> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://support.robaws.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Creating a pro forma invoice

A **pro forma invoice** is a provisional invoice that has not yet been assigned an invoice number. This invoice gives an overview of the expected costs, without a payment actually having to be made for it yet. When you book a pro forma invoice, it is given a final invoice number and becomes an actual invoice.

## Creating a pro forma invoice

Via **settings > general > journals > automatic booking** you can set per [journal](https://support.robaws.com/en/article/working-with-journals-glx6iz/) whether a pro forma has to be created first for this journal or whether an invoice number may be assigned straight away.

If the **'automatic booking'** function is enabled, the invoice is booked immediately and is assigned a number.
If the **'automatic booking'** function is disabled, the invoice is created without an invoice number being assigned. The invoice is shown as **'proforma'** and is only given a number once it is actually booked.

There are a few **points to note** regarding the use of a pro forma:

* A pro forma invoice/credit note cannot be sent to the accountant
* A locked pro forma invoice cannot be booked
* Pro forma invoices/credit notes are included in the total calculations
* If the year of the invoice date of a pro forma invoice is changed, Robaws will not suggest changing the invoice number to that year

## Booking a pro forma invoice

A pro forma invoice/credit note can be booked from the overview screen as well as from the detail screen, via a **'book'** button. 
As soon as you click this button, an invoice number is assigned to the invoice.