Convert QBA to QBW

Understanding QBA and QBW file formats

QBA files are QuickBooks Accountant's Copy working files. These are special files created by QuickBooks Desktop when an accountant needs to make changes to a client's company file without having full access to the original data. QBA files allow accountants to work on the file and later import their changes back into the client's company file.

QBW files are QuickBooks Company Files. This is the primary file format used by QuickBooks Desktop to store all company data, including transactions, accounts, and settings. QBW files are the main working files for businesses using QuickBooks.

How to convert QBA to QBW

Direct conversion from QBA to QBW is not supported because QBA files are designed for limited use and to be merged back into the original QBW file. However, you can create a QBW file from a QBA file by removing the Accountant's Copy restrictions. This process is called removing restrictions or converting Accountant's Copy to a regular company file.

Step-by-step conversion process

1. Open the QBA file in QuickBooks Desktop Accountant Edition.
2. Go to File → Accountant's Copy → Remove Restrictions.
3. Choose Remove Accountant's Copy Restrictions and confirm your choice.
4. Save the file. QuickBooks will prompt you to save the file as a QBW (company file).
5. Choose a location and filename, then click Save.

After this process, you will have a standard QBW file that can be opened and used like any other QuickBooks company file.

Best software for QBA to QBW conversion

The best and most reliable software for this conversion is Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Accountant Edition. This is the only software that fully supports QBA and QBW file formats and provides the necessary tools to remove Accountant's Copy restrictions and save as a QBW file.

Important notes

• Once you remove the Accountant's Copy restrictions, you cannot import changes back into the original company file.
• Always create a backup before converting or removing restrictions.
• This process is only available in QuickBooks Desktop Accountant Edition.