1. Where invoice numbering is controlled

Invoice numbering is controlled in Settings → Account → General Setup for each business.

This is where you define:

• Whether invoice numbers are automatic or manual.
• The starting number/format for your invoices.

2. Automatic invoice numbering

When automatic numbering is enabled:

• BrightBooks automatically increments the invoice number each time you create a new invoice.
• The next number is based on the last invoice number used for that business.
• You can set the starting number (for example, start at 1000).
• When you add a new invoice, the Invoice No. field is pre‑filled and usually not edited.

This gives:

• Consistent, sequential invoice numbers.
• Less risk of duplicates or gaps.

3. Manual invoice numbering

With manual numbering:

• The Invoice No. field is editable when you create invoices.
• You type the invoice number yourself for each invoice.
• You are responsible for:
  • Keeping numbers unique.
  • Maintaining a logical sequence.
  • Avoiding gaps or duplicates.

Manual numbering is useful if:

• You’re continuing an existing numbering scheme from another system.
• You use a custom scheme (e.g., different prefixes for departments).

4. Practical tips

• Decide per business whether you want automatic or manual numbering.
• If you switch from manual to automatic:
  • Make sure the last manual invoice number is correctly set so the next auto number follows on.
• Recurring invoices use the same numbering rules (auto or manual) as your normal invoices.