Skip to main content
Skip table of contents

Getting started

The steps to get started depend on whether you are new to Quicken or whether you are converting from another version of Quicken.

If you are new to Quicken or want to start with a new data file

Start from scratch

If you are using Quicken for the first time or want to start fresh with a new data file, perform these steps:

  1. In Quicken, choose File > New to create a new Quicken data file.
  2. Select Start from scratch and click Next.
  3. Set your mobile and web sync preference including a nickname for your cloud account (you can change this at any time).
  4. After these steps, the Add Account dialog will automatically appear so you can add your financial accounts to Quicken.

Next steps: If you are new to Quicken

If you are upgrading to Quicken Business & Personal

If you are upgrading to Quicken Business & Personal from Quicken Deluxe or Quicken Premier you will want to consult the Learning Center and migrate your categories.

  1. Visit the Learning Center and select the Manage Business card.
  2. Review the Getting Started steps. There is information you will want to understand.
  3. On the final slide, click Migrate Business Categories.

    Why do I want to migrate my categories?

    To integrate your historical business data into the new Business dashboard and business reports, you need to migrate your previously used transaction categories to the new Business categories. This step will ensure that all your past business transactions are conveniently accessible and well-organized in the updated system, providing a comprehensive view of your business's financial history.

  4. Review the list of the categories that Quicken identified as categories you used to record business transactions before moving to Business & Personal and verify that the right Action is selected for each category.  You can select a different Action that fits your needs better.
  5. If some categories are missing, click Select More Categories.  Select the categories you'd like to migrate and click OK.
     
  6. Select an appropriate action for each category in the Action field.

  7. Click Migrate Categories button to complete the process.


For more information about getting started with Quicken Business & Personal, see:


If you are converting from a different version of Quicken

Quicken can convert your existing data from Quicken for Mac 2007, Quicken Essentials and Quicken for Windows. Just choose the version you are coming from when prompted during first use.
You can also import data from these other versions into an existing Quicken data file via the File > Import menu.

Start from an existing Quicken Essentials file

If you are upgrading from Quicken Essentials, perform these steps:

  1. Before starting, review the pre-conversion task.
  2. In Quicken, choose File > New to create a new Quicken data file.
  3. Select Start from a Quicken Essentials file.
  4. Select your existing Quicken Essentials data file file when prompted. (This file must have the extension .quickendata.)
  5. Set your mobile and web sync preference including a nickname for your cloud account (you can change this at any time).
  6. After these steps, your Quicken Essentials data will be converted and you will see the Overview view. All of your accounts will be listed in the sidebar.

Take a look at the post-conversion tasks.

Start from an existing Quicken 2007 file
  1. Before starting, review the pre-conversion task.
  2. In Quicken, choose File > New to create a new Quicken data file.
  3. Select Start from a Quicken for Mac 2007 file.
  4. Set your mobile and web sync preference including a nickname for your cloud account (you can change this at any time).
  5. Select the Quicken for Mac 2007 file you'd like to convert. (This file must have the extension .QDFM.)
    • If you have a large data file, this could take some time. Please do not quit Quicken until the file conversion is complete.
  6. After these steps, your Quicken 2007 data will be converted and you should see the Overview view. All of your accounts will be listed in the sidebar.

Take a look at the post-conversion tasks.

Start from an existing Quicken Windows file
  1. Before starting, review the pre-conversion task.
  2. In Quicken, choose File > New to create a new Quicken data file.
  3. Select Start from a Quicken for Windows file.
  4. Set your mobile and web sync preference (you can change this at any time).
  5. Select your existing Quicken Windows (.QDF) file when prompted.
    • If you have a large data file, this could take some time. Please do not quit Quicken until the file conversion is complete.
  6. After these steps, your Quicken Windows data file will be converted and you will see the Overview view. All of your accounts will be listed in the sidebar.
Start from a .QIF file exported from another application

Disclaimer

Quicken has no control over the data that is exported from other personal finance applications. As such, our import is only as good as the exported data provided in a .QIF file.
We want to make the transition to Quicken easy and have put a great deal of effort into handling issues related to missing or incorrect data that is imported from other personal finance applications.
However, we have found gaps or missing data in these exported QIF files, especially with investment transactions. As a result, some data cleanup after import may be required after your data is imported into Quicken (see the known Banktivity and Moneydance issues below).
Please read these Help topics carefully to ensure a smooth transition to Quicken:

Note: Personal finance applications other than Banktivity and Moneydance have not been tested for import in Quicken.
Quicken supports data import from other personal finance applications such as Banktivity and Moneydance. For this, you need to first export data from the other applications into a .QIF file and then import the .QIF file into Quicken.


Export data from Banktivity to a .QIF file

  1. Open your Banktivity application. Select File >Export > QIF file.
  2. Make sure that you select all the accounts you wish to import in Quicken. Incremental import of QIF files into Quicken is not supported.
  3. Save the newly created QIF file and exit Banktivity.

Export data from Moneydance to a .QIF file

  1. Open your Moneydance application. Select File >Export.
  2. On the Export Date window, select Format: QIF and date: All Dates
  3. Save the newly created QIF file and exit Moneydance.

Import an exported .QIF file into Quicken

  1. Open the Quicken application.
  2. In Quicken, choose File > New to start a new data file. The Let's get started window is displayed.
  3. Select the option Start from a .QIF file exported from another application.
  4. You'll be asked if you want to use Quicken Mobile or Web. Make your selection and continue.
  5. Click Next. The Import data from another application window is displayed.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to import the .QIF file in Quicken.

After conversion please read these Help topics:

Next Steps: If you are converting from another version of Quicken

JavaScript errors detected

Please note, these errors can depend on your browser setup.

If this problem persists, please contact our support.

Contact Support Close