Invoice Reference Generator

WHAT IT DOES

Invoice Reference Generator is a browser extension that automatically scans the current webpage for invoice number fields, invoice reference inputs, billing forms, and financial documents. It detects invoice-related form elements by examining class names, IDs, name attributes, and placeholder text for keywords like "invoice", "inv", "billing", or "reference". The extension adds a floating "generate invoice" button (📃) next to each detected invoice field, allowing you to generate sequential invoice numbers based on customizable templates. Clicking the button opens a panel where you can configure the invoice number template (prefix + sequential number, date-based, or client-based), preview the generated number, apply it directly to form fields, copy it to your clipboard, and add notes about client details, payment status, or terms. The extension maintains an invoice number database with generation history, assigned clients, and notes for each generated invoice. The main panel displays all generated invoice numbers with client names, timestamps, and notes. All data is stored locally in your browser using GM_setValue, ensuring your invoice history persists across page reloads and browser sessions. This helps finance teams, accounting professionals, freelancers, and anyone who needs to generate and track invoice numbers consistently across different billing systems and forms.

WHERE IT RUNS

This extension runs on any webpage that displays invoice number fields, invoice reference inputs, billing forms, or financial documents – including invoicing platforms, accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero), billing systems, expense management tools, and any page containing invoice number input fields. The extension intelligently adapts to different page structures and supports a wide range of common form display patterns. No manual configuration is required per site; the extension automatically detects invoice fields using a flexible pattern matching system. This makes it ideal for finance professionals, accountants, freelancers, and anyone who needs to generate invoice numbers in billing workflows.

HOW TO USE

Simply install the extension and navigate to any webpage with an invoice number field or billing form. The extension automatically detects invoice fields and places a small "generate invoice" button (📃) next to each one. Click any of these buttons to open the invoice generation panel. Configure your invoice number template by setting the prefix, choosing a format (Prefix + Number, Date-based, or Client-based), and setting the starting number. Click "Generate Invoice" to preview the next sequential number. Click "Apply to Form" to automatically fill the invoice number field in the form – the extension properly dispatches input and change events to ensure compatibility with React, Vue, and other modern frameworks. Click "Generate & Copy" to copy the invoice number to your clipboard without applying it to a form. Add client and note information to track each invoice. A floating button (📑) appears in the bottom-right corner of the page – click this to open the main panel. The main panel shows all generated invoice numbers, sorted by most recent entry, with invoice number, client, entry count, and latest note displayed. Use the settings section to enable or disable auto-detection and set default prefix and starting number values. The "Clear All Invoices" button removes all tracking data when needed.

ONE TECHNICAL SECTION – WHY IT WORKS

The extension employs a multi-layered detection system that identifies invoice number fields with high accuracy. First, it scans the DOM using a comprehensive set of CSS selectors targeting common invoice-related class patterns, IDs, name attributes, and placeholder text. The detection algorithm uses a weighted scoring system where each matching selector contributes to a confidence score – a field with multiple matching selectors (class, name, and placeholder) receives a higher confidence score. The extension prioritizes visible form elements over hidden ones, ensuring it identifies the fields the user is actively interacting with. The invoice number generation uses a sequential counter system that scans existing invoice numbers in the local database to determine the next number in sequence. Three generation formats are supported: prefix-number (simple sequential with prefix), date-based (prefix + YYMMDD + 3-digit sequence), and client-based (prefix-00001 with 5-digit padding). When applying a generated invoice number to a form field, the extension uses the native setter for the input element and dispatches both "input" and "change" events, ensuring that React and Vue applications recognize the value change and update their state accordingly. A MutationObserver detects dynamic content updates and re-scans only when new form elements appear, balancing real-time accuracy with system performance.

THE PANEL – DRAG / PER-SITE POSITION / SNAP / COLLAPSE / RESIZE / ESCAPE

The invoice number generation panel includes a draggable title bar, allowing you to position it anywhere on screen for convenient access during billing workflows. The extension remembers your preferred position per website, so the panel opens in the same location each time you return to that domain. The panel supports snap-to-edge behavior – when dragged near screen edges, it gently snaps into place for a tidy workspace layout. You can collapse the panel down to just its title bar by clicking the collapse button, keeping it accessible without taking up screen space. The invoice history and settings are contained within a scrollable body, ensuring all content remains accessible even on smaller screens. Pressing the Escape key closes the panel instantly, returning you to your billing workflow.

PLEASE NOTE

This extension requires the free BotGentz extension to be installed and enabled, as it relies on BotGentz's userscript injection and GM_* API shims for cross-browser compatibility. Websites frequently update their HTML structures and class names, which may cause invoice field detection to break temporarily – we actively maintain the matching patterns and release updates regularly. The extension stores all invoice data, generation history, client names, and notes exclusively in your local browser storage (GM_setValue); no data is ever transmitted to any external server or third party. You are responsible for backing up your invoice history data if you switch browsers or clear your storage. The extension does not read, modify, or interfere with any invoicing systems, billing data, or site functionality – it operates solely on the static page content and stores only metadata (invoice numbers, client names, and notes) that you explicitly create. Use this tool responsibly for internal billing and invoice management purposes.