# Invoice defaults, terms and numbering

> Set default payment terms, the notes, terms and footer on every new invoice, and your invoice number format in CoreHue. Numbering is set once, so plan it.

Source: https://help.corehue.co/docs/invoices/invoice-defaults-and-numbering/

Set the things that go on every invoice once, so each new one arrives ready to send. These live under **Payments → Settings**, on the **General** and **Invoice defaults** tabs.

## Default payment terms

On the **General** tab, **Default payment terms** sets the due date on new invoices: **Due on receipt**, **Due in 15 days**, **Due in 30 days** or **Due in 60 days**.

You can change it whenever you like. It only affects invoices created afterwards, and you can still change the terms on any single invoice.

The due date matters more than it looks: it's what turns an invoice **Overdue** and what [reminders](/docs/invoices/invoice-reminders) are timed from.

## Setting up numbering

You set your numbering once, in the **Set up numbering** window that appears just before your first invoice: "Choose how your invoice and payment numbers begin. Once saved, the numbering setup is locked."

| Field | What it does | Rules |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Invoice prefix** | The letters before each invoice number | 1 to 5 uppercase letters. Starts as INV. |
| **Payment prefix** | The letters before each payment and receipt number | 1 to 5 uppercase letters. Starts as PMT. |
| **Invoice starting number** | Where invoice numbers begin | 1 to 999,999 |
| **Payment starting number** | Where payment numbers begin | 1 to 999,999 |
| **Number format** | How many digits numbers pad to | 3, 4, 5 or 6. Starts at 5. |

As you type, the window previews **First invoice** and **First payment**, so you can see INV-00001 or INV-001 before committing. **Continue to invoice** saves it and takes you into your invoice.

Coming from other software? Set the starting number to carry on your existing sequence, so your records read cleanly across the move.

> **Numbering can't be changed later**
Once saved, the prefixes, starting numbers and format are locked for good. Numbering also locks automatically once your first invoice exists. Tax authorities expect a sequence that can't be rewritten, so take a minute over it.

Afterwards, the **General** tab shows **Invoice prefix**, **Next invoice number**, **Payment prefix** and **Next payment number** for reference.

## Numbers are never reused

Each invoice gets its number when it's created, and that number is never given to anything else. Delete a draft and you'll have a gap in the sequence. That's expected and fine. Repeated numbers would be the problem.

## Notes, terms and footer

The **Invoice defaults** tab holds three blocks of text that are "Pre-filled on new invoices."

- **Notes.** A short message to your client, often a thank you. Keep it warm and general, since it goes on every invoice.
- **Terms.** Your payment terms in plain words: when payment is due, whether deposits are refundable, what happens if a payment is late. Notes and terms both take simple formatting, so a numbered list works well.
- **Default footer.** The small print at the bottom: registration or tax numbers, address, contact details.

Change any of them on a single invoice and the default stays as it was. Changing a default never touches invoices that already exist.

A terms line like "Final images are delivered once the balance is paid" can do as much to get you paid on time as any reminder.

## Saving your changes

All the payment settings tabs share one save bar. Make your changes, then save before you leave the page.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I change my invoice prefix after I've started?

No. The invoice prefix, starting numbers and number format lock as soon as numbering is saved or your first invoice is created.

### Why is there a separate payment prefix?

The payment prefix keeps invoices and payments apart: one invoice paid in three instalments has one invoice number and three payment numbers. Receipts use the payment number. See [Splitting an invoice into a payment schedule](/docs/invoices/payment-schedules).

### Do new defaults update my existing invoices?

No. Invoice defaults only fill in new invoices. Edit an existing invoice if it needs the new text. See [Creating an invoice](/docs/invoices/creating-an-invoice).

### What should I put in the footer?

Put whatever your clients or your accountant expect to see in the invoice footer: business registration and tax numbers, your address, and how to reach you with questions.