You can access the templates from the Banana Accounting Plus Template Store in several ways. The first two options require that you have downloaded and installed Banana Accounting Plus on your computer. Here are the different methods:

• From our Template Store – you can download the selected template and open it with Banana Accounting Plus.
• With the Banana Web App – Banana version that runs in your browser. A very useful mode for testing. You will then need to save the file locally.
• From Banana Accounting Plus – via the File > New menu, which shows the templates available in the Template Store.

Download the template from the Template Store

On each template’s page in the Template Store, you will find detailed information about the contents of the template and several options for opening it:

• Click on the Download template link and save it to your computer. For some files, a Tutorial is available — a template with several example transactions. Tutorials are generally created to show reports, specific printouts, or Banana functions that require a larger data base. In some cases, both the Template and the Tutorial are available.
• Launch Banana and open the file you just downloaded.
  If it was saved in the temporary folder, a message will appear indicating that the file is read-only.
• Save the file with your own name in the working folder you prefer.

Open the template with the Web App

On each template’s page in the Template Store, you will also find a button to open the template (or tutorial) with the Web App. This is a version of Banana Accounting Plus that runs in your browser. By clicking the Open template with Web App button and waiting a few seconds, Banana Accounting Plus will launch in your browser and then immediately open the template. The Web App is a very useful way to try things out and see what Banana Accounting Plus has to offer, even before purchasing a subscription. You will then need to save the file locally.

Choose and open a template from the program

• Launch Banana Accounting Plus and use the command from the File > New menu.
• Search for the template you are interested in using the various filters.
• When you find it, click on Create.

Search for a template using the Template ID

Each template in the Template Store has its own unique identifier called Template ID, which starts with a plus sign "+", for example: +10685. Another way to open a template in Banana Accounting Plus is as follows:

• Take note of the Template ID of the template you are interested in from our Template Store.
• Launch Banana Accounting Plus and use the command from the File > New menu.
• In the Filter by field, enter the Template ID of your template.
• Click on Create.

Save the template file with your name

Once the file is created from the template, you must save it by giving it a name. 
We recommend using your company name and the accounting year as the file name. For example: "company-2025.ac2".
The ".ac2" format is used for Banana Accounting files. We also recommend visiting the pages Managing folders and files and Organizing your work.

Customize the template

We offer templates that are already preset for various needs, but you can always adapt your file. We recommend checking the page Getting started.

The extensions in the Banana Accounting Plus software are additional programs that expand its functionality.
They are available online in our Template Store, but must be installed in Banana Accounting Plus directly from the program via the Extensions > Manage Extensions menu.

For convenience, the same Manage Extensions dialog can also be accessed via several commands:

• Import extensions – from the Actions > Import to accounting menu, click the Manage Extensions button.
• Invoice layout extensions – from the Reports > Customers > Print invoices menu, click the Other layouts... button.
• Reminder layout extensions – from the Reports > Customers > Print reminders menu. Continue through the next two screens to find the Other layouts... button.

Most installed extensions (except import extensions) are shown in the Extensions menu.

File-specific productivity extensions

Extensions are often specific to:

• A certain type of file (accounting, address book)
• A specific property

If the currently opened file does not meet the required conditions, the extension will not appear in the Extensions menu, even if it has been installed correctly.

Extension Settings

Some extensions are designed to configure parameters. These parameters are specific to each file and are used by the related extension. The parameters are shown in the appropriate Settings dialog. For example, for invoice layout extensions, the Settings dialog can be accessed from the Reports > Customers > Print invoices menu, by clicking the Settings... button.

Extension Updates

Once installed, extensions are automatically updated by the program whenever a new version is released.

Using a development version

In the Manage Extensions dialog, it is also possible to try out any development versions that are made available.

Banana Accounting Updates

Make sure you have the latest release of Banana Accounting Plus.

Import extensions are additional programmes that allow you to import data exported by other programs, in their specific formats. 
Standard extensions, such as those in the ISO 20022 format, are included with the Professional plan, while extensions specific to certain banking institutions, which must be constantly monitored and updated, are only available with the Advanced plan.

• List of available import extensions

Installing an import extension

In order to use an import extension, it must first be installed locally.

• Go to the Extensions menu > Manage Extensions > Import
  The Manage Extensions dialog can also be accessed from the Import into accounting command.
• Choose the extension you wish to use and click on Install.

Once the extension has been installed it is displayed in the:

• Import into accounting dialogue

Extension Parameters

In some extensions it is possible to change certain import parameters, which can be accessed via the Settings button.

Importing bank statements

The most frequent use of an import extension is to import bank statements into the accounts.

• Actions menu > Import transactions in accounting
• Choose the Transactions table
• Choose the extension to be used for the import.
  • If the extension has not been installed yet, proceed with the installation now.

