Opening Moneydance

When you open Moneydance for the first time, you'll see the 'Welcome to Moneydance' window.

If you have purchased Moneydance, you cannot enter your license key until you're viewing the main program window. You should follow the steps below to create or access a data file. Then refer to these steps to enter your license key and register the program.

New to Moneydance -

You can create a new data file by selecting "Create New Account Set".
Choose this option if you don’t need to import data from another program.

Then follow the prompts to enter a name for your new data file.

Choose a Primary Currency which will be the default currency for all new accounts and categories.
Other currencies can still be used.

You’ll also need to select a File Type -

• "Minimal" is designed for importing data from another program.
  
• "Standard" is for those who are not importing data.
  

Once created, you'll be viewing your new, blank data file.

You can then follow the steps in this article to set up your data file by creating your accounts and categories, and then adding transactions.
 

To import data from a QIF file select "Import New Account Set"
 

To import data from Quicken Essentials select "Migrate from Quicken Essentials"
 

If you need any assistance getting started, you can get in touch with our support team by clicking on “Get Help with using Moneydance” at the bottom of the Welcome window.
 

Previously used Moneydance 2012 or a newer version -

Your account set should be visible in the list on the right.
Click the file name to open it and access your data.

If your file isn't displayed, select “Open Other”.
Then navigate to your .moneydance data file in a custom location.

Alternatively, select "Import New Account Set".
Then navigate to a .moneydancearchive backup file.
 

Previously used Moneydance 2011 or an earlier version -

Select “Import New Account Set”.
Then navigate to your .md data file to convert it to the newer file format.

• Select “Convert Only” to continue to store your data in its current location.
  
• Or select “Convert and Import” to move your data to the default location.

Important - Moneydance 2015 and newer versions use a new file format.
When you open an older data file with Moneydance 2015 or a newer version, your data will be converted to the newer format. This new file format cannot be opened using earlier versions of Moneydance.