Using Quicken File from Desktop & Laptop

Question

I use Quicken on my iMac at home.  If I am going on vacation, can I open my Quicken data file in the cloud from my laptop and use it while away from home?

jacobs · Answer

To add two things to what @RickO wrote:

As long as you move a compressed copy of your data file -- either a .quickenbackup file (from Quicken File > Save a Backup) or a .zip file (from Finder File > Compress) to iCloud or Dropbox, and then move that compressed file to your laptop to use there, you'll be fine. Then do the reverse when you come home and want to move your file back to your iMac. The keys are (a) never moving a live Quicken data file, only a compressed file, and (b) not trying to run Quicken with the live data file on a cloud service.

When you asked about the cloud, I'm not sure if you were talking about this or if you were talking about "Quicken Cloud". Quicken does have a web interface you can use to enter transactions and do some -- but not all -- the things you can do in desktop Quicken. So if you just want to be able to enter transactions or check a balance while you're away, you might find this adequate for your needs. Just realize that Quicken Cloud is not your entire Quicken data file; it syncs with your desktop Quicken data file the next time you use it.