> 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/invoicing-and-payments/invoices/creating-invoices.md).
# Creating Invoices
In PaintScout, invoices are created directly from accepted estimates. You can create them manually or have them generated automatically when an estimate is accepted.
## How to Create an Invoice Manually
1. Open an accepted estimate.
2. Click the dropdown arrow next to the **Send** button.
3. Select **Create Invoice**.
4. PaintScout generates the invoice from the estimate. You can then review it and click **Send** to email it to your customer.
## Automatic Invoice Generation
You can have PaintScout automatically create an invoice whenever an estimate is accepted. This saves a step if you always invoice after acceptance.
To enable this:
1. Go to **Account Settings** > **Invoices**
2. Toggle on **Automatic Invoice Generation**
See [Invoice Settings](/support/customization/templates-and-presets/invoice-settings.md) for full details.
{% hint style="info" %}
When deposits are enabled, an invoice also generates automatically after the customer accepts and pays their deposit via credit card. The deposit is recorded on the invoice and the remaining balance is shown.
{% endhint %}
## What Carries Over from the Estimate
When you create an invoice, PaintScout copies the following from the estimate:
* **Contact information** — customer name, email, address
* **Accepted line items and areas** — all items the customer agreed to
* **Pricing** — totals, taxes, and discounts as calculated on the estimate
* **Options** — only customer-accepted options are included
* **Additional work** — any approved additional work items
The invoice becomes its own document. After creation, changes to the estimate will **not** update the invoice, and changes to the invoice will **not** update the estimate.
## Common Questions
### Do I need to accept the estimate first?
Yes. The **Create Invoice** option only appears on estimates with an **Accepted** status. If you don't see it, check the estimate status.
### Can I edit the invoice after creating it?
The invoice reflects what was on the estimate at the time of creation. If you need to make changes, you can update the invoice directly — but those changes won't flow back to the original estimate.
### What if I need to invoice for additional work?
If additional work was approved on the estimate, it will be included on the invoice. You can also [create additional work](/support/estimating/line-items-and-options/additional-work-change-orders.md) on the estimate before generating the invoice.
### Can I create multiple invoices from one estimate?
Each estimate generates one invoice. If you need to bill in stages, use [payment requests](/support/invoicing-and-payments/payment-requests/how-to-create-a-payment-request.md) on the invoice to request partial payments like deposits or progress payments.
## Related articles
* [Invoice Settings](/support/customization/templates-and-presets/invoice-settings.md) — Configure invoice due dates and automatic invoice generation.
* [Create and Send an Invoice](/support/invoicing-and-payments/invoices/how-to-create-and-send-an-invoice.md) — Convert an accepted estimate into an invoice and send it.
* [All Invoices Report](/support/dashboard-and-reports/reports/all-invoices-report.md) — Review invoice status, payments, and cash flow.
* [Outstanding Invoices Report](/support/dashboard-and-reports/reports/outstanding-invoices-report.md) — Monitor unpaid invoices and accounts receivable.
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