Create a new Quicken data file
Creating a new data file gives you a completely separate environment for tracking finances. Each file has its own accounts, categories, reports, and settings. This is useful when you want to track entirely different sets of financial data—such as personal and business finances—without mixing them together.
When to create a new file
Create a new data file when:
You want to keep business and personal finances completely separate.
You manage finances for another person or entity.
You want a clean file for testing or troubleshooting purposes.
When to use a single file instead
Stick to a single file when:
You want to temporarily hide certain accounts.
You want to exclude specific accounts from reports or net worth totals.
You need to manage different sets of finances but still view consolidated reports and balances.
In these cases, it’s better to:
Add the accounts to your current file
Use the Hide in Quicken option from the Account List
Mark accounts as Separate so they’re excluded from reports and net worth totals
Keeping everything in one file simplifies reporting, backups, and access across devices.
What this does
This process creates a new Quicken data file with no accounts, categories, or transactions. You can begin entering data from scratch or import information from another source.
To create a new Quicken data file
Choose File > New Quicken File.
In the New Quicken File window, select New Quicken File, then click OK.
In the File name field, enter a name for your new file.
Do not include any of these characters:
* ? < > | " : \ /Do not add the
.qdfextension—Quicken adds it automatically.
Click OK.
Quicken stores the new file in your default folder unless you choose a different location. The default location is typically Documents > Quicken.
Additional information
Quicken displays up to 50 data files from a single folder in the File > Open Quicken File list. Store excess files in a separate folder to keep them accessible.
To switch between files, go to File > Open Quicken File.