Migrate data from Timeslips

Import Overview: This article covers the types of imports we offer and the data included in each. 

HOW CAN I IMPORT MY DATA FROM TIMESLIPS?

Bill4Time and Timeslips organize your data in different ways. We are happy to help guide you in understanding the differences and making your import a smooth transition!

Timeslips has clients, and each matter lives within that client. Bill4Time creates a hierarchical relationship between clients and matters, but each have their own tab and "home in Bill4time," and need to be imported separately.  

To export Clients from Sage Timeslips, follow these steps. The exact process may vary slightly based on your version (Timeslips Premium vs older perpetual versions), but the general approach is consistent:

✅ Method 1: Export via “File > Export” (Structured Export)

This is the best method if you're looking to export client data for use in another system like a CRM or billing platform.

Steps:

1. Open Timeslips.
2. Go to File > Export.
3. In the Export window:
   • Choose Export To: Delimited Text File (CSV).
   • Click Next.
4. Under Export What, choose Client Information.
5. Select or create a Template:
   • You can use an existing template or create a new one.
   • If creating a new template, click New, name it, and choose the specific fields (columns) to export.
6. Click Next, then:
   • Choose the clients you want to export (All, Filtered, or Selected).
   • Choose the location where the export file will be saved.
7. Click Finish to complete the export.

You can then open the file in Excel.

✅ Method 2: Export via a Report (Simple Viewable List)

This method is quicker if you just want a readable list or something to work with in Excel.

Steps:

1. Go to Reports > Client Info List (or Lists > Clients, depending on your version).
2. Select the fields (columns) you want to include in the report (some versions allow report customization).
3. Run the report.
4. Use the Export icon (usually a disk or Excel icon) at the top of the report viewer.
   • Choose Export to Excel or CSV.
5. Save the file to your computer.

❗ Tips:

• Delimited File = CSV
• Custom Fields: If you use custom fields for your clients, make sure they're included in the template or report format.
• Export Templates: You can create multiple templates for different data export needs (e.g., Full Export, Basic Contact Info, Billing Info Only).

In Timeslips, exporting Matters (also known as "Client References" or "Nicknames 2") with their associated Database IDs requires using the Export function rather than just printing a report. Here’s how you can do it:

✅ How to Export Matters from Timeslips with the Database ID

Note: Matters in Timeslips are usually treated as Clients with a shared Nickname 1 (the main client), and a different Nickname 2 (the matter or case). There is no separate "Matter" table—it's all in the client record.

1. Open Timeslips: Make sure you're logged into the correct database.

2. Go to File > Export: This allows you to export structured client data.

3. Export To: Choose Delimited Text File for a CSV or TXT export.Click Next.

4. Export What: Select Client Information. Click Next.

5. Choose or Create a Template:

• Either choose an existing template or click New to create one.
• When creating or editing the template, ensure you include:
  • Client ID (this is the internal database ID)
  • Nickname 1 (Client ID or parent)
  • Nickname 2 (Matter)
  • Client Name
  • Any other relevant fields (status, billing arrangement, etc.)

Click OK after selecting fields.

6. Choose Clients to Export: You can export All Clients, or filter/select specific ones. Click Next.

7. Choose Output File Location: Specify where the CSV/TXT file will be saved. Click Finish to export.

✅ Explanation of Fields:

❗ Important Notes:

• Timeslips does not use a separate Matter table like some legal systems. Matters are just a subset of Clients distinguished by Nickname 2.
• If you want to export all matters for a given Client, look for all clients with the same Nickname 1 and different Nickname 2.
• Use both Nickname 1 + Nickname 2 to uniquely identify matters.