> 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.
* The quote needs at least one line item, terms and conditions, and a total above zero before you can save it.

## 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. 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. Review **Quote validity (days)**. It starts with your business default, but you can change it for this quote.
7. 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)).
8. 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.

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)
* [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)


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