QuickBooks for Mac

QuickBooks is a leading and one of the finest accounting software programs in the United States and Canada. It is developed by Intuit. Did you know QuickBooks for Mac and Windows is also available? Millions of users use the QuickBooks software for Mac. The accounting software helps businesses streamline their operations and workflows with features like payroll, tax filing, financial reports, inventory tracking, and sales and purchase order mandates.

Small & medium business owners benefit from QuickBooks for Mac 2024, an Apple-exclusive desktop software package that effectively performs accounting-based tasks. To help you focus on your business rather than your books, QuickBooks Mac Plus can automate numerous accounting activities like payroll, invoice creation, sales estimates, and many other accounting-based activities.

In this detailed article, we will review the benefits of QuickBooks Mac Plus and show you how to download QuickBooks for Mac.

What is QuickBooks for Mac Desktop Software?

QuickBooks for Mac is an accounting software program developed specifically for Mac users. Non-Mac users cannot use this version of the software, which is locally installed on Mac computers. It's ideal for small businesses as it offers every feature they can expect from an accounting software program.

Moreover, you get a host of accounting features from QuickBooks. For example, automatically tracking work time and running payroll services, an option to send invoices to clients, connect to third-party apps, keep track of financial reports, and more. QuickBooks for Mac can be downloaded after purchasing the software license from Intuit.

Why is QuickBooks for Mac a Great Accounting Software?

There are many reasons why QuickBooks for Mac is a great accounting software. On the QuickBooks for Mac platform, CPAs, bookkeepers, and accounting professionals love the software because it's simple to set up, use, and upgrade; no previous accounting knowledge is necessary. This accounting software offers Mac-specific features. It helps automate everyday accounting tasks like estimating, invoicing, tracking income and expenses, tracking inventory and sales tax, managing bills and accounts payable on a cash and accrual accounting basis, and more.

Additionally, it is a whole suite of add-on services, such as payments, payroll, point of sale, etc. It also helps you maximize tax savings with properly organized expenses and helps track your business performance to make informed decisions.

Table of Differences b/w QuickBooks Desktop for Mac & QuickBooks Online

With QuickBooks Desktop Pro, you can send and track invoices, pay bills, and manage payroll all from one platform. This is why a majority of users prefer to use QuickBooks Pro for Mac:

QuickBooks for Mac is Made for? Who Should Use it & Who Shouldn't

The simple fact is that QuickBooks for Mac Sequoia is for those who use a Mac computer and prefer Mac-specific features, such as iCloud file sharing, along with the speed and security of locally installed software. Many freelancers and bookkeepers are generally fluent in bookkeeping and prefer to work on desktop versions of QuickBooks because data input and navigation are faster. It is also quite good for project-based businesses.

QuickBooks for Mac has many features that assist users with tracking and managing project costs and sending progress invoices at every step of the project completion, rather than waiting until the end. This allows users to easily track mileage, time, and expense by customer or project. QuickBooks for Mac reviews are also good in this regard.

But it's not an option for those who don't use a Mac but a Windows computer. It's also not a good fit for mobile users because QuickBooks Mac Plus does not come with a mobile app to perform basic accounting functions. It's not suitable even for professionals and businesses seeking affordable monthly pricing plans, as it's available only with an annual plan. It also lacks support for more than 3 users and multi-currency transactions.

Here are the Top Features of QuickBooks for Mac

QuickBooks for Mac has several features that go beyond tracking income and expenses for your business. We will discuss the top features that make it one of the most liked accounting software programs among CPAs, bookkeepers, and accounting professionals.

1. Batch Invoice for Quick Payments

With this feature, you can now create automatic invoices or payment reminders for your customers whenever payments are due, and you can get paid faster. Your multiple invoices can be combined into one email, and statements can be sent to your customers with required payment links (with online ACH, credit card, PayPal, Stripe, or eCheck payment options). This unique feature helps customers pay and settle balances through an online payment method. Additionally, you can send invoices to multiple customers simultaneously.

2. Square Sales Transactions Import

This feature is available in the latest versions of the QuickBooks for Mac software. It helps you easily import or transfer Square sales transaction data straight into QuickBooks for Mac and prevents you from the burden of manual data entry.

3. Class Tracking Feature

Using this feature, you can efficiently track all your income and expenses for multiple locations or departments at a time, which can save you a lot of time and effort. Income Tracker helps you track and filter all your income-related transactions in one place, including overdue invoices. It also sends alerts to customers for clearing dues.

