How to Create and Draw from a Retainer

Learn how to add funds to and drawn funds from a retainer.

How to Create and Draw from a Retainer Video

How to Create and Draw from a Retainer Step-by-Step

How to Create a Retainer

1. Go to Invoices > Retainers.
2. Click Create Retainer, and pick the client and projects to which you want the retainer to apply.
3. Complete the retainer invoice as you would a free-form, open invoice.
4. Save the retainer, and send it to the client.
5. Record Payment for the retainer when it’s received, and you will then be able to draw from the retainer.

How to Draw from a Retainer

You can only draw from a retainer for an invoice based on project hours and expenses. You can not draw from a retainer with a free-form invoice.

1. Go to Invoices > Overview, and click Create invoice.
2. Choose to create an invoice based on project hours and expenses for the client who you need to bill.
3. After you click Next Step, you will be asked if you would like to draw from the client’s retainer. Select this option.
4. Continue to complete the invoice.
5. When you save, the retainer balance will automatically be applied to the invoice.
   • If the retainer covers the invoice, it will automatically be marked as paid.
   • If the retainer does not cover the entire invoice, send the invoice to your client, and they can pay the balance.