Getting started with Quicken Classic for Mac depends on your specific situation. Whether you are a new user, upgrading from a previous version, or converting data from another application, this guide provides instructions to meet your needs.
If you are new to Quicken, you'll find steps for setting up a new data file and an introduction to core features. For those upgrading to Quicken Business & Personal, we include guidance on using business features and migrating your existing categories. If you're converting data from an earlier version of Quicken or another personal finance application, detailed instructions are available to ensure your information is accurately imported and organized.
This introduction ensures that every user, regardless of their starting point, can begin using Quicken Classic for Mac effectively.
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:
In Quicken, choose File > New to create a new Quicken data file.
Select Start from scratch and click Next.
Set your mobile and web sync preference including a nickname for your cloud account (you can change this at any time).
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.
Visit the Learning Center and select the Manage Business card.
Review the Getting Started steps. There is information you will want to understand.
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 Businessdashboard and business reports, you need to migrate your previously used transaction categories to the new Businesscategories. 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.
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.
If some categories are missing, click Select More Categories. Select the categories you'd like to migrate and click OK.
Select an appropriate action for each category in the Action field.
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:
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.
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.
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
Open your Banktivity application. Select File >Export > QIF file.
Make sure that you select all the accounts you wish to import in Quicken. Incremental import of QIF files into Quicken is not supported.
Save the newly created QIF file and exit Banktivity.
Export data from Moneydance to a .QIF file
Open your Moneydance application. Select File >Export.
On the Export Date window, select Format: QIF and date: All Dates
Save the newly created QIF file and exit Moneydance.
Import an exported .QIF file into Quicken
Open the Quicken application.
In Quicken, choose File > New to start a new data file. The Let's get started window is displayed.
Select the option Start from a .QIF file exported from another application.
You'll be asked if you want to use Quicken Mobile or Web. Make your selection and continue.
Click Next. The Import data from another application window is displayed.
Follow the on-screen instructions to import the .QIF file in Quicken.