4. Multi-user Access with iCloud Sharing

The multi-user access feature of the QuickBooks Mac software allows you to share access with two more users. These users may be your CPAs, accountants, or bookkeepers. Moreover, if you need it, you can easily move your QuickBooks files from one of your Mac computers to another.

5. Past Due' Stamp Feature

QuickBooks for Mac now has the ‘Past Due' Stamp feature on invoices. You can compare which invoice is better for you and your clients. With this embedded feature, your customers and clients will be notified with the ‘Past Due' stamp and prompted to make that payment.

6. Budget Management and Forecasting

In QuickBooks for Mac, you can now forecast and manage your annual budget in view of your income and expenses. By comparing the current and previous budgets, you can also evaluate the performance of your business and track your progress against your goals.

7. Easy Reconciliation Process

This is yet another powerful feature of QuickBooks for Mac. It helps you restore your data and establish a monthly balance between the bank and credit card accounts. It also helps you troubleshoot other expense-related issues.

8. Customization of Products & Services, Email Sending & Tracking

With QuickBooks for Mac, you can customize your products and services according to your needs. You can also monitor the overall sales of products and services. QuickBooks on Mac allows you to send email purchase orders or other documents attached to the emails. It enables you to send emails to your vendors and customers and gives you the power to track them anytime you want.

9. Centralized Dashboard

It has a centralized dashboard that offers custom data ranges, widgets, and layouts per your requirements. This eventually gives you far more visibility and insights into your business. Moreover, its refreshed reporting structure improves customization, navigation, presentation, and usability. With the ‘Left Hand Toolbar' feature, you can create shortcuts to move QuickBooks around faster than ever. QuickBooks Mac download is easy, offering you enhanced accounting features.

10. Enhanced Project Management & Tax Filing Mandates

QuickBooks for Mac provides you with the ability to create projects that are specific to customers. With the help of this feature, you can determine a job's status, project start and end dates, and other descriptions. It also allows you to run reports on job costs. Most remarkably,

QuickBooks for Mac allows you to compare budgeted and actual project costs for any project, which is impossible in QuickBooks Online. It also helps you track time, create timesheets, attach billable time to invoices, and generate progressive invoices at every step of project completion.

Though QuickBooks for Mac cannot file or pay sales tax returns for you, you can easily add sales tax items, track sales tax liabilities, and adjust sales tax from sales returns.

QuickBooks Mac New Features in 2025

QuickBooks Mac Software adds and upgrades features from time to time. Here are a few of the new ones to watch out for:

1. Apple Silicon Processor Compatibility

Apple started transitioning from Intel processors to Apple Silicon in its Mac computers in 2020. Intuit also tried customizing its QuickBooks software to work seamlessly with newer Mac hardware standards like Apple Silicon. The all-new QuickBooks Mac Plus 2024 can help you maximize your performance, whether you use previous-generation Macs or employ the new Apple Silicon processor.

2. Receipt Management

QuickBooks Mac Plus can directly import receipt data from an iPhone or a PDF file and automatically create categorized receipt expense transactions. You can attach digital receipt images to the expense transactions to prepare them for audit trials. This is not all. You can modify, categorize, and record several receipt transactions whenever required.
Additionally, other users, after you authorize them, can review such transactions within QuickBooks or via email. This would offer you the ultimate peace of mind, help you stay organized, and save time.

3. Enhanced Customer Support

With a QuickBooks for Mac Plus subscription, you get unlimited access to Intuit's live customer support at no extra cost. You will also have a call-back option if you don't want to be in a queue. If you need anything, you can also get support from live tech experts through chat. If required, you can access Intuit's QuickBooks data recovery team if you need any support in repairing your damaged or corrupt files.

4. Improved Bank Feeds

With enhanced bank feeds, manual entry is minimized. The status of your linked bank accounts gets refreshed in a single click. You can review transactions and resolve discrepancies. Most remarkably, this software feature automatically categorizes or batch edits your bank transactions by accounts, payees, and classes, making importing your bank feeds quicker and easier.

5. Auto-sending Reminders and Statements

Now, you can save a lot of time while sending statements and payment reminders to your customers. It can automate sending recurring statements to various customer groups in keeping with their payment tendencies and needs.

6. Create Customer & Multiple Email for Contacts

You can now create rule-based customer groups that are auto-updated to match the specified criteria. This increases your abilities for better customer management, insights, and effective communication. Sending an email is no longer time-consuming. You can easily send emails to one or multiple recipients by choosing the correct recipients from your customer and vendor contact list in a matter of time.

