If you've ever worked with journals in Dynamics 365 Business Central, you already know how satisfying it feels when everything flows smoothly accounts match, lines are balanced, and posting works like magic. But there’s one tiny thing that often gets in the way of perfection…
The notorious default description.
Every time you pick a G/L account, Business Central automatically inserts the default description into the journal line. It’s helpful… until it isn’t. Sometimes you need transaction specific descriptions and not the same generic wording over and over again. In auditing, budgeting, and reporting, small details matter a lot.
That’s where our unsung hero comes in:
🎯 Omit Default Descr. in Jnl.
Turning on Omit Default Descr. in Jnl. simply tells Business Central:
“Stop assuming I want to describe this transaction myself.”
It’s a small switch, but it totally changes how journal data reads later on.
Think of it like replacing a copy/paste habit with a thoughtful note. Your future self or your auditor will thank you.
⚙️ How to Turn It On (Takes Less Than 60 Seconds)
Here’s how you enable Omit Default Descr. in Jnl. for a G/L account:
1️⃣ Open the Chart of Accounts
Use the 🔍 Tell Me search and type “Chart of Accounts.”
2️⃣ Open a G/L Account Card
Select the account you want → click Edit to open the card.
3️⃣ Enable the Toggle
Find “Omit Default Descr. in Jnl.” and switch it ON.
That’s it. No extensions, no coding, no configuration pages — just one checkbox for cleaner, more meaningful journals.
When Should You Use It?
This feature becomes a game-changer when:
✔ Transactions need detailed notes
✔ Month-end and audits require transparency
✔ Teams share journal entry responsibilities
✔ You deal with project-based or customer-specific postings
✔ You want to reduce repetitive descriptions in reporting
Using this toggle ensures every journal line tells a story, not just repeats the name of the G/L account.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the smallest features in Business Central create the biggest improvements.
“Omit Default Descr. in Jnl.” is one of those hidden gems that turns messy journal logs into clean, readable financial records.
It helps accountants work smarter, improves audit trails, and supports better insights across the team.
So next time you’re entering journals, try flipping that switch and watch how much more sense your data makes.
