Journal entry automatic numbering in 📝Quickbooks Online makes each new journal entry continue a sequence from the last Journal no. entered, once custom transaction numbers are enabled.
The switch lives in the Sales form content settings even though it also governs journal entries. After it is on, entering a starting number such as 2021-1 on one journal entry sets the pattern, and QuickBooks increments the trailing number on each entry that follows. Letters and prefixes carry forward, so a year prefix keeps entries grouped by period. As of 2026, Intuit's help documentation describes the same path, with a pencil icon to edit the Sales form content section; editing the number on an existing entry resets the sequence.
Controlling the sequence in your Journal no. (number) field
- Begin by verifying the setting is enabled. Click the Gear icon (⚙) > Account and Settings > Sales tab.
- Select the Sales form content section and check the box to enable Custom transaction numbers. Click Save and then Done.
- Click the Plus icon (+) and select Journal Entry. In the Journal no. field, enter "2021-1" - this will create the sequence to be 2021-1, 2021-2, etc.
- Once finished, click Save and close.
Doing this will make it so every journal entry created after this one will begin sequencing based on the number you entered.