You can also set gmail as your default QuickBooks email preference. QuickBooks for Mac is improving their features according to the business needs.

7. Improved Transaction & Report Management

You will keep yourself informed of the status of your bank transactions, and this information will appear on your invoices and checks. You no longer need to review lengthy reports or search for a few particular items for review. You can hide unnecessary rows or columns while reviewing your desired reports.

8. Subscription-Based License

Now QuickBooks for Mac has become subscription-based, and users must renew their licenses annually. Back in 2022, QuickBooks Mac was not a subscription based model.

What are the Major Integrations & Add-Ons for QuickBooks Mac Desktop?

Here are the prime integrations and add-ons for QuickBooks Mac software.

1. JobTread

JobTread is a construction management software that integrates well with both QuickBooks for Mac and QuickBooks Online. It helps job-based businesses manage all their pre-construction to project completion processes.
JobTread gives you access to an extensive range of Sales and Estimating features spanning from construction CRM and contracts to budgeting and eSignatures. Its Project Management features include daily logs, purchase orders, tasks, scheduling, etc. The Finance and Cash Flow features give you options like invoices, change orders, job costing, billing, and payment processing. With its 'Business Intelligence' features, you have dashboards, performance insights, reporting, and other custom fields.

2. SmartServ

SmartServ is a cloud-based software that businesses can use to track billable hours, generate estimates, invoices, and purchase orders, handle accounts receivable and accounts payable, monitor transactions, etc. With this, you can create annual and monthly agreements, view past and upcoming visits, and send auto-reminders to your clients for any pending invoices. It smoothly integrates with third-party applications like QuickBooks, which allows your accounting team to synchronize quotes, tasks, vendor details, contacts, and more. Its inventory module helps you manage order fulfillment, stock levels, replenishment, and inter-warehouse transfers.

3. Method CRM

Method CRM is a fully customizable CRM for small businesses using QuickBooks. It supports seamless integration with QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. Method CRM makes managing leads and sales pipelines, automating workflows, and tracking sales activities easier.

The patented two-way QuickBooks sync immediately updates payments, invoices, and customer data in your QuickBooks Desktop or Online account. With Method CRM, you can finally say goodbye to double data entry, and for good reasons. The best part is that it is fully customizable and code-free. And it works on literally any device, such as iOS, Android, a laptop, or a PC.

4. Mobiwork

MobiWork is a robust, scalable, and customizable mobile workforce management software program for all small, medium, and large businesses, regardless of the number of employees, from only a few to thousands of employees. It is a leading provider of cloud-based mobile workforce solutions in equipment management, logistics, field sales, field services, and field marketing.

5. Sisense

Sisense is a data and analytics platform that easily mashes up data from across the entire data landscape and transforms it into actionable analytics applications that can be embedded anywhere. Thousands of organizations worldwide, from startups to global brands like Philips, GE, etc, use Sisense to drive digital transformation in their businesses.

Whether your data is on-premise, in the cloud, or a mix of both, Sisense offers every feature you require to deliver successfully according to your analytics application strategies. You can try Sisense and integrate it after the QuickBooks for Mac download is done.

What are the Best Alternatives for QuickBooks Mac?

1. Zoho Books

It's an accounting software program designed to assist small businesses in managing their finances. It offers a great dashboard and a variety of reports. It also helps business owners automate accounting tasks and set up customized workflows. It is a cloud-based accounting software that allows you to access the application from anywhere, anytime.

2. Xero

Xero is an accounting software program for small businesses, their advisors, and personal finance professionals. Its features include general ledger and double-entry bookkeeping support, purchase order and expense management, invoicing with quotes, tax management, bank reconciliation, etc. It can integrate with more than 800 add-on apps. This software is offered as a software as a service (also known as SaaS) at a monthly subscription fee.

3. Sage Intact

This powerful tool helps you with your accounting tasks, cash management, vendor management, contact management, inventory management, purchasing, subscription billing, revenue recognition, fund accounting, project accounting, financial consolidation, etc. All of these services are available through the cloud.

It aims to give business owners the agility and visibility to make data-driven decisions and steer their organizations to their expected growth. When integrated with a planning and budgeting tool and HR and people management software, Sage Intacct offers a digital transformation through continuous accounting, trust, and insight. FreshBooks

4. BlackLine

This tool automates the processes needed to finalize the periodic closing of your books. Beyond closing or reconciliation management, it has the capabilities required to maximize the control and management of your financial processes throughout the accounting cycle. All these QuickBooks for Mac alternatives are compatible with Apple devices.

