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dawnjohnson
Level 5

When I print my client's estimate, why do all of the columns not print?

When viewing an estimate online I can see the total estimate amount, the invoiced amount and the remaining amount to be invoiced.  Why does that show when I print the estimate?  
9 Comments 9
jeanbiverly_
QuickBooks Team

When I print my client's estimate, why do all of the columns not print?

I can guide you through showing the total estimate, invoiced, and the remaining amount when printing estimates, Dawn.

 

When printing estimates, ensure the account and estimate summary are ticked in the template to display all necessary columns.

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Go to the Sales menu, then choose Estimates.
  2. Look for the estimate and click Edit under the Action column.
  3. Select Customize from the bottom navigation panel, then Edit current.
  4. Open the Content tab.
  5. Select the second box or the Table part of the estimate.
  6. Under the Account summary section, ensure that the Show on invoice box is checked.
  7. On the third section or the Footer part of the estimate, select the Edit icon.
  8. Tick the Estimate summary checkbox.
  9. To save the changes, hit Done.

 

In case you want to split an estimate into as many invoices as you need, you can check out this article for more guidance: Set up and send progress invoices in QuickBooks Online.

 

I'm ready to back you up if you have further concerns regarding printing estimates. Feel free to hit Reply. Stay safe!

dawnjohnson
Level 5

When I print my client's estimate, why do all of the columns not print?

Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear when I stated my question. When I view the estimate there are several columns of detail BY TASK.  I was hoping to print those details for my client (not a screenshot).  The client needs to see which portions of each task have been completed and billed as well as what is yet to be billed.  Seems pretty simple since the information is available.  See attached screenshot.  Adding the Account Summary doesn't provide any value since it is not by task.

 

Is there not a printable version of this?  Thanks.

dawnjohnson
Level 5

When I print my client's estimate, why do all of the columns not print?

Not sure my last attachment worked.  See here.

MarkAngeloG
QuickBooks Team

When I print my client's estimate, why do all of the columns not print?

I appreciate your quick response and clarifying your concern, Dawn. Printing the estimate that shows an estimate's specific details and columns, such as the invoiced amount and remaining balance, is currently unavailable in QuickBooks Online. However, I have workarounds that can help you print this.

 

First, use the same procedure my colleague provided, but you'll need to print it from the invoice transaction. Enabling the Account summary, Estimate summary and the Show on invoice will allow you to see the balance due and the total invoice balance. However, if you create and print another invoice from the estimate, it will only show the latest update of the items, which means that the completed tasks won't appear. Please take note this will only show the summarized amounts.

 

Below are examples of two different invoices from a single estimate:

 

 

 

If you need to obtain the detailed breakdown for each item, we'll have to print the Estimate page directly using the built-in print function (Ctrl +P). You may also need to adjust the scaling and orientation to fit all the necessary details.

 

Furthermore, you can also learn how to create and print a packing slip in QuickBooks Online to show your customers the important shipping information.

 

I'd gladly assist you anytime if you have further concerns about estimates and progress invoice printing. Feel free to comment below, and have a great day.

dawnjohnson
Level 5

When I print my client's estimate, why do all of the columns not print?

What I need is the "report" generated by using the "CTRL + P" you mentioned but in a professional looking format.  I just don't think sending a screenshot to my client is professional looking yet that is the information they need to see where they are by task item on the project.  Some of our clients have 10+ tasks on each project so including an Estimate Summary gives them zero detail.  The information is all there on the Estimate screenshot so I'm not sure why it is so hard to generate a real report with this information.  I have asked many times by submitting feedback so not sure that route is doing any good.  

 

I guess I will continue to create a spreadsheet on Excel with these details for my clients.   I'm ready for Intuit to beef up their progress invoicing to include what my clients need given that the subscription rate keeps going up.  

GranadaBook
Level 3

When I print my client's estimate, why do all of the columns not print?

QB Advanced version. Same issue here. Need to print the estimate as it shows when you open it online.
There is not a single Estimate Report that shows the columns for invoiced and remaining items.
Also, we don’t see the options for the Account summary section, or the Show on invoice and Estimate summary checkboxes.
Why, QuickBooks, why, do you do this to us?
Do I really need to create an excel spreadsheet from scratch to keep track of invoiced items?

ShyMae
QuickBooks Team

When I print my client's estimate, why do all of the columns not print?

I understand you want to print your estimates precisely as they appear on the interface when you open it online, GranadaBook. 

 

Currently, the option to print estimates like what you see on the interface is unavailable. As a workaround, you can follow the steps provided by my colleagues, or you may use an Excel spreadsheet. 

 

I see this is essential to your business, so I'd recommend sending feedback to our product development team. They will carefully review your idea and may consider it for future updates. 

 

To submit your suggestion:

 

  1. Select the Gear icon, then choose Feedback.
  2. Type in your product suggestions.
  3. Select Next to submit.

 

We greatly appreciate your input and value your contribution towards enhancing our product. 

On the other hand, I've got the steps on how to ensure that account and estimate summaries are displayed on your sales forms.

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Go to the Gear icon, then select Custom form styles.
  2. Look for the invoice template, then click Edit
  3. Hover to the Content and click Date section 
  4. Tick the Show on invoice. 
  5. Tick all the necessary information and column you want to show in your invoices.
  6. Now click the lower part of section of the body, then tick Estimate summary
  7. Hit Done.

    See attached screenshots for reference. 

    Sample.jpg Sample.jpg

 

Moreover, I'll add articles to share some tips and information on how to customize and run reports:

 

 

Please tap the reply button for further assistance and clarifications regarding your estimates and invoices. I've got your back always. 

cink78
Level 1

When I print my client's estimate, why do all of the columns not print?

I am trying to print a customer estimate and only half the page is showing up.  The error box tells me to correct the printer set up, but I can't get that to work.  How do you make the page print 8 1/2 x 11 and not 4 x 11?

SheandL
QuickBooks Team

When I print my client's estimate, why do all of the columns not print?

By default, estimates in QuickBooks Online (QBO) are printed on Letter paper size. I'm here to help you customize your printer settings so you can print on your desired measurements, @cink78.

 

Firstly, let's update your Adobe Acrobat so that your software will receive security patches and provide fixes to any issues like this. 

 

At the same time, we can edit your form's paper size on the PDF preview page and click the Fit to Page icon. Also, you can follow the steps I'll provide below to change your printing settings.

 

  1. On your preview page, click the Print icon. 
  2. Go to the More settings dropdown.
  3. On the Paper size dropdown, ensure that it's Letter. 
  4. You can also edit the Scale to your preference. 
  5. After ensuring everything is in order, click Print.

 

123.PNG

 

Moreover, since you've received an error message that tells you to correctly set up your printer, let's go ahead and resolve this issue by changing your printer's default paper size from your computer's settings. To do so, please follow these steps: 

 

  1. Go to the Start button, then click the Gear icon.
  2. Select Devices, then Printers & scanners. 
  3. Choose the appropriate printer and then click Manage.
  4. Once you're on the Manage your device window, go to Printer properties, then Change Properties. 
  5. Click the Paper tab, and then choose the paper size you want to use. 
  6. Select Advanced (It may be a button or a tab depending on the version of Windows you are using.)
  7. Increase the resolution.
  8. Hit Ok.

 

Please read this article for reference: Printer Is Configured to Use the Wrong Paper Size.

 

You can check out this article for guidance on what to do when your customer accepts your estimates: Convert an estimate into an invoice in QuickBooks Online.

 

I'll be here to assist you if you have additional concerns about printing in the correct paper size in QBO. Make sure to comment below or tag me in a post.

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