Skip to main content

Invoice Numbers

LoveInvoice automatically generates invoice numbers for you based on customizable settings. You can configure how your invoice numbers are formatted in your business settings.

Invoice Number Settings​

Prefix​

The Invoice Number Prefix is a text string that will be added to the start of all your invoice numbers. For example, if you set the prefix to "INV-", your invoice numbers will look like "INV-001", "INV-002", etc.

Format​

The Invoice Number Format allows you to define the structure of your invoice numbers using placeholders. You can use the following placeholders:

  • {NUMBER} - The sequential invoice number
    • You can also specify padding: {NUMBER:4} will ensure the number is always 4 digits (e.g., 0001, 0002)
  • {YEAR} - The current year (e.g., 2026)
  • {MONTH} - The current month (01-12)
  • {DAY} - The current day (01-31)

The prefix is always added to the start of the final invoice number as-is.

Example formats:

  • {YEAR}-{NUMBER} → 2026-001, 2026-002
  • {MONTH}-{YEAR}-{NUMBER:4} → 01-2026-0001, 01-2026-0002
  • {NUMBER} → 1, 2, 3

Important: Only letters, numbers, and hyphens are allowed in the final invoice number.

Current Invoice Number​

The Current Invoice Number is the next invoice number that will be used when you create a new invoice. This number increments automatically after each invoice is created.

warning

Caution Required

Changing the current invoice number will affect all future invoices and may cause issues with existing records. This field is locked by default to prevent accidental changes. Click the "Unlock Editing" button if you need to modify it.

Preview​

The Preview field shows you what the next invoice number will look like based on your current prefix, format, and invoice number settings. This helps you verify that your invoice numbering is configured correctly before creating invoices.

Best Practices​

  1. Choose a format that works for your business - Consider how you organize your invoices and what makes sense for your workflow
  2. Use padding for readability - Using {NUMBER:4} or similar can make invoice numbers easier to sort and read
  3. Include date information if needed - Adding year/month can help organize invoices chronologically
  4. Be consistent - Once you've established a format, try to stick with it to maintain consistency across your invoices
  5. Test with the preview - Always check the preview before finalizing your settings to ensure the format produces the results you expect