5. FreshBooks

It's a well-managed accounting tool for small businesses. This solution allows users to easily send and manage invoices, track time, and collect online payments. This software solution provides a straightforward service that greatly simplifies your billing process. It can be smoothly integrated with many other add-on tools, such as Citrix RightSignature, Shopify, Gusto, Mailchimp, Zendesk Support Suite, Google App Engine, Wufoo, and Basecamp.

QuickBooks Desktop for Mac vs QuickBooks Desktop for Mac Plus

Some differences exist between the QuickBooks Desktop for Mac version and the newer QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus subscription. The newer QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus version is the same core product with the same user interface as QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. The fundamental differences are:

• How does a customer pay to access the software?
• Some additional benefits are offered in the subscription-based QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

A new Mac Plus subscription contains some additional benefits, such as easy access to the latest software version, the newest features and security patches, unlimited support and data recovery, and other premium features like creating expense transactions and automatically categorizing them. QuickBooks Mac download gives access to all these features and options.

QuickBooks for Mac: Pros & Cons

Limitations of QuickBooks Mac. What are the Differences between QuickBooks and Mac and Windows Software?

The fundamental features and functionalities of any accounting software remain the same whether it's developed for use on a Windows or Mac computer. Here are the core differences between QuickBooks for Windows and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. These differences will also make the limitations of QuickBooks for Mac explicit.

1. Business Size

QuickBooks for Windows is for all small, medium, and large businesses; up to 40 users can use the software. Still, QuickBooks for Mac is specifically for small businesses, where up to 3 users can use the software. QuickBooks for Mac does not come in Premier and Enterprise versions, which are available in Windows.

2. Inventory & Multicurrency

QuickBooks for Windows has units of measure and assembly items that QuickBooks Desktop for Mac does not. It also supports multi-currency transitions, but QuickBooks Desktop for Mac does not.

3. Payroll

Payroll can be subscribed as an add-on service, but it is not part of the QuickBooks for Mac subscription, as it is with the Windows version. As for Mac services, QuickBooks for Mac exchanges its QuickBooks with payroll for Mac data with QuickBooks Payroll online.

4. Third-party App Integrations

You won't be able to integrate any applications with QuickBooks for Mac; you will be solely dependent upon the QuickBooks SDK, App Center, or WebConnector to access QuickBooks data.

5. Accountant's Copy

You can share the QuickBooks Desktop for Mac files with your accountants, but you will not be able to work on them during that time. However, we have come up with a workaround for this problem. You need to follow some steps to do this. You can search for “round-tripping” on Intuit's online Help page.

QuickBooks Desktop for Mac is built specifically for Mac. If you have already used other Mac applications, you will no doubt feel familiar and comfortable with the interface. But if you're accustomed exclusively to using keyboard shortcuts on the Windows version, you will have a different experience on the Mac version.

QuickBooks for Mac Download, Install, & Set Up: A Complete Guide

This is one of the most commonly asked yet simple questions about how to download and install QuickBooks on a Mac. Many answers are available, but correctly downloading, setting up, and installing the QuickBooks for Mac software is still challenging.

Here are the step-by-step instructions. Before proceeding, you should check the minimum system requirements for running the software on a Mac.

Step 1: Find Your Product and License Number

• If you bought the physical copy of the software, you can find the scratch-off label on the package. Scratch off the label to find the product and license numbers.
• If you bought a digital copy of the software and want to download it, the license and product numbers are in the purchase confirmation email sent by Intuit.

Step 2: Download and Install QuickBooks for Mac

• Download your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac version. If you are comfortable using a CD installer, you can use it.

Note:If you face any problems downloading the installer, try clearing the cookies and cache from your browser. If you are still having issues, try a different browser.

• Close all other applications currently running on the computer.
• Insert the disc into your Mac CD drive (if any) or open the installer.
• The QuickBooks installation window will open now. Drag the QuickBooks icon to the Applications folder.
• The Applications folder will automatically open. Select the QuickBooks icon and open the application.

Step 3: Upgrade or Convert Your Company Files

If you upgrade from an older version of QuickBooks for Mac, you must update your company files to work in the newer version.

Now, just proceed with these steps:

• Open your company files using the newer version of QuickBooks software.
• When QuickBooks prompts you to update or convert the company files, select Upgrade. Once you get a prompt message, select OK.
• Check your accounts, balances, and reports. It ensures that the correct files are converted.

