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chrish2
January 7, 2020
Solved

We import invoices using IIF files but now need to have carriage returns in the invoice line descriptions. (MEMO). \n is coming through as \n? Any ideas?

  • January 7, 2020
  • 3 replies
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Original commenter did not share additional details
Best answer by BigRedConsulting

We are using the BRC IIF Creator and have run into the same problem.  BRC support has been helpful in trying to resolve this - they are able to upload our IIF file into QB 2021 and see the \n as a line feed.  When we import the IIF into our QB's, is just shows the "\n" and does not line feed.  Wondering if Chrish2 or anyone else has figured this out?  Thanks for any help.


We've found that recent versions of QuickBooks ignore the \n characters in memo fields when importing using the standard flow. Starting with QB 2019 Intuit significantly changed (and messed up) IIF import in an effort to make it better. While that failed fantastically, they've done little to fix it since.

 

Still, there is a way to make it work again like it used to. See this page for steps, and for a long list of issues with the new import code, which (thank goodness) continue to not exist in the old code, which you can access:

BRC QuickBooks 2019+ IIF Import Changes and Recommendations

3 replies

MikiD
MikiD
January 7, 2020

This issue could have been related on how the file was formatted, chrish2.

 

Correct .IIF format must be followed exactly to ensure your transactions import successfully. If not, this may lead to an error or the data will import incorrectly. 

 

To ensure everything is handled correctly, you might want to view the instructions and recommendations stated in this article:  IIF Overview, import kit, sample files, and headers.

 

Lastly, here's more details about the new and imporved IIF Import in the later versions of QuickBooks Desktop: Latest Changes about importing. 

 

Be sure to drop your questions again if you require further assistance. 

 

 

BigRedConsulting
BigRedConsulting
January 8, 2020

Yes, putting "\n" within a Memo/Description field on a form that can show it in multi-line format will work. For example, for an item description on an invoice or other sales form.

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chrish2Author
January 8, 2020

Thank you for your reply.

It didn't work.  We are using the memo field as shown here...

 

!SPL SPLID TRNSTYPE DATE ACCNT NAME CLASS AMOUNT DOCNUM MEMO

SPL 134 INVOICE 12/27/2019 Consulting Income -62.50 "10/03/2019\nSR# 80782: Looked into Domain questions"

 

Everything comes in fine but the Invoice description still shows the \n...

10/03/2019\nSR# 80782: Looked into Dom...

 

I tried it with and without the quotes and also tried to use the character excel puts in a CSV when a field has an embedded carriage return.   All to no avail.   Any ideas?   

S
Soundman01
May 19, 2021

Same problem here. (using 2021 Premier) I tried the option at the bottom of the import window "import without review (not recommended) Import it for me I'll fix it later" It works fine accepts the \n and puts in the line break.

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