> 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/introduction-to-the-estimate-page.md).

# The Estimate Page

The PaintScout estimate page is where you build, customize, and manage your painting proposals. It includes the estimate title, status, tabs, contact details, sidebar menu, and all pricing components.

<figure><img src="/files/VC3ElbgJjAvJeQ5Cvwgb" alt="Screenshot showing the full PaintScout estimate page interface overview"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## What is the estimate title?

The estimate title appears at the top left and shows either the estimate **Type** (e.g., Interior, Exterior) or the **Template** name. It identifies the project scope at a glance.

<figure><img src="/files/tqDVQbv5I6DrjFrmTB2s" alt="Screenshot showing the estimate title and type label at the top left of the estimate"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Right below the Type, you'll see the **Status** of the estimate, whether it's in a *Draft, Sent, Accepted*, or another stage. You have the flexibility to change the status by clicking the status and selecting an alternative from the pop-up that will appear.

Use the **Status Change Reason** box to add an internal note that will show as a banner along the top of the estimate.

<figure><img src="/files/UBYoUvPnmQBntrnBiIPG" alt="Screenshot showing the estimate status selector and Status Change Reason box"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## What are the estimate tabs?

Four tabs below the title let you navigate different parts of the estimate:

<figure><img src="/files/JJ1kNQjtbHoscz3T0PI1" alt="Screenshot showing the five estimate tabs: Estimate, Work Order, Archived, and Notes"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. **Estimate:** This tab displays the actual estimate, including the items to be painted and their associated prices. This is where you can add areas or line items to your estimate.
2. **Work Order:** Here, you'll find the hours and products required to complete each item or area listed in the estimate. It also includes crew notes for further team clarity.
3. **Archived:** This tab provides access to all the archived items from the estimate, making it easy to store items removed from the estimate.
4. **Notes:** Consider this tab as a "scratch pad" for estimator notes. You can jot down any additional information or reminders related to the estimate. These notes are internal and cannot be seen on the estimate or work order.

***

## Where are the company details?

Your **company contact information** and **estimator details** appear at the top. Click the estimator name to reassign the estimate to a different user. The new user becomes the owner, and all communications use their email address.

<figure><img src="/files/wWRP38Twzz4OnPN5gTuV" alt="Screenshot showing company contact information and estimator details at the top of the estimate"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## How do you add contact details?

Add a **Contact** to the estimate by selecting an existing contact or creating a new one. Include a separate **Job Address** if it differs from the contact address, and add an "Identifier" (e.g., PO #) if needed.

***

## When is the estimate ID generated?

The Estimate ID is generated when you press the **Save** button. Save regularly to sync your changes to the system.

***

## How does the estimate date and expiration work?

The **Date** next to the Estimate ID shows the creation date. If estimate expiration is enabled, the expiry shows TBD until the estimate is sent, then calculates from your settings. Click the *pencil icon* to modify either date.

<figure><img src="/files/BbYdS22j8DhUSW1nWjVT" alt="Screenshot showing the estimate ID number and date fields with the pencil icon for editing"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## What is the sidebar menu?

The **Sidebar Menu** on the right side of the screen provides access to estimate settings, activity tracking, calculations, and more:

<figure><img src="/files/WdYp3TGdYqRJgqx0lgN7" alt="Screenshot showing the sidebar menu location on the right side of the estimate screen"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The sidebar menu contains these sections:

<figure><img src="/files/06m51kHOzO4idBPkSWsl" alt="Screenshot showing the expanded sidebar menu with sections for Activity, Chat, Follow-ups, Calculations, Presentation, Terms, Advanced, and Payments"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Activity:** This section keeps you informed about the activity of the estimate, such as when it was sent, viewed, accepted, and more. It helps you easily track the progress of the estimate and stay organized.
* **Chat:** The Chat log allows you to maintain a record of any conversations you have with your customer through the chat bubble on the estimate. Whether you reply directly from this section or via email, everything will be conveniently logged here.
* **Follow-ups:** Take full control over the follow-up messages your customer receives in this section. You can easily turn specific messages on or off by using the available toggles.
* **Calculations**: Dive into the details of your numbers in the Calculations tab. Here, you'll find the estimate sales rate and a breakdown of labor and materials. You also have the flexibility to manually adjust the total, tax, and discounts as needed.
* **Presentation:** Choose the presentation associated with your estimate by selecting the change selection button.
* **Contract Terms:** Switch out the terms associated with your estimate by selecting the change selection button. You can either choose from the available options or customize the terms to fit your specific requirements.
* **Advanced:** In this space, you'll discover additional options to enhance your Estimate such as a client note that will be displayed below the total box, allowing you to communicate important details effectively. Furthermore, you have the ability to control the visibility of the Estimate.
* **Payments & Lending:** Manage your Stripe and Wisetack deposit percentages and surcharge fees for each estimate.

## Related articles

* [Sidebar Overview](/support/estimating/creating-estimates/sidebar-overview.md) — Navigate activity, calculations, terms, and payment settings.
* [Estimate Actions](/support/estimating/creating-estimates/estimate-actions.md) — Preview, share, copy, invoice, and archive estimates.


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