Quicken Canada for MAC vs for Windows

JSchinz
JSchinz Member ✭✭
in All Things Canadian (Mac)
I have used Quicken Canada for Windows for 30 + years. Ever since it first came out. I have a new iMAC desktop computer and would sure like to use it for Quicken. I have my old iMAC partitioned with Windows on it just so I can use Quicken for Windows. Now my question. Is the MAC version now the same as the Windows version of Quicken? Previously the MAC version was a very different program and did not look or work at all like the Windows Version. So are they both the same now?

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  • smayer97
    smayer97 SuperUser, Mac Beta, Canada Beta ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2019 Answer ✓
    Not even close. They are still different programs. But Quicken is committed to bringing feature parity to both products over time. One advantage that QMac has over QWin is that it can connect to both US and CA Fis/Banks unlike QWin which currently requires 2 separate versions; one for US, one for CA. 

    That said, if you have or get the Quicken subscription membership, you get access to both QWin and QMac, so you can experiment to first convert your QWin data file to QMac, then see if it meets your needs. Be prepared that many features in QWin do not exist in QMac and some of the workflow is different so it will take time to get used to it. 

    NOTE: the following were written with QWin-US version in mind, so YMMV for QWin-CA.

    If your data is from QW2010 or newer, the mechanics are quite simple to convert...copy data file over to Mac. Open data file with QMac. The built-in conversion process will step you through but there are a few things you need to know; here is the entire process:
    In your case, you can skip steps 1 and 2 but review all the prep and background info before:

    If you need to use an intermediary version, as mentioned on that page, instead of getting QW2010, you can try using QW2013 available from Quicken for FREE here: https://www.quicken.com/support/how-and-when-use-intermediate-version-convert-older-versions-quicken
    (that first page needs to be updated  ;-)  )

    NOTE: Be aware that at this time, it is very difficult to convert back from Mac to Windows, as there are many problems with the reverse conversion process.

    I also suggest that you make sure that Quicken for Mac subscription will meet your needs, since it was re-written from the ground up (first with Quicken Essentials in 2010, then again with QM2015 onward) and is not the same product as the Windows version, so there are some features that are still not there e.g. full loan amortization*, 2-line display, QuickMath, or are not as fully developed yet, e.g. Customized Reports, some investment performance reports and stats  (therefore some data may not carry over). You can start here:

    *NOTE: Support for fixed rate loans has been released as of  QM2017 v4.5.x but there is no announced timing for support for variable rate or simple daily interest loans.

    You may want to review the List of Obstacles and Hindrances for Migrating from QM2007 or QWin to Quicken for Mac. Add your vote to any features that are missing for you. Your VOTES matter!

    Be aware of data that will and will not carry forward: 
    (A couple more things to note: historical currency rates are not migrated AND currency conversions of transactions are not migrated).

    Then look at the updates since the original release here:
    You will also want to look at a more detailed comparison done by a SuperUser which also identifies nuances not mentioned elsewhere (and read on for comments from other users too on that same discussion thread): 
    Take a look at the following videos to give you a better idea:

    Note that there are many differences that are rather subtle, that are not necessarily identifiable via documentation, for example, the 12-month budget feature does not allow including transfers, including investment income, selecting specific accounts,  or have rollover capability.

    Have Questions? Help Guide for Quicken for Mac
    FAQs: Quicken Mac • Quicken Windows • Quicken Mobile
    Add your VOTE to Quicken for Mac Product Ideas

    Object to Quicken's business model, using up 25% of your screen? Add your vote here:
    Quicken should eliminate the LARGE Ad space when a subscription expires

    (Canadian     user since '92, STILL using QM2007)
  • JSchinz
    JSchinz Member ✭✭
    WOW! Thanks for the great response. I am presently using Quicken 2016 for Windows. You have provided many links for me to review before making a decision on a switch to the MAC version of Quicken. But from reading your response I may just stick with my old partitioned MAC with Windows ( Quicken and QuickBooks are all I use the old MAC for - it just takes up space on my desk for those 2 pieces of software ! ) Lots to consider and lots of features that I probably don't need either. I will report back when I get a chance to review the links and make a decision. Busy summer so it may be fall before I fully review. Thanks again Smayer97
  • Greg_the_Geek
    Greg_the_Geek SuperUser, Windows Beta ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would suggest using Oracle's VirtualBox to create a Windows VM on your new iMAC desktop. If you move to Quicken Subscription (2018 and later), you can run both on the same computer to see if Q Mac works for you.
    Quicken Subscription HBRP - Windows 10
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