# Difference between transaction numbers and reference numbers

**URL:** <https://forum.manager.io/t/difference-between-transaction-numbers-and-reference-numbers/69591>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [September 7, 2026, 6:51am UTC](https://forum.manager.io/t/difference-between-transaction-numbers-and-reference-numbers/69591 "2026-09-07T06:51:09Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![robynt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ee59a6/32.png) [@robynt](https://forum.manager.io/u/robynt)\
**Post date:** [September 7, 2026, 6:51am UTC](https://forum.manager.io/t/difference-between-transaction-numbers-and-reference-numbers/69591/1 "2026-09-07T06:51:09Z")

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I am a new user of Manager and am used to having transaction numbers automatically generated for all types of entries. Is this possible in this program? I understand reference numbers refer to suppliers invoice numbers but cannot find any reference to “transaction numbers”.

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**Author:** ![Ealfardan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.manager.io/ealfardan/32/63166_2.png) [@Ealfardan](https://forum.manager.io/u/Ealfardan)\
**Post date:** [September 8, 2026, 1:48am UTC](https://forum.manager.io/t/difference-between-transaction-numbers-and-reference-numbers/69591/2 "2026-09-08T01:48:23Z")

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Hello @robynt,

Welcome to the forum.

As far as manager terminology, there is a single `Reference` field which is also the transaction number.

To increment the reference automatically, from within each tab, you should go to Form defaults \> check the `Reference` field \> Update

As for supplier reference, you have three options:

1. Use `Reference` field to store your supplier reference. I don’t like this because it creates duplicate but it can still work.

2. Use the `Description` field and that is the best option, imo, since this works out-of-the box in the tab queries and built in reports.

3. Create a **Custom Field** which is neater for entry but a bit more difficult to query right now.