Import file formats

Before you start the import process in MYOB AccountEdge, you'll export the data you want from the software application you've used to create the data. For example, if you've used a spreadsheet application to track your data in the past, you should use that spreadsheet application to export the information you want to use in AccountEdge. Remember which format you select, since you'll be asked to select one file format during the import process. When you save the file, choose a name and location for the file that you can remember and find easily, since you'll be asked to find the file during the import process.

Tab-delimited and comma-separated files

The data you want to import must be stored in a file, known as an import file, that uses either the tab-delimited or comma-separated file format. These formats are described below:

• Tab-delimited files contain fields that are separated by tab characters. For example, if a tab character appears between Brewster and 300 Roundhill Drive in a file of customer information, the file counts Brewster and 300 Roundhill Drive as two separate fields in a record. Tab-delimited files are often used by popular spreadsheet and worksheet applications.

• Comma-separated files contain records that are separated by commas. For example, if a comma appears between Brewster and 300 Roundhill Drive in a file of customer information, the file counts Brewster and 300 Roundhill Drive as two separate fields in a record. Comma-separated files are often used by popular database applications.

Header and Data records

Before you begin the process to import, you'll choose whether the first record in the import file is a header record or a data record.

• Header records are usually used as titles in import files; for example, some header records of customers might be titled "Customer Name," "Address" and "Telephone Number." Header records don't contain actual data.

• Data records are actual information that you want to include in your AccountEdge company file. If you indicate that your import file's first record is a data record, that record and all other records will be imported into AccountEdge.