Request for a new or update Import extensions

If a suitable format for importing data from your bank or other organization does not already exist or is not working, you can ask our developers to create an import extension.
See:

• Import extensions.
• Extension for importing transactions.
• Import transactions from bank statement

In order to create or update an import extension for a specific file format these steps are necessary:

• Our programmers need to receive:
  • An example file of the data to be imported, with some transactions (without sensitive personal information).
  • The exact details of the bank, organization or software that generated the file.
  • Information on the type of data contained (bank statement, invoice data, salaries, etc.),
  • Explanations on the file content type, links to specifications made available by the bank or software producer.
  • The date on which the file was generated.
  • For files exported from other programs, with data structures that are not immediately understandable, an explanation or examples of the transactions that should be generated in the accounts.
• Evaluation of the request:
  • It will depend on the complexity of the development and whether the import may be of interest to other users.
  • A share of the development or upgrade costs may be required.
• We will consider whether to proceed with the creation of the file and if so:
  • We will use the example file sent to us as a reference and for testing, whereby the content will be publicly available.
  • Unless otherwise agreed, the extension will be developed according to the open source method.
  • The extension will generally be available for installation to Advanced Plan users.
• There is no guarantee that the extension will be kept constantly up-to-date.
  Banks often change their file format without giving prior notice.
• Update existing extensions:
  • Over time, the formats of .csv files are changed or modified and consequently the corresponding import filters must also be updated.
  • The old import filters (Banana 9 or earlier) will be made available to Banana Plus users with the Advanced plan after the update.
  • It is possible that some old filters will also work correctly with Banana Plus. In these cases, they can continue to be used without any problems until they need to be updated.
  • Updating a filter is done when users tell us that the current version no longer works correctly.
  • Old versions remain available but are no longer updated or corrected.

Developing your own import extensions

If you are a programmer you can create your import extensions. Please visit:

•     Import Extensions (documentation for developers)

The possibility of creating your own extensions is only available with the Advanced plan of Banana Accounting Plus.

These conditions refer to the creation and use of extensions and templates available in the Banana Accounting Plus Template Store and also visible or installable directly within the program itself.

Terms of Use for Extensions and Templates

The Templates and Extensions available in the Banana Template Store are free of charge.
However, some Extensions can only be used with the Advanced plan of Banana Accounting Plus.

The use of Templates, Extensions, and other material available in the Banana Template Store is subject to the specific licenses and legal conditions of Banana.ch SA, which are considered accepted by the user when accessing the website, viewing the documentation, or downloading/using any content.

Community development

The development of Extensions, templates, and other materials follows a community-based and open-source approach.
What is developed and finalized is made freely available in accordance with the usage licenses applicable to a specific project found at github.com/BananaAccounting.
The Apache 2.0 license usually applies Apache 2.0, but some Extensions may also use libraries that are subject to specific licenses. Users are required to comply with the respective licenses.

The Apache 2.0 license includes the following:

• Possibility to use and distribute the software for any purpose.
• Freedom to modify and adapt the software.
• No guarantee that the application works as expected.
• No liability from the developers for its use, its suitability for a specific purpose, or for any errors or inaccuracies.

The limitation of liability is essential, as it allows users to contribute without assuming responsibility. No one would participate in development or share information if they risked being liable for potential damages. Those who contribute to development and documentation improvements do their best but cannot guarantee the solution will be suitable for a specific context. Moreover, regulations change frequently, so a solution might become outdated.

Therefore, the offering and use are suitable for people who want to verify directly or with their accountant whether what is provided is appropriate for use, regardless of the descriptions and documentation provided.

Requesting new developments

Banana.ch SA has a specific department for support, consulting, and the development of new Extensions and chart of accounts templates.

You can contact us indicating your needs.

• Clearly specify your request:
  • The desired outcome.
    If it's a printout, it's best to provide an example prepared in Excel or Word.
  • The accounting file with the data (preferably sample data) that needs to be printed.
• Quotation and contribution to development costs:
  • If the development is specific to certain needs, the assumption or contribution to the costs is required.
  • Normally, the quote is based on the required development time.
    If the application is of interest to the community, part of the development may be covered free of charge by Banana.ch.
  • The terms of use and license conditions apply.
  • Unless otherwise agreed, developments are carried out and made available in accordance with the Apache 2.0 license (Wikipedia explanation).
  • What is developed may be made available to the entire community.
• Unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the latest version of Banana Accounting Plus is being used.

Development of import extensions

If there is no existing format suitable for importing data from your bank or other organization, you can request our developers to create a new import extension. For more information, see the page Creating/updating new import extensions.

Support for third-party developers

Banana.ch supports collaborative development with:

• Free support
• Free development license
• Possible financial support.

If you are a developer interested in working on a project, you can contact Banana.ch, presenting your concept in detail.

Follow the guidelines for preparing templates and, if needed, ask for our support.

When everything is ready, make sure to also send us your authorization to publish the content, by email. See a sample at the bottom of the page.

