What Is a QBM File?
Have you come across Quickbooks files with a QBM extension? Regardless of which Quickbooks version you are using, QBM files are oftentimes used to move data safely and efficiently. Unfortunately, many inexperienced Quickbooks users overlook this key feature, resorting to full backups instead. While backing up all of your Quickbooks data is one alternative method for temporarily moving it, using QBM files is easier and takes less time. To learn more about QBM files and how they work, keep reading.
QBM Files 101: The Basics
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what exactly QBM files are used for, as many people confuse them with full-size backups. While they both backups and QBM files are used to transfer Quickbooks data, there are major differences between the two that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Backup files are significantly larger in size, containing logos, images, letterheads, templates and more. On the other hand, QBM files are a stripped-down version of a backup, containing the core data without transaction logs and other unnecessary files.
Because they are smaller than full-size backups, QBM files can be transferred to USB flash drives or other portable storage devices. One of the issues some Quickbooks users face is trying to move their full-size backup files over to portable storage device. The enormous size of these files is oftentimes more than standard USB flash drives are capable of holding. Thankfully, this isn’t a problem with QBM files, as their stripped-down design takes up a fraction of the space as a full-sized backup.
Note: only users with administrative access can create a QBM file. If you’re looking to create one, make sure you are logged in as the administrator. This is necessary to ensure the security and privacy of sensitive Quickbooks data.
How To Create a QBM File
Creating a QBM file is a fairly easy and straightforward process that should only take a couple of minutes to complete. While you are logged in as the administrator, click on “File,” followed by “Create Copy.” Scroll through the available options and choose “Portable Company File.”
One of the great things about creating a QBM file is that you can save it directly to a USB flash drive, hard drive, or portable storage device. After selecting the option to save your copy as a “Portable Company File,” choose the destination of your file and click continue. When the process is complete, your new QBM file will be located in the specified destination.