> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.paintscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.paintscout.com/support/estimating/creating-estimates/how-to-create-a-new-estimate.md).

# Create a New Estimate

Start new estimates from the dashboard using templates or blank quotes and add areas and line items to build your proposal.

To create a new estimate in PaintScout, click the **New** button, select an estimate type, choose a template or blank quote, and start adding areas and line items.

1. Click the **New** button on the Dashboard or the Estimate page.

   <figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-3c73829136d7f056a93ccdf03c78287e59079ebe%2FScreenshot%202026-09-18%20at%201.45.17%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the New button on the PaintScout Dashboard"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
2. You will be prompted to select an estimate type. [Learn more about estimate types >](/support/customization/templates-and-presets/what-are-estimate-types.md)

   <figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-bbd916824b4810d52cac3741fcffd9bc9751ee96%2FScreenshot%202026-09-18%20at%201.47.49%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the estimate type selection dialog after clicking New"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. You now have the option to either start from a pre-created template or begin with a blank estimate by choosing **Empty Quote.** [Learn more about templates >](/support/customization/templates-and-presets/estimate-templates.md)

   <figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e87e52ee4d5c696f197c18185d59331f89cf10ee%2FScreenshot%202026-09-18%20at%201.49.07%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing template selection with the Empty Quote option for starting a blank estimate"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
4. Add a **Contact** directly from your [Contacts](broken://spaces/WkNHjfXEorvmq9q638Mz/pages/sQLnQlVq78ShrUrKiL3m), or create a **New** contac&#x74;**.**

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-0bcf612811708f70355adeb67a15640f543c171d%2FScreenshot%202026-09-18%20at%201.52.20%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Start building your estimate by clicking on the **+Add Area or Line Item** button.

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-726c9037e92e3fc6debdf45b55d22d51ec370c48%2FScreenshot%202026-09-18%20at%201.55.05%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the Add Area or Line Item button on a new estimate"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
If certain items aren't available when you're creating your estimate, they might not have been enabled for that estimate type.

Head to your **Account Settings** and ensure that the missing items are enabled for that estimate type.
{% endhint %}

&#x20;&#x20;

## Related articles

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Estimate Templates</strong></td><td>Create reusable estimate templates with pre-filled areas, rates, and line items to speed up creating similar estimates.</td><td><a href="/support/customization/templates-and-presets/estimate-templates.md">Estimate Templates</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Smart Templates</strong></td><td>Learn how Smart Templates automatically incorporate your latest production rates, products, and terms into new estimate templates.</td><td><a href="/support/customization/templates-and-presets/smart-templates.md">Smart Templates</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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