> 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/organizing-estimates/hidden-items.md).

# Hidden Items

Hidden Items in PaintScout let you include surfaces in your estimate totals without showing them to the customer. This keeps prep work and other internal items priced correctly while keeping the estimate clean.

## What are hidden items?

Hidden items include specific surfaces in your estimate's pricing without displaying them in the estimate description. Their hours and cost still count toward the total, and they appear on the work order for your crew.

***

## How do you hide items on an estimate?

1. On the surface, scroll down to the **Advanced Options** section. (You can also set this as the default for a rate in your [Advanced Production Rate Options](/support/customization/pricing-and-rates/advanced-production-rate-options.md).)
2. Select the **Hide from Customer** box.

<figure><img src="/files/HALlFcvUfwikCOJ9UbMU" alt="Screenshot showing the Hide from Customer checkbox in the Advanced Options section of a surface"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You'll notice that hidden items are marked with an **X** symbol. This makes it easy to identify which items will be hidden on your estimate.

<figure><img src="/files/ZLSikxhJE5eX1M6QEeZI" alt="Screenshot showing hidden items marked with an X symbol on the estimate"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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## What happens to hidden items?

* Hidden items will ***not*** show up in your estimate description.
* The hours and pricing related to the hidden item are still included in the total price and overall hours.
* Hidden items ***will*** be visible on the [work order](/support/estimating/work-orders/working-with-work-orders.md).

***

## What happens when all surfaces in an area are hidden?

When you hide ***all*** surfaces in an area, a warning message appears:

<figure><img src="/files/jccfDzOredRxQQTeYuVH" alt="Screenshot showing the warning message when all surfaces in an area are hidden"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The content in this section won't appear in the estimate, but the pricing and hours will continue to contribute to the total cost. **This area can now be viewed and edited from the work order.**

Your estimate will also show a banner along the top to indicate that hidden items are present:

<figure><img src="/files/NrC8XaBMVzUKiXzNJPSr" alt="Screenshot showing the banner indicating hidden items are present on the estimate"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Related articles

* [Grouping Items](/support/estimating/organizing-estimates/grouping-items.md) — Organize areas and items into clearer estimate sections.
* [Using the Copy Feature](/support/estimating/organizing-estimates/how-to-use-the-copy-feature.md) — Duplicate areas and items without rebuilding them.


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