> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.shortcutco.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.shortcutco.com/readme/finances-invoices-and-payments/how-invoices-are-created-job-driven.md).

# How invoices are created

In Shortcut, invoices come from **completed work** — you don't type up invoices line-by-line. What varies is *when* the invoice is created:

* **Auto - on completion** (default): the moment a visit is completed, the invoice is created and sent.
* **Auto - on a schedule**: completed visits are saved up, and one invoice goes out on the customer's schedule (weekly, every two weeks, or monthly — at 8:00 AM your time).
* **Offline / Check Payment**: completed visits wait in the **Pending** section of Invoices until you click **Issue Invoice**.
* **Pre-pay**: if the customer has paid a prepay invoice covering the date, completed work links to it and no new invoice is created.

See [Billing modes](/readme/finances-invoices-and-payments/billing-modes.md) and [Pre-pay invoicing](/readme/finances-invoices-and-payments/pre-pay-invoicing.md).

## The default flow (auto on completion)

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Create and send a proposal

Create and send the proposal to the customer.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Proposal is accepted

The proposal is accepted (or you approve it on the customer's behalf).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Job is scheduled and assigned

The job gets scheduled and assigned to a crew.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Visit is marked complete

The worker taps **Finish**, or an admin completes it in Dispatch.

<figure><img src="/files/TGZfvP8NWUOWVr8r2ytH" alt="Worker complete action that creates billing activity"><figcaption><p>Invoices begin when a visit is marked complete.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Shortcut generates the invoice

Shortcut creates the invoice and sends the payment request by email/SMS. If autopay is on, the card is charged automatically. If the crew shared any photos or notes from the visit, they appear on the invoice — customers see the work, not just the charge.

<figure><img src="/files/XR1evjmdn3iWTi3FQAN2" alt="Finances list showing created invoices"><figcaption><p>After completion, generated invoices appear in Invoices.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Expected result

After completion, a new invoice appears in **Invoices** (or the work appears in the **Pending** section for scheduled/offline customers).

## Common issues

<details>

<summary><strong>No invoice yet</strong></summary>

The visit likely hasn't been marked complete — or the customer is on scheduled/offline billing and the work is sitting in the Pending section.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Customer says they didn't get it</strong></summary>

Use **Remind** from the invoice row to re-send it, and double-check their email/phone on the profile.

</details>

{% hint style="warning" %}

### Still stuck?

Email **<hello@shortcutco.com>** with the customer name + job date + a screenshot of the job status.
{% endhint %}