Getting started

Create your workspace, add your business details, and send your first invoice.

6 min read
Last updated 2026-02-03
Overview
Follow this quick path to set up Illumi end-to-end.

What you’ll set up

A workspace for your business.

Your invoice defaults (email, currency, tax rate, templates).

One client and one invoice to test your end-to-end flow.

Before you start

Have your business details ready (trading name, registration/VAT number if applicable, address and contact details).

If you plan to accept payments online, decide which PayGate provider you’ll use and keep the credentials handy.

If you invoice retainers, subscriptions or monthly services, you’ll probably want a recurring invoice after your first test invoice.

Step-by-step

1. Create your workspace
Workspaces keep your data separated (great for multiple businesses or teams).
Open
2. Add your first client
Capture name, email, phone, and address so invoices are always ready to send.
Open
3. Create and preview an invoice
Choose a template, add line items, and preview before sending.
Open
4. Enable PayGate (optional)
Add a Pay Now button and auto-update invoice status when paid.
Open

Your first 30-minute setup checklist

Workspace: name, email, address, and logo uploaded.

Invoice defaults: currency (ZAR), VAT/tax rate (if applicable), invoice numbering, and any template preferences.

Client: name + billing email.

Invoice: at least 1–3 line items with correct quantities and prices.

Payment info: either bank details are filled in, or PayGate is enabled.

Tip

If you’re going to use PayGate, set it up before sending invoices. It’s easier than retrofitting payment links later.

Test your end-to-end flow

Send yourself a test invoice and open it in an incognito/private window to see what your client sees.

If PayGate is enabled, click Pay Now and confirm the payment link opens successfully.

Download the PDF and check that your logo, tax details and bank/payment details appear as expected.

Common beginner mistakes

Mixing up Test vs Live keys in PayGate (causes authentication errors).

Forgetting to add the client email (prevents sending).

Not checking the PDF/print layout before sending (logo or bottom section might not look right).

Using unclear line item descriptions (leads to delayed approvals).