[GNC] Double Line View Possible Bug?

[Derek Atkins]

Sorry, it's not a bug, and we're not adding another option for it.
If anything, the bug is allowing the user to turn off double-line-mode at
all!
But your objection is duly noted.  :)

Also, yes, if you actually have subaccounts (WHY?? There's no reason for
multiple A/R or A/P accounts unless you're using multiple currencies) then
yes, you would need to clear out the subaccounts first.

The only reports that expect the A/R or A/P account types are the business
reports (customer report, ageing report, etc), bills-due reminder, etc.

-derek

On Thu, February 19, 2026 9:49 am, Paul Feakins wrote:
> Hi Derek,
>
> I still think it's a bug because there is clearly an option NOT to
> default to "Double Line", yet these accounts DO default to "Double Line".
>
> If these accounts need to be treated differently, there should be
> another option for other account types if they are treated differently.
>
> I probably want them to remain Account Receivable as I'm sure some
> reports would use the account type to give a report of how much money is
> due, for example.
>
> The honest answer is I started using this software 18 years ago before I
> knew much about accounting, and I was an IT contractor sending 1 invoice
> per month.
>
> Now though, I'm glad I did it that way because I have numerous web-based
> systems that use the data from GnuCash and send invoices and chaser
> emails automatically. GnuCash wouldn't be able to automate that
> considering we have hundreds of clients now.
>
> I tried to delete the parent Accounts Receivable account and it said I
> must first delete or move the sub-accounts.
>
> I think if this really is desired behaviour there should be options:
> Edit > Preferences > Register Defaults > Double line view
> (Asset/Liability accounts)
> Edit > Preferences > Register Defaults > Double line view (Accounts
> Receivable/Liability accounts)
>
> It's a minor irritation, but most definitely a bug in my opinion.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Kind regards,
>
>
>     Paul Feakins
>
> Managing Director
>
>
>
>
> 	Antropy.co.uk <https://antropy.co.uk>
>
> 	Antropy Ltd, Crawley Business Centre, Stephenson Way, Crawley, RH10 1TN
> <https://maps.app.goo.gl/QQ2iBRDE5mHuHA7G6>
>
>
>
> Antropy Ltd | Reg No: 06468795 | Registered in England & Wales
>
>
>
>
> On 19/02/2026 14:23, Derek Atkins wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>> On Thu, February 19, 2026 9:17 am, Paul Feakins wrote:
>>> Hi Geert,
>>>
>> [snip]
>>> I am starting to think this really is a genuine bug rather than desired
>>> behaviour.
>> Nope, this is specific, desired behavior of the business account types.
>> And you are correct, once you have data in the account, you are not
>> allowed to change the type by hand.  Again, not a bug -- it's designed
>> that way so as not to break the business features.
>>
>> Something you can try... (MAKE A BACKUP FIRST IN CASE THIS DOESN'T
>> WORK)..
>> Try to delete the A/R account.  GnuCash /should/ ask you where to move
>> the
>> transactions, and you should be able to select an Asset account.
>>
>> I say "should" because I don't remember if this action is blocked, too.
>> This is why I suggest making a backup, so if it doesn't work you can
>> exit
>> gnucash and restore the backup.
>>
>>> I am pretty familiar with GnuCash having used it since 2008 when I
>>> started my business, it has been fantastic and I've integrated it with
>>> other open source systems to create a pretty good accounting system.
>> I'm just curious -- if you're using it for your business, why don't you
>> use the Invoice/Bill features?
>>
>> -derek
>>


-- 
       Derek Atkins                 617-623-3745
       derek at ihtfp.com             www.ihtfp.com
       Computer and Internet Security Consultant