Spreadsheet to IIF workflow

Create an IIF file from spreadsheet data

Turn a clean transaction worksheet into a local IIF export without uploading your bookkeeping data to a third-party conversion service.

Best for: spreadsheet-to-IIF preparation when you control the headers and can clean the worksheet before saving CSV.

First save as CSV: LedgerHarbor's working converter reads comma-separated files, not native spreadsheet workbooks.

Prepare the worksheet

Put field names in the first row and one transaction per following row. A practical starting layout is Date, Description, and Amount. Remove merged cells, blank header names, and explanatory rows above the header before saving.

Spreadsheet values that map cleanly

Date

Use a recognizable month/day/year date or an ISO-style date. Check a few rows after loading because spreadsheet locale settings can change how dates are exported.

Description and amount

Keep the useful payee or memo text in one column. Use signed numeric amounts, with outflows negative and inflows positive, unless you are using the Plus debit/credit controls.

Steps from worksheet to IIF

Clean the sheet. Keep a header row and transaction rows only.
Save as CSV. Use comma-separated values and keep the original worksheet as a backup.
Load locally. Open the LedgerHarbor converter and choose the CSV.
Map and analyze. Select date, description, and amount fields, then inspect validation results.
Download and review. Save the IIF, confirm account names and values, and retain the source file.

Example spreadsheet layout

Your worksheet can become Date,Description,Amount with rows such as 07/11/2026,Domain renewal,-24.00 and 07/12/2026,Reimbursement,24.00. If the sheet has Debit and Credit columns instead, use the separate-column workflow available in Plus.

What is not carried over

The output is an IIF text file, not a copy of the workbook. Formatting, formulas as formulas, cell colors, comments, multiple sheets, and unrelated spreadsheet columns are not preserved. The current generator focuses on basic deposit and check-style entries and does not create split transactions or transfers automatically.

Expected result

You download an IIF text export from the selected worksheet's CSV values. The original workbook remains your source of record; the export should be opened or imported only after you review the generated rows and account names.

Independent compatibility notice

LedgerHarbor is an independent product and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Intuit Inc. Intuit and QuickBooks are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. Always review the generated file against your bookkeeping workflow before import.

Create IIF from spreadsheet FAQ

Can LedgerHarbor read an XLSX file directly?

The current converter accepts CSV files. Save the worksheet as comma-separated CSV before opening it in LedgerHarbor.

Which spreadsheet columns are required?

Use a header row plus date, description or memo, and signed amount columns. LedgerHarbor Plus can also map separate debit and credit columns.

Will formulas and formatting be preserved?

No. LedgerHarbor reads the CSV values and creates an IIF export; spreadsheet formulas, cell styling, comments, and unrelated columns are not preserved as spreadsheet features.

Open the converter CSV to IIF Bank CSV to IIF Debit and credit CSV to IIF