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Transaction Categorization

How DocuClipper Transaction Categorization Works

Define categories and keywords to automatically categorize bank transactions in DocuClipper. Use the default set, build custom groups, or upload a vendor CSV.

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DocuClipper categorizes bank transactions by matching transaction descriptions against keyword rules grouped into categories — using either the built-in set of 15 default categories, a custom category group you define, or a vendor CSV uploaded in bulk.

Transaction categorization is available on Professional, Business, and Enterprise plans. You can override any auto-assigned category manually or in bulk from the Categorize view.

Where do I find transaction categorization in DocuClipper?

Open a converted bank statement and click Categorize (next to Reconcile in the Summary Table).

Automatic categorization with default categories

DocuClipper includes a built-in set of 15 default categories: Miscellaneous, Travel, Debt Payments, Savings and Investments, Education, Shopping/Retail, Entertainment, Healthcare, Insurance Premiums, Transportation, Eating Out/Dining, Groceries, Rent or Mortgage, Bills and Utilities, and Income.

To run automatic categorization:

  1. Navigate to Categorize.
  2. Make sure the Category dropdown is set to default.
  3. Click Categorize.

DocuClipper matches each transaction's description against its vendor database and assigns a category.

Adding and editing keywords

To customize which transactions land in which category:

  1. Select the category group from the dropdown and click Setup Categories.
  2. In the editor, find the category you want to adjust.
  3. Type a new keyword and hit Enter to save it. Transactions whose description contains that keyword will be assigned to that category.
  4. Click Add New Category to Group to create a new category, then add keywords to it.

Updating uncategorized transactions

  • Manual: Click the pencil icon on a transaction row and select the correct category.
  • Bulk: Select multiple transactions (or select all), then click Update Categories and choose the category to apply.

Creating a custom categorization group

  1. Click Add New at the top of the category dropdown.
  2. Name the group (e.g. "Client Expenses") and click Add New Category Group.
  3. Open the group and click Setup Categories → Edit Categories/Keywords Manually.
  4. In the popup, enter a category name and click Add New Category to Group. Repeat for each category.
  5. Add keywords to each category and hit Enter to save.
  6. Click Close when done.
  7. Click Categorize All Accounts to apply the rules.

To add categories in bulk using a spreadsheet, see Uploading Vendor Categorization CSV Files.

Tips for effective categorization

  • Use specific category names. "Gas" is more useful than "Auto".
  • Add multiple keywords per category to improve match rates.
  • Periodically review and update keywords as your transaction descriptions change.
  • Use the manual override for any transaction the auto-categorization gets wrong.

Use cases

  • Accountants and bookkeepers organizing client financial data
  • Business owners analyzing expenses and payroll
  • Tax professionals separating deductible expenses
  • Forensic accountants investigating transaction patterns

For questions, contact support@docuclipper.com.

FAQs

Which plans include transaction categorization?

Transaction categorization is available on Professional, Business, and Enterprise plans.

How does DocuClipper decide which category a transaction belongs to?

Each transaction's description is matched against keywords in the active category group. The default group ships with 15 categories and a built-in vendor database; you can also add your own keywords or build custom groups.

Can I edit a transaction's category after auto-categorization?

Yes. Click the pencil icon on a single row to change one category, or select multiple rows and use Update Categories to apply a category in bulk.

Can I create my own categories instead of using the defaults?

Yes. Use Add New at the top of the category dropdown to create a custom group, then add categories and keywords inside it. Click Categorize All Accounts to apply your rules.

How do I categorize many vendors at once from a spreadsheet?

Use the vendor categorization CSV upload to add categories and keywords in bulk rather than typing them one by one in the editor.

Why do some transactions stay uncategorized?

Their descriptions did not match any keyword in the active group. Add more specific keywords to the relevant category, or update the transactions manually using the pencil icon or bulk Update Categories action.

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