I'd like to raise a documentation issue for discussion. I didn’t fully understand the import functionality for multi-line transactions until Geert Janssens explained it a few years ago. It's a neat feature that works very well, but the manual section could be clearer, particularly for users trying to understand how GnuCash handles CSV imports with multi-line transactions.
The relevant documentation pages are: - CSV Transaction Import: https://www.gnucash.org/docs/v5/C/gnucash-manual/trans-import.html#trans-import-csv - Multi-split Transactions: https://www.gnucash.org/docs/v5/C/gnucash-manual/trans-multi-enter.html GnuCash uses the term "Split" for transactions involving more than two accounts. "Multi-split" is an unreasonable term for a file with a simple two-account transaction. "Multi-line" would be a clearer and more accurate term for users trying to understand CSV imports, equally inclusive of simple two-account and split transactions. Also, it’s not always clear which account the term "Account" refers to in the documentation or the import dialog, since both the form and the CSV file may contain an account field. The only way to tell is by reading the surrounding text carefully. To make the documentation clearer, I suggest: 1. Use the term "Import Account" consistently instead of "import or base account" 2. Rename the form field currently labeled "Account" to "Import Account" 3. Add a "File Fields" label above the CSV file grid to make it easier to refer to those fields 4. Update documentation to describe the two supported CSV formats more explicitly: - One line per transaction, imported into a single account as a simple transaction, using either a transfer account field or one automatically assigned by the Import Matcher - Multiple lines per transaction, with each line specifying its own account, imported as either a simple or split transaction 5. Use the term/label "Multi-line" instead of "Multi-split" These tweeks could help users better understand the CSV format, particularly the multi-line format. I’d appreciate any comments. Regards _______________________________________________ gnucash-user mailing list [email protected] To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user ----- Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
