I have created a template, set as default, however when I open a new estimate, the fields do not show as per my template

Hello Robyn90,

The Custom form styles feature in QuickBooks Online enables you to design your Invoices and Estimates so that they align aesthetically with your company. I know how important it is to have your custom forms set as default so that you can create new transactions without the added step of selecting a template. Let me give you a hand to ensure that this is set up and functioning as expected.

If you navigate to the Gear icon, then choose Custom form styles you should see the list of custom forms you've created. When you locate the Estimate template that you want to set as default you should see (default) in brackets next to the Form Type. If you don't, use the dropdown menu in the Action column to select Set as default. When creating a new Estimate, you can select Customize at the bottom to check and see which style has been selected. Your default style should be selected. You can also check off a different one if you'd prefer to switch it up once in a while. 

The actual Estimate form that you edit while in QuickBooks Online won't look different. It's when you hit Print or Preview that you'll be able to see what your customers see - in other words, you'll see the content you've entered in the template you've designed. If you haven't been doing this, and you've expected to see your new custom style as the default for entering transaction details, this explains the confusion. 

If you've been viewing the template correctly and it's just the actual fields within the template that aren't matching up to what you set up, you'll want to navigate back to the Custom form styles page and Edit your template to ensure that the fields you set up are still there. If you've entered new custom fields you'll want to make sure they're checked off otherwise they won't appear. You can also adjust these custom fields within your Account and Settings by navigating to the Sales tab.

Here's an article you can refer to for more help with customizing sales forms in QuickBooks Online.

I think this should just about clear things up for you, but if you have any other questions or some more assistance, just reply to this thread. I'll be on standby should you need another hand. Take care!