> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/revenue/quotes/create-a-quote.md). # Create a quote A quote always belongs to a customer and one of their properties. Choose those carefully when you create the quote, because they cannot be changed after the quote is created. ## Before you start * The customer and property must already exist. * A standard quote needs at least one line item, terms and conditions, and a total that is not negative before you can save it. A quote that uses a document template configured without items or pricing needs no lines or total, but still needs terms and conditions. ## Create the quote 1. Open the Quotes page. 2. Click New Quote in the top right. 3. Choose the customer and property. 4. Choose a template if one applies, or start from scratch. 5. Add line items, terms and conditions, and any discount or attachment you need. For a quote that uses a document template configured without items or pricing, the item and pricing fields are hidden as soon as that document template is selected; review its description, terms, custom fields, and attachments instead. The Description field supports rich text — bold, italics, underline, headings, lists, divider lines, and tables (see [Format descriptions and terms with rich text](/revenue/quotes/format-descriptions-and-terms-with-rich-text.md)). 6. If your business keeps more than one quote document template, pick the design for this quote in the **Template** dropdown; the preview updates to match. With a single template there is no dropdown — the quote uses it automatically (see [Choose and customize your quote document template](/administration/settings/choose-and-customize-your-quote-document-template.md)). 7. Review **Quote validity (days)**. It starts with your business default, but you can change it for this quote. 8. Use the preview on the right to check what the customer will see. The **Context** tab beside it shows the billing details, property contacts, and customer facts — and, on a quote started from a deficiency task, that task's findings (see [See property, customer, and deficiency context while quoting or invoicing](/revenue/quotes/see-context-while-quoting-or-invoicing.md)). 9. Save the quote. Saving assigns the quote number automatically and creates the quote in Draft. You can keep editing while it is in Draft, then send it for signature when it is ready. If you leave before saving, Essential asks you to confirm, and keeps a copy of the new quote in your browser. The next time you click **New Quote**, select **Restore** to pick up where you left off (see [Restore an unsaved quote or invoice](/revenue/quotes/restore-an-unsaved-quote-or-invoice.md)). You can also start a quote from the New shortcut at the top of any page. When you start from a customer, property, contact, or job page, Essential carries that context into the quote when it applies, so the customer, property, or related job may already be filled in. > **Where to find it:** Quotes page, New Quote button (top right) ## Related guides * [Add a line item to a quote](/revenue/quotes/add-a-line-item-to-a-quote.md) * [Restore an unsaved quote or invoice](/revenue/quotes/restore-an-unsaved-quote-or-invoice.md) * [Apply a discount to a quote](/revenue/quotes/apply-a-discount-to-a-quote.md) * [Attach a file to a quote](/revenue/quotes/attach-a-file-to-a-quote.md) * [Custom pricing on quote line items](/revenue/quotes/custom-pricing-on-quote-line-items.md) * [Set quote validity and reactivate an expired quote](/revenue/quotes/set-quote-validity-and-reactivate-an-expired-quote.md) * [Filter quotes by status](/revenue/quotes/filter-quotes-by-status.md) * [Feature availability and setup](/getting-started/getting-started/feature-availability-and-setup.md) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://learn.withessential.com/revenue/quotes/create-a-quote.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.