Understanding and finalising invoice drafts When an invoice is created from a Store order or Bookings reservation, it starts as a draft. A draft is not sent to your customer and is not legally binding yet it is a working copy for you to review and adjust before issuing.
What a draft invoice is
A draft invoice:
- Exists in your dashboard under Payments > Invoices, as well as from the Bookings or Store overview
- Is pre-filled with order or reservation data
- Can still be edited you can adjust tax rates, add notes, or update details
- Has NOT been sent to your customer
- Is NOT legally binding
Once you finalise it, the invoice is locked and becomes legally binding. Your customer receives it only when you send it.
How to finalise a draft
- Go to Payments > Invoices in your dashboard.
- Locate the draft. It is labelled Draft in the status column.
- Click the draft to open it.
- Review all the details: buyer information, line items, tax rate, due date.
- Make any necessary changes. This is your last chance to edit.
- Click Finalise.
The invoice is now finalised. It has a permanent invoice number and is locked for editing.
⚠️ Once finalised, you cannot edit the invoice. If you made a mistake, issue a credit note to correct it. See: How to issue a credit note.
Draft invoice numbers
While an invoice is in draft status, it may show a temporary reference number. The final, permanent invoice number is assigned at the point of finalisation, based on your invoice numbering sequence set in Settings > Invoices.
What happens if you delete a draft
Deleting a draft invoice is permanent. The order or reservation that triggered it remains unaffected only the draft is removed. If you delete a draft and then need an invoice, you can create a new one manually from Payments > Invoices.
Frequently asked questions
I can see the draft but cannot edit the tax rate. Why?
Make sure the invoice is still in Draft status. Once finalised, editing is locked. If the draft appears locked, contact Jimdo Support.
My draft has disappeared. Where did it go?
Check that you are looking in Payments > Invoices and that no active filters are hiding it. Drafts can also be archived check the Archived section. If you cannot find it, contact Support.
Can I have multiple drafts open at the same time?
Yes. Each paid order or reservation generates its own draft. You can review and finalise them individually at your own pace.
Do I need to finalise all drafts immediately?
No. Drafts stay in your dashboard until you act on them. However, your customer will not receive an invoice until you finalise and send it.
What is the difference between finalising and sending?
Finalising locks the invoice and assigns it a permanent number. Sending delivers it to your customer. You do both separately finalise first, then send.