# How to migrate data from QuickBooks desktop to QuickBooks online?
QuickBooks desktop has ruled the finance market for decades with its unmatchable accounting features; however, now things have changed. The cloud-based service of QuickBooks- QuickBooks Online comes with more advanced features that provide greater control over your data and ensure its security. So, if you are planning to switch from the QuickBooks desktop to QuickBooks Online, this guide is meant for you. Here, we will provide the step-by-step method to migrate from QuickBooks desktop to online,
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## Things to Consider Before Initiating QuickBooks Desktop to Online Migration Process
A few things need to be considered before initiating the migration process for a smooth workflow:
* The data in the QuickBooks desktop can be migrated to the QuickBooks online. Since, all data can not be transferred, so make sure you must check the data that can be converted.
* Migration is a lengthy and time taking process, so make sure you initiate the process when you have sufficient time. Make sure your business operations are not hampered.
* The pricing structure of QuickBooks desktop and QuickBooks online is different. So, have a deep look on the pricing structure before initiating the migration process.
## How to migrate from QuickBooks desktop to online?
The **[Migrate from QuickBooks Desktop to Online](https://qbookassist.com/quickbooks-desktop-to-quickbooks-online/)** is simple and straightforward. The entire process is divided into three stages, which are explained below
**Prepare**
Before initiating the migration process, you need to prepare the data.
**Export**
Once the data is prepared, you must export the data.
**Compare**
After migrating the data, you need to compare the data.
## A Detailed Explanation of QuickBooks desktop to online migration Process
Let us take a deep look at each stage.
**Prepare**
Before initiating the migration process, make sure that the QuickBooks desktop is up to date. If the application is not updated, you must update it by clicking on the Update QuickBooks desktop option in the Help Menu. After updating the QuickBooks desktop, you must check the file size requirements. The maximum limit to import the data is 750,000 targets.
In order to determine the file size, press the F2 key and check the total targets on the product information screen. If the file size exceeds the prescribed file size limit, you must reduce it by condensing the data.
**Export**
Before initiating the QuickBooks desktop to online migration process, it is advised to create the backup of your data. After creating the backup, you can begin the QuickBooks desktop to online migration process.
* To initiate the process, all you need to move to the main desktop in QuickBooks desktop, click on the Company options > Export this Company File to QuickBooks Online.
* After this you must select what data do you need to migrate and then sign into the QuickBooks Online account. If you are not having the QuickBooks online account, you can create the new one.
* Further, you must log into the QuickBooks Online account and choose the Company file in which you wish to migrate your QuickBooks desktop data.
* Lastly, press the continue button to initiate the QuickBooks desktop to the online migration process.
* A successful email message will be sent to your registered email ID when the migration process is over.
You can migrate most of the data, including the transactions within a date range, specific lists and balances. To know more about what data can be migrated and what can not, you must visit the Intuit official website.
**Compare**
Once all the data is migrated, you must compare the transactions to ensure the smooth integrity and accuracy of the data. This step is necessary as if something went wrong, you can easily identify it and take the necessary actions.
## The End
With this, we conclude our blog. QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based service that has advanced accounting tools/ features which drastically improve the accounting work process. The unique features, enhanced security, and automatic backup encourage businesses to migrate from QuickBooks desktop to online. Hopefully, this blog will help you migrate your QuickBooks desktop data to QuickBooks Online. If you wish to explore the new features of QuickBooks online or need help in the migration process, call our experts at **[+1(877) 750-0672 ](tel:18777500672)**.
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