InvoiceConvert an Estimate to an Invoice on iPhone
Updated October 10, 2026 · 5 min read
In Invoice Maker on iPhone, open the estimate you want to convert, tap the convert button, and the app creates a new invoice with the same line items, client details, and totals. You can then adjust dates, payment terms, and any final amounts before sharing the PDF. The original estimate remains saved for your records. No login is required.
Why Convert an Estimate to an Invoice?
When a client approves your estimate, you need to turn it into an invoice to request payment. Manually retyping every line item wastes time and invites errors. Invoice Maker on iPhone lets you convert an estimate to an invoice in a few taps. This keeps your documents consistent and reduces the chance of missing a detail.
Estimates and invoices serve different purposes. An estimate tells a client what work might cost. An invoice asks for payment for work completed. Converting an estimate to an invoice is a workflow step, not a legal transformation. You still need to review the final document before sending it.
Step-by-Step: Convert an Estimate to an Invoice
- Open the estimate — Launch Invoice Maker and go to your estimates list. Tap the estimate you want to convert.
- Tap Convert — Look for the convert or 'Create Invoice' button on the estimate detail screen.
- Review the new invoice — The app creates a new invoice with the same client, line items, quantities, and prices. Check that everything is correct.
- Adjust dates and terms — Update the invoice date, due date, and payment terms. Estimates often have validity dates, but invoices need payment terms.
- Add or remove items — If the scope changed, edit line items, quantities, or prices.
- Share the PDF — Tap share to send the invoice as a PDF via email, Messages, or another app.
Practical Example: Web Design Project
Suppose you are a freelance web designer. You send an estimate for a five-page website: design ($1,200), development ($1,800), and training ($300). The client approves. You open the estimate in Invoice Maker and tap convert. The new invoice copies all three line items and the client's details. You change the due date to Net 14 and add a note: '50% deposit due on acceptance; balance due on completion.' You share the PDF. The original estimate remains saved.
After conversion, you might realize the client asked for an extra page. You can edit the invoice to add a line item for $250. Because you saved the client and products in Clients and Products, you can quickly add the new item without retyping details.
What to Check After Converting
- Invoice date and due date
- Payment terms (e.g., Net 30, due on receipt)
- Line items, quantities, and prices
- Client details (name, address, email)
- Any deposits or discounts
- Notes or payment instructions
Estimates vs. Invoices: Key Differences
An estimate is a quote for work you might do. An invoice is a request for payment for work you have done. Converting an estimate to an invoice does not change the legal nature of the document. Check local rules for when an invoice is required and what it must contain. Our guide to invoice vs estimate vs quote explains more.
| Feature | Estimate | Invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Quote for potential work | Request for payment |
| Timing | Before work begins | After work is done or milestone reached |
| Payment terms | Usually not applicable | Net 30, due on receipt, etc. |
| Legal weight | Often not binding | May be binding depending on jurisdiction |
Local Rules and Record-Keeping
Record-keeping requirements vary by country, state, and business type. Invoice Maker does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. Before you rely on estimates or invoices for tax or compliance purposes, check local rules for:
- How long you must keep financial records
- Whether you need sequential invoice numbers
- What tax information must appear on invoices
- Whether electronic records are acceptable
Key takeaways
- Invoice Maker converts estimates to invoices on iPhone, copying line items, client details, and totals.
- Review dates, payment terms, and amounts after conversion before sending.
- The original estimate stays saved, so you keep a record of what the client approved.
- Estimates are not invoices; check local rules for when an invoice is required.
- Use saved clients and products to speed up estimate creation and conversion.
Sources
- Recordkeeping — IRS