Step 4: Set up Multi-user Mode if Needed

If several users are working on the QuickBooks software, you can set up multi-user mode. This will allow multiple users to work simultaneously on the same company file from different workstations. Now, your QuickBooks for Mac is ready for use.

• Close QuickBooks for Mac Software.
• Copy the backup file to the Documents folder on your Mac computer.
• Reopen QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, then select File and then choose Open Company.
• Select the MAC.qbb file here, then select Open.
• Select OK when asked (here you wish to restore a QuickBooks for Windows file).
• Name the restored file according to your choice, and then select Save. You are now ready to use QuickBooks software for Mac and your company file.

QuickBooks for Mac download may not be easy to set up and install. But once you follow the above steps, you can smoothly download QuickBooks Mac Software on your systems.

How Do You Convert QuickBooks from PC or Windows to Mac?

If you have been using your existing QuickBooks for PC or Windows and now want to use QuickBooks on your Mac computer, then you must follow three simple steps.

First, you must copy your company files to QuickBooks Mac on your Windows computer. Then, you will have to purchase the Mac version of QuickBooks, download and install it on your Mac computer, and restore the backup of your company files on your Mac. Now, you are all set to go.

Here are three steps to follow:

Step 1

• Upgrade QuickBooks for Windows to its latest version on your Windows computer and open your company file as the administrator.
• Go to the File menu, select Utilities, Copy Company File for QuickBooks Mac, and follow the onscreen prompts. This way, QuickBooks will automatically create a MAC.qbb (backup) file.
• Now, a pop-up message will appear saying that QuickBooks for Windows might be a better fit for your company. You must check if some of your data has not been converted from Windows. Select Yes if you wish to continue.
• Save the file in your desired folder. You can name the file at your convenience and select Save. Please do not use any special characters while naming the file.
• Now, you can move your company files to your Mac computer by using a storage device like a USB flash drive.

Step 2

You will need to purchase QuickBooks software for Mac.

If you need to confirm, please ensure the QuickBooks Mac Plus 2024 System Requirements and scroll down to see the description.

Step 3

Now, you need to restore the MAC.qbb Backup on your Mac

The MAC.qbb file is a copy of your company file copied from your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac that you will need to restore in QuickBooks for Mac (on your Mac computer).

Follow the steps for the process:

• Close QuickBooks
• Copy the backup file to the Documents folder on your Mac computer.
• Reopen the QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, then select File and Open Company.
• Select the MAC.qbb file here, then select Open.
• Select OK when asked (here you wish to restore a QuickBooks for Windows file.
• Name the restored file according to your choice, and then select Save. You are now ready to use QuickBooks for Mac software and your company file on your Mac.

QuickBooks for Mac Pricing Plans

Concluding Lines

QuickBooks for Mac software is a good choice for Apple users as it has all the accounting and business workflow features you would want from an application. QuickBooks for Mac review and download speak about how well the software is designed for small businesses, bookkeepers, and tax preparers. However, we have covered almost everything about QuickBooks for Mac, we hope you get a good understanding of what QuickBooks for Mac is, who uses it, what you can do with it, how you can install or convert it, its best add-ons, alternatives, limitations, pros, and cons, etc. You can purchase the QuickBooks software for Mac from Intuit and also buy your QuickBooks hosting plans as per your choice and business requirements.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I get QuickBooks on a Mac?

Yes. You can install QuickBooks on a Mac by downloading the application or using the QuickBooks web version.

Is QuickBooks for Mac being discontinued?

Yes, QuickBooks for Mac has been discontinued. The last new subscription sale was in September 2024. However, existing QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, and Mac Plus users can renew their subscriptions.

What is the Apple equivalent of QuickBooks?

Since Apple users have varying business needs and requirements, there isn't an Apple equivalent of QuickBooks. However, other alternatives are Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online.

Can I buy QuickBooks for Mac without a subscription?

No. QuickBooks for Mac is only available on a yearly subscription model. You cannot purchase the license or buy the software as a one-time purchase.

Is there a difference between QuickBooks for Mac and Windows?

Yes, there are some specific differences between QuickBooks for Mac and QuickBooks for Windows. Notably, QuickBooks for Windows offers more features, options, integrations, inventory features, and multi-currency support than QuickBooks Mac Software.

Can you run QuickBooks on a Mac?

Yes, of course, you can run QuickBooks on a Mac by downloading and installing QuickBooks for Mac. You can also use QuickBooks Online or through QuickBooks cloud hosting on your devices.