Before the work starts
A quote or estimate can help a client review expected scope and price before an invoice exists. Which one fits best depends on how definite the scope and commercial terms are.
Choose the document that fits the job
Which billing document should I create?
Choose based on what is happening in the workflow. An invoice asks for payment, a quote proposes a defined scope and price, an estimate communicates an expected cost, a receipt records payment already received, and a credit note adjusts an earlier invoice or transaction.
Those labels can have different legal or contractual effects depending on the country and agreement, so use the comparison as practical workflow guidance rather than a universal legal definition.
Quick comparison
Invoice, quote, estimate, receipt, or credit note?
| Document | Common practical use | Open the canonical page |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice | Request payment for work, goods, a milestone, subscription, or another amount that is due. | Create an invoice |
| Quote | Present a proposed scope, price, assumptions, and validity period before work is accepted. | Create a quote |
| Estimate | Share an expected or approximate cost when quantities, effort, or final scope may still change. | Create an estimate |
| Receipt | Record a payment after you have confirmed that the money was received. | Create a receipt |
| Credit note | Document a reduction or correction connected to an earlier invoice or transaction. | Create a credit note |
A proforma invoice is a preliminary document with a different purpose; InvoiceCraftly does not currently provide a dedicated proforma document type.
After work or payment
Use an invoice to request payment, a receipt to record confirmed payment, or a credit note when an earlier billed amount needs a documented reduction or correction.
Document purpose and visual template are separate choices
Choose the document type for the job first. Then choose a visual starting point for the profession, layout, and example content you want to adapt.