> 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/sidebar-overview.md).

# Sidebar Overview

The sidebar menu in PaintScout appears on the right side of every estimate. It provides access to activity tracking, chat, follow-ups, calculations, presentation, terms, advanced settings, and payment options.

<figure><img src="/files/bkccgUmt5ufMxlmkO3sL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Activity

The activity section shows all events on the estimate, including when it was sent, viewed, accepted, and paid.

* **Estimate Sent:** Find out when the estimate was sent, what the email contained, and even restore the estimate to this version if needed.
* **Estimate Viewed:** Track when and how long your customer checked out the estimate.
* **Estimate Accepted:** Keep tabs on when your customer accepted the estimate, complete with their signature.
* **Thank You Message Sent:** Verify that the automatic thank-you message reached your customer.
* **Payment Added:** Spot the moment a successful payment is made via Stripe or reported directly on the estimate.

<figure><img src="/files/VMjDQ3xptTtpYBncAEN3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Chat

* View messages customers send through the chat button on their estimate.
* Respond via email — the conversation is logged in the sidebar.
* Automatic emails (thank you messages, follow-ups) also appear here.

<figure><img src="/files/MRk9VoxCNldDUgGlfthN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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## Follow-ups

Take charge of your follow-ups for each estimate by heading to the follow-ups section in the sidebar. Toggle follow-ups on or off for each estimate, giving you complete control over the communications sent.

<figure><img src="/files/A2Chsa185gND6hhuebuZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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## Calculations

View and adjust how the estimate is calculated:

* **Hourly Rate:** Modify your hourly rate for this estimate.
* **Subtotal:** Manually adjust the subtotal using either a $ or % value *please note: this will turn off area pricing on the estimate.*
* **Options Added:** See options added by the customer into the estimate.
* **Addtnl Work:** See additional work added.
* **Discounts:** Include a pre-made or custom discount.
* **Tax:** Add or remove tax from the estimate.
* **Total:** The total amount of the estimate, including options, additional work, discounts, and tax.
* **Labor & Materials:** Review the breakdown of labor and materials.
* View the estimate's **Total Hours & Sales Rate.**
* **Show Total:** Choose to show or hide the subtotal box on the estimate.
* **Show Balance Due:** Choose to show or hide the balance due *(only on invoices)*

<figure><img src="/files/968esJ4LcrxTZL2fgh6d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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## Presentation

Adjust or change the presentation attached to the estimate including uploading additional documents.

<figure><img src="/files/2vSpfCOsRsdJjQwkKCOm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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## Terms

In the Terms tab, you have the flexibility to update the attached terms or craft and personalize a new set of terms specifically for this estimate.

<figure><img src="/files/MGelpmF3QiASqhyS2Roy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Advanced

Apply further customization to your estimate through the use of notes, integrations and visibility.

* **Client Note:** Include a note for the client to appear below the total on the estimate.
* **Estimate Visibility:** Take control over who sees the estimate by toggling visibility for both the client on the estimate and the crew on the work order.
* **Integrations:** Access details if your estimate originated from another application.

<figure><img src="/files/47TwcxCgiYsFEDy9R2Ka" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Payments & Lending

This section will appear if you have connected the Stripe integration.

* **Allow Payments:** Decide if you want to accept credit card payments on the estimate.
* **Deposits:** Choose the deposit amount, either as a percentage or a fixed dollar amount.
* **Surcharging:** Turn on surcharging for the estimate and specify the surcharge amount applied to credit card payments.

<figure><img src="/files/tv302sTfD5cC0ecV1isr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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## 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>The Estimate Page</strong></td><td>Tour the estimate page interface including title, status, tabs, company details, contact info, estimate ID, date, and sidebar menu.</td><td><a href="/pages/SZc03R9HPaOq4rzBzgt0">/pages/SZc03R9HPaOq4rzBzgt0</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Estimate Actions</strong></td><td>Explore all estimate actions including preview, share with staff, create invoice, save as template, copy links, download, and archive.</td><td><a href="/pages/myVJYPwHDqnsKYAQZ9T5">/pages/myVJYPwHDqnsKYAQZ9T5</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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