Chapter 4. Importing and exporting data

Table of Contents

4.1. Overview
4.1.1. Importing data
4.1.2. Exporting data
4.2. Importing data from a CSV file
4.2.1. How import works
4.2.2. Mapping a field to a column
4.2.3. Mapping a field to a column with a specific format
4.2.4. Mapping a field using a custom expression
4.2.4.1. Fields with missing data (default values)
4.2.4.2. Fields with data in multiple columns (merging columns)
4.2.4.3. Fields with data in the same column (splitting columns)
4.2.5. Field types
4.3. Importing clients from Apple Contacts
4.3.1. How import works
4.3.2. Syncing Fanurio with Apple Contacts
4.4. Importing time from an iCalendar file
4.4.1. How import works
4.4.2. Importing recurring events
4.4.3. Reimporting recurring events with a different occurrence time (unlikely)
4.5. Importing time from QuickBooks
4.5.1. Initial setup
4.5.2. Exporting time from Fanurio
4.5.3. Importing time in QuickBooks Pro
4.6. Importing data from IGG Software's iBiz
4.6.1. How to import an iBiz database
4.6.1.1. What to do if the conversion fails?
4.6.1.2. What to do if the conversion succeeds with errors?
4.6.1.3. Which iBiz elements are imported by Fanurio?
4.6.2. How is Fanurio different from iBiz?
4.6.2.1. Clients
4.6.2.2. Projects
4.6.2.3. Job events
4.6.2.4. Job event groups
4.6.2.5. Custom job events
4.6.2.6. To Do items
4.6.2.7. Timers
4.6.2.8. File Cabinet
4.6.2.9. Estimates
4.6.2.10. Invoices
4.6.2.11. Invoice Reminders
4.6.2.12. Statements
4.6.2.13. Taxes
4.6.2.14. Payments
4.6.2.15. Templates
4.6.2.16. Reports
4.6.2.17. Document Monitor
4.6.2.18. The workday pane
4.6.2.19. iBank integration
4.6.2.20. Applescript and Automator integration
4.6.2.21. Networking
4.6.2.22. Platforms
4.7. Exporting projects to an iCalendar file

This chapter explains how to import or export data to or from Fanurio. If you need to backup or restore your data, please refer to the section about backups.

4.1. Overview

4.1.1. Importing data

Fanurio can import data from other applications to help you get started faster. To import data, just go to File » Import and select the type of records you want to import.

Fanurio can import clients, time, expenses and trips since these are the most frequent types of records that need to be transferred from other applications. Here's a detailed list of all import sources:

Table 4.1. Data import sources

Type of record Source
All iBiz
Clients CSV, Apple Contacts (on macOS)
Time CSV, XML (Fanurio), iCalendar, QuickBooks
Expenses CSV, XML (Fanurio)
Trips CSV, XML (Fanurio)

When importing data from a CSV file, you need to create a different CSV format (explained in a separate section) for each type of record. For instance, if you have a CSV file with clients and another one with time, you need to create one format for clients and another one for time.

The XML format is not documented because it is used mainly for transferring data between two instances of Fanurio. However, if you prefer to import your data from an XML file, export a few records from Fanurio to an XML file to learn more about the format.

If you need to import something that Fanurio can't handle, please contact us and we'll try to help you get your data into Fanurio.

4.1.2. Exporting data

Whether you want to analyze your data outside Fanurio, transfer it between two instances of Fanurio or simply migrate to another application, Fanurio allows you to export data in two main ways:

  • Go to File » Export to export all records of a certain type.

  • Use the Export Table action to export only the visible records of a specific table. Some tables have an Export Table button below them (for instance tables from Business » My Business Details) while other tables have an Export Table action in the contextual menu (for instance Timesheet, Expenses, etc).

Here's a detailed list of all the types of records and the formats they can be exported to:

Table 4.2. Data export formats

Type of record Source
Clients, Tasks, Task Categories, Expense Categories, Trip Rates, Invoices, Payments, Deposits CSV, Microsoft Excel (XLS, XLSX)
Expenses, Trips CSV, Microsoft Excel (XLS, XLSX), Fanurio (XML)
Time CSV, Microsoft Excel (XLS, XLSX), Fanurio (XML), QuickBooks (IIF)
Projects iCalendar

Note: If you need to export data to a format that's not supported by Fanurio, you can use custom XML or CSV templates to create reports for projects, tasks, time, expenses, trips and invoices. You can also use custom templates to export individual invoices.

Note: If you want to transfer time, trips or expenses between two instances of Fanurio, export them to the Fanurio (XML) format on one computer and then import them on the other computer.