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# Step 1: create your custom export

This page is intended for Account Owners and Controllers. If you're using a native integration, there is no need to create a custom export, as your payments are automatically pushed to the accounting software.

**Once your payments and payables have been prepared and validated**, the next step is to **export** them to your accounting software.

* By **default**, we offer the classic Spendesk purchase journal and bank journal.
* If needed, you can **customize** the export to suit your requirements or choose from a variety of templates available in our library.
* You can **adjust the default settings**, including the columns to display, their names, the structure of the file, as well as the date and decimal formats.

## Create a New Custom Export Template

To create a new export template:

1. Go to **Settings > Accounting Setup > Exports**.
2. In the **Custom Export Templates** section, click on **Create Your First Custom Export**.
3. Follow the steps and save your template.

## Select an Accounting Software

From the **Accounting** tab, choose the accounting software you want to use for your template.

We offer the following options:

* Single-entry journal
* Double-entry journal

Once you've selected a template, the popup will display a preview of the export structure. Click **Continue** to proceed to the next steps.

If you cannot find the accounting software you use, check the existing templates and adapt them to match your need.

## Customize the Format and Content of the Exported File

### Choose General Settings:

* Select a date delimiter.
* Choose a date format.
* Pick a delimiter.
* Decide whether you want headers to appear in the export.

### Set Up Columns and Their Content:

* **Remove Unnecessary Columns**: Hover over a column, click the gear icon, and select **Remove Column**.
* **Change Column Names**: Hover over a column, click the tools icon, change the name, and click **Save**.
* **Reorder Columns**: Hover over a column, click, and drag to reorder.
* **Add New Columns**: Hover between two columns, click the blue + sign, search for the column type, and select it.
* **Custom Field Columns** (created under **Settings > Organisation > Analytical fields**) must be added manually.
* **Add Customized Columns**: Select "custom content (empty)" and then add static or dynamic values.

Once you're satisfied with the setup, click **Download Template** to preview it.

### Save and Name Your Template

Choose a name for your export. When you're happy with it, click **Save New Template**.

From this point on, your custom template will be used every time you export payments.

If you have multiple custom templates, ensure you select the main one on the **Export** page before exporting.

### "Journal Code" Column (required by many accounting softwares)

In this column, you can add a journal code, with different codes for different types of expenses. For example, "HA" for invoices and "EC" for expense claims.

This is a common requirement for accounting software to differentiate between journals for various expense types.

## Accounting Base Switch

If you'd like to switch to a different accounting base, click below:

[Change your accounting base](https://helpcenter.spendesk.com/en/articles/5555895-accounting-base-accounting-software-switch)