Tips to open QIF file

Can't open the QIF file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open QIF files as well as a list of programs that support QIF files.

QIF file extension

File Name Quicken Interchange Format
File Developer Intuit
File Category Data Files

The QIF file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the QIF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the QIF file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 6
  • 3
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is QIF file?

The .QIF file is a transmission file. It is used by Intuit's Quicken software. It is used to transmit financial data between financial management applications, such as GNUCash, Microsoft Money or Corel Quattro Pro. The data is exported in text form and should be imported to the appropriate account in the target application. Files in this format may also be sent to users by financial institutions or offices. The software is mainly used in the United States.

How to open QIF file?

The most common problem when using Quicken Interchange Format is that a specific QIF is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that QIF files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the QIF file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install GnuCash

The first step is to check if the computer has the GnuCash program installed. To do this, enter the name GnuCash into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file QIF.

Step 2. Create association of GnuCash with QIF files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the QIF file still does not use the GnuCash program, it means no association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the GnuCash application as the default for handling the QIF file.

Step 3. Update GnuCash to the latest version

If, however, after binding GnuCash with Quicken Interchange Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the The GNU Cash project page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the QIF file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:

The QIF file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the QIF file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file QIF or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover QIF files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the QIF file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair QIF file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Intuit
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted QIF files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the QIF file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the QIF file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the QIF file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.