Templates Don't Apply To Estimates

Hi there, @tandem.

To apply the proforma invoice from the estimate, make sure the template you’re using is correct. Let's verify and check the template below:

Step 1: Verify the name of the template in the custom form style page. Here's how:

1. Go to the Gear icon.
2. Select Custom Form Styles.
3. Locate the invoice template and click Edit.
4. Select the Content tab and click the Pencil icon. 
5. In the Form section, on the Form names enter invoice name.

Step 2 : Check what is the template selected :

1. Click the Plus icon at the top.
2. Choose the Estimate.
3. On the Estimate page, select the Customer.
4. At the bottom part, click the Customize and check if the correct style is selected.
5. Tap the Print or Preview to see the form.

Feel free to check this article for your reference: Import custom form styles for invoices or estimates.

Get back to me if you have any questions. I'm always here to help. Have a great day.

I did all of this. It doesn’t work. I already read that article too. Many of the changes you make in the editor never show up. Even wise, every thing you go back to edit, it creates a new estimate. The entire template system is broken.

I’ve tried all of that and read all the articles. Your template system is hopelessly broken.

It doesn’t matter now. It was after for me to just create a Proforma invoice from scratch in Excel. The one I did in excel looks better than what you can do in QuickBooks too. Intuit should stop wasting people’s time with tutorials for broken software.

Thanks for your response, @tandem.

I appreciate you sharing with us the results of the steps you’ve performed. Let’s try another one, so you can use the proforma invoice.

When using a customized form, you still have to select it. This is because the program automatically uses the default template.

I have a few easy ways to do it. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Plus icon at the top and choose Estimate to view the transaction’s page.
   
2. From there, enter the customer’s name, and other details.
   
3. Scroll down to the bottom and tap the Customize menu to select the proforma invoice.
   
4. Hit the Print or Preview button to view the form.
   
5. Press the Save or Save and send menu to keep the changes.

If you continue to get the same result, we’ll have to determine the root cause of the issue. Performing this process requires account verification.

I’m unable to collect any sensitive information here in the Community for safety purposes. However, our QBO Care Team have tools to access the company and review the template’s set up in a secure space.

I suggest contacting them for further assistance. Let’s open the company to access the support details.

1. Go to the Help menu in the upper right hand to open the Search window.
2. From there, scroll down to click the Contact us link.
3. Type the issue or topic under the What can we help you with section and then hit the Let’s talk button.
4. Select how you want to reach out to our support team: Start a chat or Call us.

You can also visit the QuickBooks Blog from time to time to keep you up to date with the latest features and improvements in the product.

I want to be your main point of contact, so please let me know if you have any other concerns or questions. I’m here ready to assist further. Have a good one.

Having exactly the same issue! Changing everything as I should, when I preview the changes it shows as a Proforma, when I go to create a Proforma it creates an estimate. Why is something so simple proving to be so difficult again! Seriously considering moving from QuickBooks. It's shot!

We're happy to have you as part of our Community, @Emma1404. A warm welcome, and we look forward to having a prosperous business with you.

I will share some guidelines that could help you successfully create a Proforma.

To begin, I recommend that when you use a Customized form, you select the proforma invoice because the system will automatically apply the default template. You may also follow these steps:

1. To view the transaction's page, click the Plus button at the top and select Estimate.
2. Enter the customer's name and other information from there.
3. Scroll to the bottom and select the proforma invoice from the Customize menu.
4. To view the form, click the Print or Preview button.
5. To save the changes, select Save or Save and Send.

If the issue persists, I suggest contacting our QuickBooks Online Care Team. They have the tools to pull up your account and check the root cause of the problem.

To speak with one of our experts from QuickBooks Online Support. Please follow the steps below to contact support:

1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online company. Select Help (?).

2. Select either tab: Assistant or Talk to a Human.

3. Search or select Contact Us.

4. Start a chat with a support expert.

You can contact us from Mondays to Fridays, 6 AM to 6 PM PT, and Saturdays, 6 AM to 3 PM PT.

You can also visit this article to learn how to personalize and add specific info to your sales forms: Customize invoices, estimates, and receipts in QuickBooks Online.

If you have any further concerns, don't hesitate to post them here. Stay safe!