Import PDF into Quicken: convert PDF to CSV

Quicken imports QFX, QIF and CSV files. Convert your PDF file to CSV first, then import it. Read the full Quicken import guide.

extract transactions from PDF files

What is a PDF statement

A PDF shows transactions for reading, not for importing, so every row has to be extracted from the page layout. Before you convert, check that rows split across two pages are complete, that statements crossing a new year have the right year, and that the total matches the closing balance. A scanned statement is read with OCR, so check its amounts more closely.

What is a Quicken CSV file

A CSV file is a plain text table with one transaction per row. Quicken doesn't read just any CSV: Quicken for Windows and Quicken for Mac each need their own column layout, so a CSV written for one doesn't work in the other. Quicken for Windows reads date, payee, amount, category, account, tag, memo and check number. Quicken for Mac reads the CSV Mint layout, which has a category but no subcategory.

Why convert PDF to a Quicken CSV

Quicken can't read a PDF statement, and retyping it takes far longer than checking a converted file. A CSV file is also the choice when you want categories to come along with the transactions. It has no transaction IDs, so import each period only once.

Before you import: back up Quicken

Back up your Quicken data file before you import any file, so you can restore it if the transactions come in wrong.

Step by step: convert PDF to CSV

  1. Download, install and start ProperConvert. The trial is free.
  2. Open your PDF file.
  3. Review the transactions to see how the app read your file. Check that the dates are correct, and that expenses are negative and deposits (payments to the account) are positive. The "Change +/-" button reverses the signs for the whole file, for bank and credit card accounts alike.
  4. Set the CSV settings below.
  5. Click Convert, then confirm the file name and location.

Set the CSV output settings

The CSV target must match your Quicken. In the CSV tab on the right sidebar, select:

Then check that the date column is correct and that money out is negative. See all CSV settings.

Import the CSV file into Quicken

In Quicken Classic for Windows:

  1. Click File > File Import > Banking Transactions > From (.CSV) File and select the file.
  2. Review the imported transactions in the register.

In Quicken for Mac, import the CSV Mint file. It always goes into a new account, so afterward:

  1. Select the transactions in the new account.
  2. Drag them onto the account you want in the sidebar.
  3. Delete the temporary account.

See the Quicken import guide for the full Windows column layout.

Quicken CSV questions

Which CSV target do I select for Quicken?

Quicken Windows (CSV) for Quicken Classic for Windows, and Quicken Mac (CSV Mint) for Quicken for Mac. The two layouts are different, so a file made for one doesn't work in the other.

Does a CSV import check for duplicates?

No. In Quicken for Windows every row is added, so importing the same file twice doubles the transactions. Import each period once.

Does a CSV file bring categories into Quicken?

Yes. The Windows layout has categories, subcategories (Category:Subcategory) and tags. CSV Mint has a category but no subcategory.

Can a CSV file create transfers in Quicken?

No. The Windows CSV import doesn't create transfers, even when the category holds an account name in brackets, such as [Savings].

Does Quicken need the Internet to import a CSV file?

No. QIF, CSV and CSV Mint import without an Internet connection. Only QFX needs one.

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