How to Import Journal Entries into QuickBooks Desktop?

August 26, 2025

Import Journal Entries into QuickBooks Desktop

Import Journal Entries from Supported File Formats directly into QuickBooks Desktop using SaasAnt Transactions (Desktop) - #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 Journal Entries into QuickBooks

Steps to Import into QuickBooks Desktop Using Saasant Transactions

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 here “Journal Entries”

  • 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 Journal Entries - 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 Journal Entries - 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 Journal Entries - 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 (e.g., Invoice No, Check No) 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 Journal Entries 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 Journal Entries - 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.

Mapping QuickBooks Fields

Field Name

Format

Description

Journal Entry No

Text (Max Length: 11 Characters)

Reference number for the transaction. By default, this value is used only for internal processing by SaasAnt Transactions ().

Journal Date *

Date

Date of the transaction

Account *

Reference Text

Account corresponding to Dr/ Cr.

Amount **[OR]

Decimal

Line amount corresponding to both Debit & Credit. Debits are expressed as Positive amounts and Credits as Negative amounts.
OR
Express amount separately under Debit & Credit columns respectively.

Debit **

Decimal

Credit **

Decimal

Memo

Text (Max Length: 4095 Characters)

Name

Reference Text (Max Length: 41 Characters)

Customer, Vendor, or Employee associated with the line, if any.
If the Account is Accounts Payable, the Debit line must have a Vendor.
If the Account is Accounts Receivable, the Debit line must have a Customer.

Billable Status

Billable, NotBillable, HasBeenBilled

Billable Status if the Name is a Customer

Class

Reference Text (Max Length: 41 Characters)

Class reference to this line

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

 

All (*) marked fields are mandatory. 

Import Settings

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

  • 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 then the corresponding action to be taken. You can choose to Duplicate/ Ignore/ Update/ Append existing transaction 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 file. This option however will delay the import.

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

FAQ's

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

  • I want to import Journals with Journal Numbers from File. Is it supported?

            Yes. It is supported.

  • Will your application support Multi Line Transactions?

            Yes. It will.

  • 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.

  • 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 as 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.

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