How to import journal entries

Summary

Learn how to import journal entries in Sage Accounting.

To import a file of journal entries, ensure it:

Contains only journal entries for existing ledger accounts
- Create accounts in your chart of accounts before importing the file
Is in comma-separated value (CSV) format
Uses the same column headings and formatting as in the journals template file

From Adjustments, Journals, select New Journal and then Import Journals.
Select the CSV template link in the Import Journals window to download a CSV template.
Go to the downloads folder on your device to find the file.

Compare your file to the template file before importing your journals. Ensure column headings and data format match the template.
If you don't have a file, add your journal entries to the template file. Leave the column headings as-is and replace the sample data with your journals, using the same format.
You can change the order of the columns but not the column headings. Move unused columns to the end for easier data entry.
Ensure your file format is correct using the table below. The header row in your CSV file must use the same headings as shown in the Field name column.

NOTE: The maximum file size you can import is 0.5MB. If your file is larger, split it into another file.

List all lines you want in one journal under the same reference number. Fill in columns A, B, and C once, and list the details of each line in the remaining columns.
Ensure the Debit and Credit amounts (columns J and K) for each line match or balance to 0.
After you import, the system creates one journal entry with a line for each item. The system creates a new journal entry when the data in column A differs from the previous row.

NOTE: The example hides some columns in the template file.

Column	Field name	Type	Compulsory	Notes
A	Reference	Text	Yes	Numbers, letters, or a mix of both. Limit: 75 characters.
B	Date	Number	Yes	Numbers in month, day, year format (for example, 01/01/2022).
C	Description	Text	No	Numbers, letters, or a mix of both. Limit: 200 characters.
D	Ledger Account Number	Number	Yes	Enter a ledger account number from your chart of accounts. Add new accounts before importing journals. Enter only the account number, not the name.
E	Details	Text	No	Numbers, letters, or a mix of both. Limit: 200 characters.
F	Analysis Type 1	Text	No	Enter analysis types exactly as in Accounting. Add new types before importing journals. Limit: 250 characters. Change cell format from General to Text.
G	Analysis Type 2	Text	No
H	Analysis Type 3	Text	No
I	Include on Tax Return	Text	No	Enter Yes, Y, No, or N.
J	Debit	Number	Yes	Debit and Credit amounts must be ≤ 99999999.00. Enter only numbers.
K	Credit	Number	Yes
L	Exchange rate	Number	No	Optional for foreign currency journals. Enter only numbers.

From Adjustments, Journals, select New Journal and then Import Journals.
Select Choose File. Browse to your CSV file and click Open.
Click Upload. Fix any file issues found during the process and try again.
Click OK.

NOTE: If you're importing a large file, wait for the import to finish before entering new transactions.