6 Game-Changing HoneyBook Updates You Might’ve Missed (and How to Use Them)

Staying on top of every HoneyBook update is basically a part-time job. And if you’re running a creative business, managing clients, and trying to have a life, who has the time? That’s where I come in!

As a certified HoneyBook Pro and consultant for service-based businesses, I keep tabs on every feature drop, bug fix, and backend HoneyBook updates so you don’t have to. And honestly? HoneyBook’s been busy lately. These recent updates are a big deal. Not just cute improvements, but actual workflow game-changers.

So if you’ve been sleeping on your settings or haven’t poked around in a while, here are six powerful HoneyBook updates you should absolutely be using (plus how to make them work for you).

Before we dive in, quick reminder: if you want these features implemented for you, my Full Setup service covers everything (from building Smart Files to automation mapping and portal design). You don’t have to DIY any of this.

1. Archive Automations: Your Workflow’s New Clutter Filter

You’ve always been able to archive manually, but now? HoneyBook lets you automate that cleanup process. No more clicking through every old workflow from 2022. With the new Archive Automations feature, you can set it and forget it.

Before, archiving meant doing it yourself. One by one. Now, this update lets you automatically archive projects as part of an automation, so you’re not babysitting your pipeline or playing cleanup crew every week. Just set your conditions, choose an archive reason, and let it run. Clean pipeline, zero effort.

How to use it: Head to your Automations tab, add or edit an automation, and drop in the Archive Project action as the final step (because once a project is archived, the automation ends). Then, you’ll choose a required archive reason from the dropdown. That’s it. Your pipeline stays clean without the manual maintenance.

Think you’re using HoneyBook right? You might be wasting time without realizing it. Here’s how to fix the 5 most commonly misused features. No sugar-coating, just straight-up clarity. Read it here!

2. Smart Files Just Got Smarter

If you thought Smart Files were already powerful, hold onto your coffee. They now support iFrames, AI-generated invoices, and even embedded schedulers inside files.

This means you can:

• Embed your calendar right inside a proposal
• Generate invoices automatically with AI (yes, really)
• Pull in external tools directly into client-facing files

Basically, your Smart Files can now act like interactive microsites. (Cue the collective gasp from every designer and planner.)

How to use it: Rebuild your booking or onboarding flow to include these new embedded tools. I’m helping clients overhaul their entire client journey using just 1-2 files.

3. Automations Widget = Workflow Command Center

This one’s subtle but so damn helpful. The new Automations Widget now lives right on your HoneyBook home dashboard, acting like a command center for everything in motion. No more clicking through 12 project pages to see who got their welcome email or which lead is waiting on a contract approval.

With two tabs, Pending (for automations needing your approval) and Activity (for tracking what just ran), you get a real-time snapshot of your workflows at a glance. It even includes smart states for members not using automations yet, one-click access to your full Automations dashboard, and built-in quick actions to approve on the spot.

How to use it: Just open your HoneyBook dashboard and scroll down to the Automations section. Everything you need to monitor, manage, and move faster is now front and center.

Want to save time while using the latest HoneyBook updates? Don’t miss these 5 time-saving tips that actually work. Tested, proven, and totally worth it. Check them out here.

4. AI Composer 2.0: Context-Aware Emails Without the Guesswork

HoneyBook’s AI Composer got a glow-up. It now pulls context from the project, client name, file type, and more. So your emails actually sound intentional, not robotic.

Forget mad-libs style placeholders. This thing knows if you’re sending a contract vs. a welcome guide and adjusts the tone accordingly. 

How to use it: Next time you’re drafting an email in a file, hit the sparkle wand. Test different tones, review the suggested copy, and tweak to fit your voice. It’s faster and better than starting from scratch.

Still trying to DIY your HoneyBook account? Here’s why even savvy business owners need a HoneyBook expert (yep, even you). No fluff, just facts. Read the real talk.

5. Your Finances, Finally Visualized

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but your HoneyBook dashboard isn’t just a pretty homepage anymore. There’s a cashflow graph now. And it actually tells you useful stuff.

You can also import expenses via Plaid, which makes HoneyBook way more legit as a financial snapshot tool.

Why this matters: If you’re tired of bouncing between tools just to see what’s coming in vs. going out, this gives you a clear picture (finally).

How to use it: Connect your bank account, turn on the cashflow widget, and start reviewing monthly trends. It’s not QuickBooks-level detail, but it’s more than enough for solopreneurs to stay on track.

Not sure what’s actually included in a full HoneyBook setup? This breakdown walks you through it all. What you get, why it matters, and how it saves you serious backend stress.

6. Faster, Cleaner, More Usable (Thanks to React + Filters)

HoneyBook just completed a major front-end rebuild in React. Translation? Faster load times, smoother file navigation, and less glitchy weirdness.

There’s also a new filtering system that makes your pipeline usable if you’ve got more than a few projects in there. You can now filter by project types, tags, and lead sources. So instead of scrolling endlessly, you can cut straight to what you need.

How to use it: Click filter at the top of your pipeline and choose what you want to narrow down by. You can mix and match filters, but heads up: it uses AND logic, which means it’ll only show projects that match all the filters you select. Want to reset? Just hit the X next to each filter or click “Clear All.”

The Bottom Line? HoneyBook’s Growing Up, And You Should Too

These HoneyBook updates are more than cosmetic. They’re designed to give you more control, better insights, and less backend chaos. But only if you actually use them.

I’ve already integrated these features across dozens of client accounts. The difference? Night and day. Things get booked faster, workflows feel tighter, and support questions go way down.

Debating whether to DIY or hire a HoneyBook Pro? This guide breaks it all down. What you can handle solo and when it’s time to bring in expert support. Read the ultimate setup guide here!

Need Help Putting These HoneyBook Updates to Work?

Don’t let these powerful HoneyBook updates sit untouched. I offer Support Sessions where we can troubleshoot your automations, rework your files, and get everything together fast.

Or go all in with a Full Setup and let me build your backend from the ground up.

Because the only thing worse than a clunky system is paying for one you’re not using.

Contact me here or come say hey on Instagram if you have questions or want to talk shop.