There are multiple ways to create an invoice. You can create a standalone invoice to send to a client, or add an invoice to a contract so it’s ready to go. Many of Lightfolio’s pre-made templates also have an invoice section ready for you!
You'll need to set up a Payment Gateway via Stripe or PayPal in order to collect payment from your clients, or use one of the manual payment options in the settings. Go to the Managing Payment Method Options article for more information.
Sections in this Article:
Create a Basic Standalone Invoice
Step 1a: Create a Basic Invoice
There are two ways to create a basic, standalone invoice.
Go to your Documents page. From the Documents tab, under the Create Documents section, hover over “Basic Invoice” and click Create.
Alternatively, go to the Invoices tab on the Documents page and click on the + New Invoice button.
Step 1b: Add a Client to the Invoice
Once your invoice has been created via the Documents or Invoices tab, a Create Document box will appear.
From there, you'll be prompted to Add the Client’s Email and Name that you want to send the invoice to.
Click the Continue button after adding your client’s information.
After adding your client, jump to Step 2.
Add an Invoice as a Page to a Lightfolio Document
Step 1b: Add Your Client to Your Invoice
Once your invoice has been created via the Documents or Invoices tab, a Create Document box will appear.
From there, you'll be prompted to Add the Client’s Email and Name that you want to send the invoice to.
Click the Continue button after adding your client’s information.
Step 1c: Add the Invoice as a Page to a Document (Basic or Pre-Made Template)
Note: Skip this step if you are creating a basic invoice from steps 1a and 1b.
Inside your document, click on Pages in the Menu, then click + Add Page.
You can also click the + Add Page button, usually located in the top left corner.
Step 1d: Adding an Invoice Page to Your Document
Note: Skip this step if you are creating a basic invoice from steps 1a and 1b.
After clicking the + Add Page button, an Add a Page box will appear.
To add a basic invoice as a page to your document, go to the Add a Single Page tab and click on Invoice to add it.
To add a pre-made Lightfolio invoice template to your document, click on the Use a LF Template tab, and click on Invoice to add it.
After adding your invoice as a page, jump to Step 2.
After Your Invoice is Created or Added as a Page
Step 2: Line Item Basics
You'll notice a product line on your invoice. Enter a Description, Quantity, Unit Price and your Line Total will be calculated.
It might look something like this:
Description: Wedding Shoot for 8 hours
Quantity: 8 (to charge by the hour)
Unit Price: $250.00
Line Total: $2,000.00
To add a line, hover over the product line and click on the Add Line item.
To delete a line, hover over the product line and click on the Trash Can icon.
Step 3: Go to Review & Share
Once you have finalized the details of your invoice, you're ready to move on to the Review & Share step.
Click the green Next button, usually in the top right corner.
Step 4: Double-Check Your Invoice Details and Share Your Invoice
On Review & Share, you can add an optional message for your client.
Double check all of the additional details to make sure they are correct.
Once you are sure your invoice is ready, click the green Share button located in the top right corner. A message will pop up confirming the invoice has been sent to your client’s email.
Step 5: Enable Online Payments
Make sure you have enabled at least one of the Payment Methods in your Payment Settings for online payments.
Your Payment Settings are located in the More tab on the Studio Manager Dashboard.
