GNUcash

[John Ralls]

On Aug 11, 2010, at 7:30 AM, Tommy Trussell wrote:

> On Tue, Aug 10, 2010 at 10:57 AM, Gregory Forster
> <eataxpro2003-home at yahoo.com> wrote:
>>  Hello,
>> 
>>    I have one question.  I've looked through the documentation, both on-line
>> and the help files with the program.  However, I cannot find the issue I am
>> looking for.  How do you use GNUcash for multiple entities?  I do the
>> accounting for our church.  I also am self employed having two very small
>> businesses.  Currently, I use Peachtree Complete Accounting 2008 for all.
>>  However, GNUcash looks to be rather good.  Grant it, I'd have to use a
>> spreadsheet for payroll and depreciation calculations, but that's no
>> problem.  I just can't figure out how to use GNUcash for all 3 entities.
>> 
>> Greg
> 
> Greetings -- your question is not a DEVELOPER question, so I am
> copying it and my answer to the gnucash-USER list, too. Please sign up
> for that list and copy any responses to that list (not to me).
> 
> You can create more than one GnuCash data file, one per entity.
> GnuCash will list all the files as available to open (though by
> default it will only open one at a time), or you can create shortcuts
> in your desktop environment to open them. Just be sure to name your
> files carefully, keep them in separate directories, and note that
> things like custom reports may be dependent upon the accounts and
> fiscal years defined for each entity, though GnuCash will present the
> same custom reports for all data files.
> 
> To get started, just create another new data file in GnuCash.
> 

There's no need to keep the files in separate directories.  It is helpful to specify a directory with an obvious name when you save the files: "Where's my data file?" is a FAQ.

Regards,
John Ralls