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# Archive, restore or delete a client
Archive a client you no longer work with to keep its books but hide it. Restore it any time. Delete a client only when you want everything stored for it gone.
## Archive or delete?
| | Archive | Delete |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The client's books | Kept, unchanged | Permanently removed |
| Where it goes | **All Clients** under **Inactive** | Gone |
| Company menu | Hidden | Gone |
| Can you undo it? | Yes, with **Restore** | No |
Your own books, marked **Your books**, can be edited but never archived or deleted.
## Archive a client
1. Open **All Clients**: click the business name at the top of the left navigation, then **View All Clients**.
2. Click the client's **⋮** menu, then **Archive**.
ZeraBooks shows "Client archived — find it under Inactive". The client keeps all its books and is marked **Archived** in the list.
## Restore a client
1. In **All Clients**, set the filter to **Inactive** (or **All**).
2. Click the client's **⋮** menu, then **Restore**.
ZeraBooks shows "Client restored", and the client is back in the company menu.
## Delete a client
{% hint style="danger" %}
**Important:** Deleting a client permanently removes everything stored for it, such as its statements, transactions and documents. This can't be undone. If you might need the books again, archive the client instead.
{% endhint %}
1. In **All Clients**, click the client's **⋮** menu, then **Delete…**.
2. The dialog lists what the client holds and will be removed.
3. Under **Type the client’s name to confirm**, type the client's name exactly.
4. Click **Delete client**. Leave the window open until it finishes; ZeraBooks then shows "Client deleted".
A client that holds no records at all can be deleted without typing its name.
## Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between archiving and deleting a client?
Archiving hides the client under **Inactive** and keeps its books, so you can restore it. Deleting removes everything stored for the client, permanently.
Can I restore a deleted client?
No. Deleting can't be undone. Only archived clients can be restored.
Why is the Delete client button disabled?
The name you typed doesn't match the client's name exactly. Type it as shown in the field's placeholder.
Why can't I archive or delete my own books?
Your own books, marked **Your books**, always stay active. You can rename them with **Edit…**, but not archive or delete them.
Am I still charged for an archived client?
Archived clients never count toward your plan. If the client was one of your additional clients, archiving it stops its charge from your next renewal; there are no mid-period refunds. Restoring it counts it as active again.
Can I still open an archived client?
Yes. Find it under **Inactive** in **All Clients** and click it, or choose **Open** from its **⋮** menu.
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