Product/Service Inventory Site

Reference Text

Reference to the Item Site

Product/Service Inventory BIN

Reference Text

Reference to the Item BIN corresponding to the Site. Should be specified in the Site:BIN format. 

Amount Received

Decimal

Currency

Text

Reference to the Currency in which all amounts on the associated transaction are expressed

Exchange Rate

Decimal

Default is 1, applicable if multi-currency is enabled for the company.
The number of home currency units it takes to equal one unit of currency specified under Currency

Tax Inclusive

Boolean (True/False)
Applicable only for QuickBooks Canada, UK versions

Tax calculation method.

 All (*) marked fields are mandatory. 

How to Import Settings?

A host of powerful customizations for your file data is available with Import Settings. This is available in the  Step 3: Review & Import screen or under the "Edit" Menu in the menubar. Some of the very useful settings for transactions include:

  • Find Matching Transactions in QuickBooks by: Identifier to locate existing transactions in your QuickBooks.

  • Action When a Matched Transaction Found: If an existing transaction is found for the above setting identifier, the corresponding action will be taken. You can Duplicate/ Ignore/ Update/ Append existing transactions in your QuickBooks.

  • Pre-Import Validation: Validate the complete file before importing to QuickBooks. By turning this setting ON, file rows will be imported only after cleaning up all the issues in the file. This option, however, will delay the import.

More details about the settings related to the Automatic creation of Items, Assigning reference numbers from the file, etc, are available in this article.

FAQ's

Most of us would have questions while moving data to your QuickBooks Online. Some of them for your reference below:

I want to import the Invoice into QuickBooks with Invoice Numbers from the File. Is it supported?

 Yes. It is supported.

Will your application support multi-line transactions?

Yes. It will. The same Invoice Number must be presented in multiple lines to group the transactions.

I made some mistakes in the Import, and my QuickBooks reports got corrupted. Is there any way to undo or revert my Import?

 It is possible to undo the import completely/ partially with the Delete feature.

Does your app support taxes?

Yes. It does.

I don't want to create products automatically for my invoices. I can't develop products before each upload. Is it supported?

Yes. It is. You can auto-create unavailable products/ services Or turn this setting off in the import settings.

My file has some specific date format. I don't want to change the file. Will your product support all date formats?

 Yes. You can select the specific date format per your requirement in the import settings.

Do you have any sample templates?

Yes. We do have. Sample Template

What file types does SaasAnt Transactions Desktop support for importing into QuickBooks Desktop?

SaasAnt Transactions Desktop supports XLS, XLSX, XLSM, CSV, TXT, and IIF.

How do I report the issues if I am stuck?


Feel free to drop an email to 
support@saasant.com 

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