Register Window

This is the "Register" or the "Ledger" window. Transactions are entered here.

To enter a new transaction, just type into the last blank transaction. As well as just typing them in, ou can use can use the Date Accelerator keys to quickly enter dates. Use the mouse or the Register Keyboard Shortcutsto move between fields, and hit the Enter key or click record to record the transaction:

Notice how a the transaction has been recorded and a new, blank transaction has been created.

You can edit existing transactions in a similar manner. GnuCash will prompt you to confirm any changes you make.

After you have entered a few transactions, GnuCash will try to guess some or all of the remaining details of a transaction when you type into the "Description" field. If GnuCash has guessed wrong, simply type over or delete the incorrect information and replace it with the correct information.

Manipulating transactions

You can manipulate transactions with the toolbar or the "Transaction" menu:

Viewing Transactions

The register can show transactions in a variety of different ways, controlled by entries on the "Register" menu.

The register can display transactions in several different styles:

To change the display style, to go the "Register" menu and select "style".

Existing transactions are normally displayed in date order, but this can also be changed with "Sort Order". You can also select a date rate from which transactions will be displayed with "Date Range".

Reconciliation

Transactions are typically checked against bank statements - a process known as "reconciliation". GnuCash keeps track of the reconciliation status of each transaction.

The reconciliation status of a transaction is shown by the reconciliation (R) field. 'c' indicates that a transaction has been reconciled, 'n' indicates that it has not. You can change the reconciliation status by clicking on a the 'r' field of the transaction.

At the bottom of the account window, there are two running balances, the "cleared and reconciled" balance, and the "total" balance... the "cleared and reconciled" balance should correspond to how much money the bank thinks you have in your account, and the "total" balance includes outstanding transactions.

Reconciliation can be done in the Reconcile Window

Stock Portfolios

You can do stock transactions either from a single-stock window, or from a portfolio-view window, shown below.


The portfolio ledger can seem a bit daunting at first sight.

If you have trouble understanding it, then you may wish to create an account for each stock you wish to track.

Some important points to remember about the portfolio window:

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