Creating a New File

When you start jGnash for the first time, you will be presented with a very simple screen. At the bottom of the screen, program notifications and memory consumption information are displayed.

Creating a new file is done in 5 steps using the wizard

  1. Create a new file using the FileNew command and follow the prompts in the new file wizard. When given the choice to select the storage type, leave it as the default value for now. A default filename and location will be provided that you can change if desired. If the file already exists, you will be warned you are about to overwrite it.

  2. After selecting the storage type and filename, you will be asked to choose the default currency. The default currency can be changed at a latter time, and if for some reason your currency of choice is not available, you can create a custom currency and set it as the default after the file is created.

  3. Next you can choose the currencies that are available for use. Currencies may be added and removed as needed at a later time if needed.

    If needed, custom currencies may be added using the CurrenciesAdd/Remove command. As locales change, default currency availability will change as Java is updated. The typical need for a custom currency is to support legacy accounting information as countries standardize on the Euro.

  4. After choosing the available currencies, default accounts can be selected if desired. If you are new to personal finance software, the defaults will be a good starting point. The accounts structure can be easily changed as needed to accommodate your own personal needs.

  5. The last step is the Summary page of the wizard. Verify everything is to your liking and click on the Finish button to create your new file.

After the file is created, you are now ready to change, add, or remove accounts as need and begin entering transactions.