Creating Estimates

Quick Start

Access the estimate generator from your dashboard by clicking "Create Estimate" or navigating to the Estimate Generator page.

User Interface

The estimate generator interface consists of 3 main regions:

1. Parameters Area: Tabbed interface where you configure estimate details (Customer, Products, Estimate Details, Company Info)
2. Preview Area: Visual preview of your estimate (HTML preview, not real-time PDF generation)
3. Toolbar Area: Top bar with Create Estimate button, options menu, and template/format settings

Toolbar Features

The toolbar at the top of the estimate generator provides quick access to display options and the create button.

Live Preview

Toggle live preview from the options menu to see your estimate in real-time as you make changes.

Templates

Select your estimate template from the options menu (top right):

• Classic: Clean, traditional design
• Bold Professional: Contemporary with bold accents
• Mono: Minimalist, monospace style
• Startup Modern: Sleek, modern look for startups

Each template includes all the same information with different visual styling. Learn more about templates.

Date Formats

Select date format from options menu. Available formats:

Estimate Language

Select the language for your estimate PDF labels and text. This controls how section titles, column headers, and standard text appear on the generated PDF.

Set your default language in Estimate Settings to save time when creating estimates.

Step-by-Step Guide

Requirements

To create an estimate you must have:

The estimate generator has 4 tabs. Fill them out to create your estimate.

1. Products/Services (Required)

Add items to your estimate using the inline product row at the bottom of the products table:

• Type to Search: Start typing a product name in the inline row. An autocomplete dropdown appears with matching products from your catalog. Recent products are shown automatically when you click the field.
• Select from Catalog: Click a product in the dropdown to instantly add it to your estimate with its saved name, model, and price.
• Create Inline Temporary Item: Type a new product name that doesn't match any catalog product, then fill in the model, quantity, and price fields in the same row. Press Enter or click outside to add it. Temporary items are not saved to your catalog.
• Browse All Products: Click "Browse All Products" at the bottom of the autocomplete dropdown to open the full product selector with filters, categories, and multi-select.

Selected Product Features:

• Drag to Reorder: Click and drag items to change their order on the estimate
• Inline Editing: Click any quantity or unit price to edit it directly in the table. For temporary items, you can also click to edit the name and model.

Additional Costs:

• Shipping: Add delivery or shipping costs
• Discount: Apply a fixed discount amount
• Tax: Configure tax rate and type (see Calculations section)

Optional:

• Assign to Employee: Link estimate to a specific employee for performance tracking.
• Estimate Mode: Switch between PRODUCT and HOURLY modes using the toggle in the tab header.

Estimate Modes

Choose between two billing modes:

2. Customer (Required)

Select a customer from your saved customers list. You must have at least one customer to create an estimate.

- Option A: Select existing customer - Click "Select Customer" and search or browse your list.

- Option B: Add new customer - Click "Add New Customer", fill in name, email, phone, and address, then save.

3. Estimate Details

Configure estimate metadata:

• Estimate Number: Click "Generate" to auto-create a unique number. Default behavior can be configured in Estimate Settings.
• Issue Date: When the estimate is created (Required)
• Valid Until: Expiration date for the estimate (Optional). Sets how long the customer has to accept. Default validity period can be configured in Estimate Settings.
• Currency: Select from available currencies. Changing the currency will affect calculations and display of all estimate values.
• Terms of Payment: Payment conditions (e.g., "Net 30", "50% upfront").
• End Message: Custom note at bottom of estimate.
• Custom Data Fields: Add unlimited label-value pairs (e.g., Project Reference, Quote ID).

4. Company Information

Your company details are automatically filled from your organization settings:

• Company name, address, email, phone
• Logo: Only if uploaded in Organization Settings
• Signature/Stamp: Add a default signature for all estimates

All these details can be configured in Organization Settings.

5. Creating the Estimate

Once all required fields are filled:

1. Click "Create Estimate" button (top right)
2. PDF is automatically generated
3. Estimate is saved with DRAFT status
4. You're redirected to the estimate detail page

From there you can:

• Download the PDF
• Share the estimate
• Send via email
• Update the status

Calculations

Tax Configuration

Two tax types available:

• Percentage (%): Tax calculated as percentage of subtotal
• Fixed Amount: Flat tax amount

Tax Included Toggle:

• ON: Prices already include tax (tax is extracted from total)
• OFF: Tax is added on top of prices (default)

Calculation Formula

Subtotal = Sum of (Quantity × Unit Price)
After Discount = Subtotal - Discount
Tax Amount = After Discount × (Tax Rate / 100)  [or Fixed Amount]
Grand Total = After Discount + Tax + Shipping

Related Topics

• Estimate Details - View and manage estimate information
• Estimate Statuses - Manage estimate lifecycle
• Converting to Invoice - Turn estimates into invoices
• Estimate Settings - Configure defaults and number generation