The template that I view while creating a new invoice / estimate.

Thanks for reaching out here and providing detailed information about your concern, @GSS45.

The option to enter a deposit for an estimate in QuickBooks Online (QBO) is unavailable since the Estimate is a non-posting entry. To process a payment, you have to convert it into an invoice.

Let's also ensure you create the estimates and invoices using the correct template.

Here's how:

1. Go to the Sales menu and select Invoices. 
2. Open the invoice and click the Customize tab on the lower part. 
3. Check the default template. 
4. Click the Print or Preview button to verify the template.

Additionally, check out this video tutorial below to learn how to personalize sales forms, receive customer payments, record payments, deposit funds, and many more: 

• Invoice and Payments step-by-step videos
• Sales and Customers FAQs

I'm only a post away if I can be of additional assistance. I'm always here to keep helping with your invoice template. Have a good one.

Maybelle_S, Thank you for your reply.

I think I have the Basic version.  Very few instructions that I find match what I attempt.

Like with your response, I do not have a "Sales" in my menu. So, I am lost before the first step?

When my wife and I purchased QB Online for our small business, we created a template in a matter of minutes.  That exact template is what I saw every time I began to make an invoice or estimate.  That same template is what wound print out.

I have access to an accounting company that does the books once a month for a larger business that we own.  It is currently running Peachtree but we will be updating to QB on Jan 1. They have offered to help me but I am stubborn and feel that this should be a no brainer. 

I do not like the look, feel, or operation of this "standard" template that I am stuck with.  My wife worked on a new template, trying to duplicate the one we first set up.  I did notice that after I created a new invoice and saved it, when I went to create the next invoice, the template changed to look more like the new one she created.  Still way off but getting closer.  Its like no changes that we tried to make took effect until we created a new invoice, saved it and went to create the second, if that makes sense.

Below is a pic of the bottom of one of my "Estimates" showing the line where I can put a deposit amount. Just for those that say is it not an option.  It does not calculate the amount for me, just gives me an option to show the customer that I require a deposit, which is always 50% of the total for the way we opperate. 

I sure wish I could get to my original setup.  I had been fighting for a long time with a dated QB program on a very dated slow pc.  This new QB Online was smoking fast and a joy to use.    

Thank you for providing additional information about your concern ,GSS45. 

In QuickBooks Online, there are two ways to display your account, the business and accountant view. Your default view is based on what you tell us when you first set up QuickBooks. 

It's possible that you're in Switch Business view. This is why, you're not able to view the Sales menu. I've added screenshots for your reference. 

Please know that you can request a deposit from your customer that they can pay directly from the estimate if you have both QuickBooks Payments and the newest version of Estimates in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

Also, you may be using the new experience. You can opt-out of that directly from the invoice creation screen by clicking the “Old layout” button. Doing so, you will lose the new functionalities. 

Additionally, I've attached relevant articles you can utilize to help manage your invoices in QuickBooks:

• Customize invoice in QBO
• Record invoice payments in QuickBooks Online

Fill me in should you have any other questions about processing invoices or estimates. I'm here to help you at any time. Have a great day.

LeizyIM, I think we may be on to something! 

Looking at your example, this is what I was looking at before.  My email address and such was placed in the center of the page as in your example.  And, I could toggle between flat rate, unit, like it your example. 

Can you please walk me through reverting back to the old style if this is what I was using? Please!

Again, I am using the base option, "QuickBooks Simple Start" because I am only running a sole proprietorship business.  In a few days, we will be changing over from Sage to QB.

Thank you so much for your time and assistance.

Also, I tried to switch to the old layout, I do not have that option.  

When I go to "new"

Under "customers" select "Invoice"

Upper right corner, select "old layout" button, I do not have this?

Has this option been omitted?  Or what am I missing?

Can you verify if this is still a viable option?

Thank you.

Thanks for the update, @GSS45. 

I appreciate your effort in performing the troubleshooting steps provided by my colleagues. Let me chime in and provide further details on how you can revert to the old invoice/estimate experience in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

The option to return to the old invoice and estimate layout is still available in QBO, and you may switch to either the old or new experience anytime. If you don't have that option, we can perform some basic troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

In some cases, stored cache and cookies in your browser can corrupt, which causes unexpected behaviors and missing features. First, let's try logging into a private browser to rule out the possibility of a browser issue.

Please refer to these keyboard shortcuts depending on your browser type:

• Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Safari: Command + Shift + N

Moreover, we can also clear the browser cache and Intuit-specific cookies to fix issues quickly when using QBO. 

If the issue persists, I recommend reaching out to our customer support. They have access to a screen-sharing tool that can walk you through better reverting to the old invoice/estimate experience. To do that:

1. Click the Help icon and go to the Search tab.
2. Select Contact Us.
3. Enter a brief description of your concern, and click Continue.
4. You may choose either to Chat with us or Have us call you.

When a customer pays an invoice, we'll need to record the payment and link it to the invoice to mark it as paid. Otherwise, the invoice is left open and shows up on your reports as unpaid. An invoice can be paid in full or partial, and QBO keeps track of any remaining balance.

If you need further assistance changing your invoice/estimate layout, please don't hesitate to leave a reply below. The Community is always available to offer help. Stay safe, and have a great day!

Thank you for your efforts. 

I have spent quite a bit of time with the QB Help, multiple phone calls and online chats.  Apparently, there are multiple versions / options because the team keep trying to make adjustments with tools that I do not have.  Looks like I am stuck with what I have.  Best I can tell, changes have been made to the program with no way to opt out of the changes. 

I think I am just going to have to give this a rest till I have time to pay someone to sit down with me and help me out.

Thanks for helping, 

Have a great day!