Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to the Community. I'm happy you're taking advantage of the features offered in QuickBooks.

To make sure we're on the same page, could you send me a screenshot of the colon you're referring to? Feel free to cover any personal info that may show on the screenshot. You're also more than welcome to contact our support team for direct support using this link. 

Let me know if you have other questions. I'm here to help. 

Hello James. Thanks for your reply. 

Please see screenshot attached. When a product is added to the inventory and the "category" field is used, the system automatically adds a semicolon after the category on the estimates/invoices:

Hello cmora1,

Thanks for including the screenshot with your followup to James's question. I'd be happy to go over this with you.

At this time, there isn't a way to remove the colon between to the category and the item on an invoice. This is simply how QuickBooks Online organizes the data when using a category in conjunction with the item. I recommend taking a moment to share feedback about this with our team by following the steps outlined in this article: How do I submit feedback?

In the meantime, I have a workaround you can consider, which is to include the name of the category in the item name since it appears that you want your customers to see it. I know the category field in QuickBooks in useful for tracking in your books, so you can still keep that, but simply turn it off on your forms so your customers won't see it listed with the colon. Here's how.

1. Select the Gear icon.
2. Choose Custom Form Styles.
3. Click Edit on the form in question.
4. Go to the Content tab.
5. Click the centre section of the template preview to the right.
6. Uncheck the Category box.
7. Click Done to save.

Here is a demonstration of what I mean of how it would look when you fill out the form and what your customers would see. I've used one of your products and categories in my example to keep it simple.

What you will see

What your customer will see

Doing this will keep your categories active for your books while displaying the name of the product the way you'd like for your customer. Give that a shot and let me know if you have more questions.

You're welcome. I see how going back and editing items could take a lot of time, so I want you to go with the best option for you. Feel free to stop by again next time you have a question.

What can you do so the Category doesn't show on a Purchase order to a vendor?  I have unchecked the Category in the custom forms, but it is still showing on PO's.

Hi lisacassell. Thanks for reaching out. To make sure we're on the same page, when you create a Purchase Order, are you entering any data on the Category Details drop-down? Could you show me how you're creating your Purchase Order? Feel free to send screenshots. If you need need immediate support, I suggest contacting our support team using this link.

I experience the same issue. I don't want "Category" included in the Purchase Order. When I create order, I use drop-down to select the product / service. I also have "Category" box uncheck in my master custom form style. As you can see from photo below, Category ("A") is in addition to Name "B" under "Product / Service". I also include snap shot on Purchase Order PDF for your information. Can QB support tell me how to solve this issue? Thank you.