How to Import Journal Entries in Business Central Using Excel (No Add-Ons Needed)
If you’re like me and you occasionally mix up debits and credits (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), then you know how painful it can be to manually enter journal entries line by line in Business Central. You want a fast, flexible way to build your journal in Excel then import that journal entry to Business Central—and just as important, a simple way to fix it if something goes sideways.
Good news: Business Central’s Edit in Excel feature gives you exactly that. No add-ons, no complex setup—just Excel, Business Central, and a little know-how.
We’ve outlined the exact steps below, based on real-world testing, client feedback, and Microsoft’s latest documentation.
Let’s get into it.
Why Edit in Excel?
The Edit in Excel feature is included in Business Central SaaS and, when configured correctly, lets you:
- Pull in the journal structure from Business Central
- Enter your lines in Excel
- Publish those lines back into Business Central
- Avoid configuration packages or complicated integrations
Perfect for getting any large journal entry done right the first time.
Step-by-Step: Import Journal Entries from Excel to Business Central
Step 1: Open the General Journal and Add a Sample Line
In Business Central:
- Go to General Journals
- Choose your batch
- Add at least one journal line manually
(This activates the Edit in Excel connection.)
Make sure the journal batch is tied to the right template and posting date settings before you begin.
Step 2: Use “Edit in Excel”
With the journal open:
- Click the Share icon in the top right (looks like an arrow).
- Choose Edit in Excel
This opens an Excel file that includes your journal layout—columns for Posting Date, Document Type, Account, Description, Amounts, Dimensions, and more.
Tip: Not all fields are required. You can hide non-relevant columns to keep things clean. Don’t delete them – just hide them.
Step 3: Enable Editing and Sign In
In Excel:
- Click Enable Editing
- Log in using your Office 365 account (must match your BC user account)
- If this is your first time, you’ll be prompted to trust and enable the Business Central Add-In
You’ll now see the Excel Add-In pane on the right, allowing you to publish and refresh data.
Step 4: Enter Your Journal Lines
Add your entries directly into the Excel rows. Be sure to:
- Enter a unique Line Number on each row (far right column)
- Complete all required fields (Posting Date, G/L Account, Amount, etc.)
- Use correct values for dimensions and document types
- Ensure batch name and journal template match your open batch
🛠 Dimensions, currency codes, and other fields can be tricky—start small and validate before adding 50+ rows.
Step 5: Click “Publish” to Send Data to Business Central
Once your journal is ready:
- Click the Publish button in the Excel Add-In pane
- Excel will validate and push the lines directly into your journal batch
- You’ll see a confirmation popup once the data is sent
Step 6: Review in Business Central and Post
Back in BC:
- Refresh the journal page (F5 or the refresh icon)
- Review your entries
- Run the Test Report to confirm no errors
- Then, go ahead and post your journal
Common Questions
Q: Will this work in on-premise versions of Business Central?
A: Only if the Business Central Excel Add-In has been configured by your admin. This feature is native to BC SaaS, but must be enabled manually for on-prem users—and only in the web client.
Q: Does it post automatically when I publish from Excel?
A: No. Publishing only sends the journal lines into the batch. You still need to post manually inside Business Central.
Q: Do I need OneDrive for this to work?
A: Not necessarily. If OneDrive is configured, Excel may open in your browser. If not, it will download the file and open it in Excel desktop.
Q: Help! I closed my Connector pane. How do I get it back?
A: I do this all the time. It’s easy. On the Home tab of Excel, click Add-ins icon on the ribbon. Search for Microsoft and select the Microsoft Dynamics Office Add-in. Your Data Connection pane will open right back up.
Final Thoughts
This is one of my favorite features in Business Central.
It gives accountants and finance teams the flexibility of Excel—with the structure and auditability of an ERP system. Once your team gets used to it, it’s a massive time-saver for month-end and recurring entries.
Want More Tips Like This?
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Don’t miss our deep-dive series on Dimensions—including setup best practices, common myths, and reporting tricks every BC user should know. Part 1 is available now.
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