Guidelines for preparing templates

• Remove initial balances from the double-entry template or the income and expenses template.
• Include sample transactions.
• Anonymize customer and supplier accounts (Customer One, Customer Two, …, Supplier One, Supplier Two, ...).
• Include fictional references in the template headers (e.g., Company SA) and for bank accounts.
• Describe the template from the point of view of a non-expert and, if necessary, instruct the user on how to use it.
• Send us an email and attach the .ac2 file along with the description and/or instructions on how to use it.

We help you create your template

Whatever your idea for a template, we will help you give it the right visibility. We are happy to dedicate our time and resources to assist you in creating and/or preparing the template to publish in the Community. Request our support by email.

Template license

The template can be shared under the Creative Commons 1.0 Universal license, Creative Commons BY 4.0, or Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0.

These types of licenses are used for non-software content and are necessary to ensure the template can be customized and used by other users. They also allow it to be made available to all users online.

• Creative Commons 1.0 Universal: you waive copyright on the template you created and dedicate it to the public domain worldwide.
• Creative Commons BY 4.0: makes the template available with proper attribution, providing a link to the license and indicating if changes were made.
• Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0: makes the template available with proper attribution, providing a link to the license and indicating if changes were made. Any modifications must be shared under the same original license.

Requirements for publication

The only requirement is to have a valid subscription to Banana Accounting Plus. If you also want to become a Banana Partner, you need the Advanced plan.

Sample authorization for publication

Here is the sample email authorization required to publish your content:

"Dear Banana team,
I authorize the sharing of my content under the Creative Commons 1.0 Universal license and the terms and conditions of the Banana Accounting Plus Community.
I attach the necessary files and request their publication.
Best regards."

 

Follow our guidelines to prepare extensions and don't hesitate to contact us for further support if necessary.

Once you are ready, in addition to the content, please submit by e-mail your authorisation to publish. Please refer to the e-mail template at the bottom of this page required for publication purposes.

What are the extensions

These are extensions of the program's functionalities, for reporting, calculating, exporting, importing, establishing bills and reminders and other. Take a closer look at the Extensions menu.

Extension sharing guidelines

Please make sure that you have:

• Entered the extension attributes for the necessary informations of your extension.
• Inserted descriptive comments within the code.
• Formatted the code visualization.
• Described the extension and its functionality by providing all necessary instructions for its use. Quoted the links to documentation if necessary.
• Sent an e-mail and attached the Javascript files, qrc file, manifest.json file, sbaa extension and the documentation into a zip file.

If your extension only works with a specific template, please refer also to page how to prepare template for sharing. Please also include your template in the zip file.

Helping you share your extensions

Whatever your extension idea is, we help you maximise its visibility. If you wish to participate and publish in our Community, you can choose to have our full support and resources helping you create and/or prepare your extension. Request our support by e-mail.

Extension license

The extensions can be shared with the MIT license, Apache Licence 2.0, GNU GPL v3.0, GNU LGPL v3.0 o GNU AGPL v3.0.

The conditions of this licences require the retention of the copyright and the notice of the licence used.

• MIT License: A short and simple permissive license with conditions only requiring preservation of copyright and license notices. Licensed works, modifications, and larger works may be distributed under different terms and without source code.
• Apache License 2.0: A permissive license whose main conditions require preservation of copyright and license notices. Contributors provide an express grant of patent rights. Licensed works, modifications, and larger works may be distributed under different terms and without source code.
• GNU GPL v3.0: Permissions of this strong copyleft license are conditioned on making available complete source code of licensed works and modifications, which include larger works using a licensed work, under the same license. Copyright and license notices must be preserved. Contributors provide an express grant of patent rights.
• GNU LGPL v3.0: Permissions of this copyleft license are conditioned on making available complete source code of licensed works and modifications under the same license or the GNU GPLv3. Copyright and license notices must be preserved. Contributors provide an express grant of patent rights. However, a larger work using the licensed work through interfaces provided by the licensed work may be distributed under different terms and without source code for the larger work.
• GNU AGPL v3.0: Permissions of this strongest copyleft license are conditioned on making available complete source code of licensed works and modifications, which include larger works using a licensed work, under the same license. Copyright and license notices must be preserved. Contributors provide an express grant of patent rights. When a modified version is used to provide a service over a network, the complete source code of the modified version must be made available.

Publication Requirements

The only requirement is to have a valid subscription to Banana Accounting Plus.

Published extensions on Banana

The available Community extensions will be visible from the menu Extensions > Manage Extensions....

In the window that appears, select Online and then the section Community.

Authorisation to publish content

Here is the e-mail permission template needed to publish your content:

"Hello,

I herewith authorise the sharing of my content according to the MIT license and terms and conditions provided by the Banana Accounting Plus Community.

I attach the necessary files requesting their publication.

Best Regards."