> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://doc-test-my.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Invoices Work

> Create Invoices, send them to customers to receive payments and perform other actions.

The following steps indicate the workflow of an Invoice:

1. [Create an Invoice](#step-1-create-an-invoice)
2. [Issue an Invoice](#step-2-issue-an-invoice)
3. [Receive Payments](#step-3-receive-payments)
4. [Track Invoices and Reports](#step-4-track-invoices-and-reports)

### Step 1: Create an Invoice

[Create an invoice](/docs/payments/invoices/create) by providing all the required details. You can set an expiry date and enable partial payments.

Save the invoice. The invoice is in `draft` status. Know more about [invoice states](/docs/payments/invoices/states).

<Info>
  **Handy Tips**

  * You can [update](/docs/payments/invoices/update), [delete](/docs/payments/invoices/delete), or [create a duplicate](/docs/payments/invoices/duplicate) of an invoice in `draft` status.
  * **Invoice APIs**:
    * [Create an invoice](/docs/api/payments/invoices#create-an-invoice)
    * [Update an invoice](/docs/api/payments/invoices/update)
    * [Delete an invoice](/docs/api/payments/invoices/delete)
</Info>

### Step 2: Issue an Invoice

[Issue an invoice](/docs/payments/invoices/issue) to a customer via email and/or sms. The customer receives a notification by email or sms with a payment link using which the customer can pay using one of the available payment methods.

<Info>
  **Handy Tips**

  Use the [Issue an Invoice API](/docs/api/payments/invoices/issue).
</Info>

### Step 3: Receive Payments

Customer clicks the payment link and tries to make the payment.

* The customer chooses the mode of payment: Pay Online or Pay via Bank Transfer

Customer makes a successful payment. The invoice is marked as `paid`. You receive a notification about the payment.

<Info>
  **Handy Tips**

  After the payment is captured, the amount is settled to your account as per the settlement schedule. Know more about [payments](/docs/payments/payments).
</Info>

### Step 4: Track Invoices and Reports

* Notifications
  <br />You receive notifications regarding activity on invoices via SMS, emails and webhook. Know more about [subscribing to Webhooks](/docs/payments/invoices/subscribe-to-webhooks).
* Track Payments
  <br />Track payments made against the issued invoices on Dashboard. Click **Invoices** from the left menu. All the invoices are listed with their status under **Invoices**.
* Reports
  <br />Detailed insights can be gained using reports and real-time data on the Dashboard. These reports can then be used for accounting and reconciliation purposes. Know more about [reports](/docs/payments/dashboard/reports).

### Related Information

* [Invoices](/docs/payments/invoices)
* [Invoices States](/docs/payments/invoices/states)
* [Create an Invoice](/docs/payments/invoices/create)
* [Issue an Invoice](/docs/payments/invoices/issue)
* [Search an Invoice](/docs/payments/invoices/search)
* [Update an Invoice](/docs/payments/invoices/update)
* [Duplicate an Invoice](/docs/payments/invoices/duplicate)
* [Delete an Invoice](/docs/payments/invoices/delete)
* [Cancel an Invoice](/docs/payments/invoices/cancel)
* [Download and Print an Invoice](/docs/payments/invoices/download-print)
* [Subscribe to Webhooks](/docs/payments/invoices/subscribe-to-webhooks)
* [Invoice APIs](/docs/payments/invoices/apis)