How can I create a report that displays categories and each expenses within the category line by line for the year?

I've got some steps that can help you display the categories for each expense, BethJL. 

In QuickBooks Online (QBO) Essential, Plus, and Advanced plans, the Reports feature is available where you can run your Transaction report. Using this will help you generate a report that contains what you need such as the expense transaction, amount, date, and others.   

Here's how: 

1. Go to the Reports menu located at the left navigation panel. 
2. In the search bar, type Transaction Detail by Account. 
3. (Optional) Click the option to Switch to the classic view. 
4. Scroll up and press the Customize option. 
5. Click the dropdown below the Report period. In there, you can choose the date that you want to display. 
6. In the Filter dropdown, tick the Transaction Type. 
7. Click the dropdown beside the Transaction Type and tick the Expense. 
8. Press Run report. 

To learn more about reports, you may want to see this material: Run reports in QuickBooks Online. 

You can also visit this guide since it contains information that can help you for your future reference: Memorize reports in QuickBooks Online. 

If you have concerns other than to run a report, please enter your concerns in the comment section. We're always here to help you.