Overview
Wave supports CSV uploads, and simple files usually import more reliably than complex templates.
KontoCSV converts PDF bank statements into a compact Wave-compatible CSV with Date, Amount, and Description.
Who this is for
Accountants, bookkeepers, and small businesses that need a reliable manual bank transaction import.
Expected CSV format
Wave imports are smoother with a short filename and a minimal CSV structure. KontoCSV outputs Date, Amount, Description.
- Output: CSV (`.csv`)
- Encoding: UTF-8
- Delimiter: comma (`,`)
- Line endings: CRLF
- Header row: `Date,Amount,Description`
- Output filename from KontoCSV: `your-source-file-wave-transactions.csv`
Required columns
Keep the file structure minimal. Extra columns can cause mapping errors in import flows.
Transaction date in MM/DD/YYYY format.
Single signed amount column: positive for inflows and negative for outflows.
Always populated plain-text transaction description without line breaks.
Date and amount formatting
Use MM/DD/YYYY for all rows in the Wave profile.
- Keep a single Amount column.
- Use positive values for money in and negative values for money out.
- Use dot decimals (for example, -45.90).
- Do not include thousands separators.
Step-by-step import
1. Export statement PDFs
Download the bank statement period you want to import.
2. Convert with the Wave profile
Select the wave_csv profile in KontoCSV so the structure stays minimal.
3. Download your-source-file-wave-transactions.csv
If your source filename is very long, shorten it before conversion to keep Wave uploads reliable.
4. Upload CSV in Wave
Use the transaction import flow and map Date, Amount, Description.
5. Review a sample before final posting
Verify signs, dates, and a few descriptions to catch mapping problems early.
Common import errors
Upload fails due to long or unusual filename
Use a short source PDF filename so the exported file name also stays short.
Money in/out reversed
Use signed values in one Amount column: positive inflows, negative outflows.
Bad date parsing
Ensure all dates are MM/DD/YYYY.
Broken rows from multiline descriptions
Use plain text only and remove line breaks from Description.
How KontoCSV exports for Wave
KontoCSV export profile
- Profile ID: `wave_csv`
- Header row: `Date,Amount,Description`
- Filename: `your-source-file-wave-transactions.csv`
- Text is sanitized for CSV safety (line breaks removed, quotes escaped).
FAQ
Why does KontoCSV use a short Wave filename?
Wave can reject longer filenames in some upload flows, so the short default is safer.
Can I add extra columns for notes?
For this import profile, keep only Date, Amount, Description to reduce mapping issues.
Does this workflow support withdrawals as negatives?
Yes. Withdrawals are exported as negative values and deposits as positive values.
Can I start from PDF statements instead of native bank CSV?
Yes. KontoCSV is designed to convert PDF bank statements into import-ready CSV files.