That can happen for a few common reasons depending on your QuickBooks version (Online vs. Desktop). Let’s go through both step-by-step so you can get it fixed. If you’re using QuickBooks Online (QBO): 1. Turn On Custom Transaction Numbers QuickBooks hides the number field unless this option is enabled. Go to Settings > Account and settings > Sales > Sales form content. Turn ON “Custom transaction numbers.” Click Save, then Done. Now, when you create an invoice or sales receipt, you should see a “Invoice no.” or “Sales receipt no.” field at the top right. 2. Check Your Custom Form Style Even if the field is turned on globally, your form template might be hiding it. Go to Settings > Custom form styles. Edit the form style you’re using. Click the Content tab → click the header section of the preview on the right. Make sure Form numbers is checked. Save and make sure that’s your default style (under the “Make default” dropdown). Then try printing or previewing the invoice again, the Sales No should now show. 3. If It Still Doesn’t Show Sometimes a cache issue or a misapplied template causes this: Try creating a new test invoice and select a different form style (like the standard QuickBooks template). If the number appears there, the issue is with your customized template — you can duplicate it and reapply your logo/colors to fix it. Also clear your browser cache or try another browser to make sure it’s not a display glitch. If you’re using QuickBooks Desktop: Go to Lists > Templates, edit your invoice or sales receipt template. Select Additional Customization. Under the Header tab, make sure Invoice No. (or Sales No.) is checked in both Screen and Print columns. Save and retry printing. If it still doesn’t appear, try switching to a standard template temporarily — that will confirm if the issue is with the template or the system. Summary ✔ Turn ON “Custom transaction numbers.” ✔ Ensure “Form numbers” is visible in your form style. ✔ Make sure you’re using the correct template when printing. ✔ If still missing, test a standard form or duplicate your current one. If you’d like, feel free to message me, I’m a professional bookkeeper and QuickBooks freelancer based in the UK, and I can help you review your invoice templates or fix your custom form settings so everything displays properly [ [email address removed]]
