> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://cashflowy.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create & Send Invoices

> Create, preview, and send invoices to your clients from Cashflowy.

Cashflowy lets you create professional invoices and send them directly to clients via email. Save drafts, customize line items, and track payment status.

## Creating an invoice

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Invoices">
    Navigate to **Clients** → **Invoices** in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click '+ Add Invoice'">
    Click the + Add Invoice button at the top right.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a client">
    Choose a client from the dropdown. Haven't added them yet? [Add a client first](/faq/invoicing/add-client).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set invoice details">
    | Field        | Description                              |
    | ------------ | ---------------------------------------- |
    | Client Name  | Select from dropdown (required)          |
    | P.O./Memo    | Purchase order number or memo (optional) |
    | Invoice Date | Defaults to today                        |
    | Due Date     | When payment is expected (required)      |
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add line items">
    Each line item has these columns:

    * **Services** - select from your saved services
    * **Description** - details of the service
    * **Hours** - quantity of hours or units
    * **Rate** - price per hour/unit
    * **Amount** - auto-calculated from Hours × Rate

    Click the **+** icon below the line items to add more rows.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/cashflowyai/FElKoXUrXneq87B_/images/image-17.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=FElKoXUrXneq87B_&q=85&s=d04dc8e303a179741c40f2e923282b0c" alt="Image" width="2976" height="476" data-path="images/image-17.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Customize (optional)">
    * **Edit Columns** - customize which columns appear on the invoice
    * **Discount** - apply a percentage or flat discount with an optional description
    * **Tax** - apply a tax percentage with an optional description

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/cashflowyai/FElKoXUrXneq87B_/images/image-19.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=FElKoXUrXneq87B_&q=85&s=5cbf9965150103fb6886f5bbd8249da6" alt="Image" width="1506" height="216" data-path="images/image-19.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview and Send">
    Choose one of the following:

    * **Save Invoice as Draft** - saves without sending, edit anytime
    * **Save & Send** - emails the invoice to your client with a PDF attachment and a Pay Now link (if Stripe is connected)

    *To preview an invoice before sending, save it as a draft first, then click the three-dot menu on the invoice row and select **View**.*
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Draft vs. Send

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Save as Draft" icon="file">
    Saves without sending. Edit anytime. Find drafts under **Invoices** → **Draft** tab.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Send Invoice" icon="paper-plane">
    Emails the invoice to your client with a PDF attachment and a **Pay Now** link (if [Stripe is connected](/faq/invoicing/connect-stripe)).
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Invoice statuses

| Status             | Meaning                                  |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Draft**          | Created but not sent                     |
| **Sent**           | Emailed to the client                    |
| **Viewed**         | The client opened the invoice            |
| **Partially Paid** | Some payment received, balance remaining |
| **Paid**           | Full payment received                    |
| **Overdue**        | Past due date with balance remaining     |

## Payment tracking

* **Mark as paid** - manually record that payment was received
* **Record partial payment** - track multiple payments against one invoice
* **Auto-reconcile** - if Stripe is connected, payments are matched to invoices automatically

## Client payment experience

When you send an invoice, your client receives:

1. An email with the invoice details
2. A **Pay Now** link (if Stripe connected) — no login required
3. A professional payment page where they can pay by card or bank transfer
4. A confirmation page after successful payment

<Tip>
  **Set clear due dates.** "Net 15" or "Net 30" are common. Shorter terms generally mean faster payments.
</Tip>