How to make an invoice in four steps
- Your details. Business name, address and contact details, plus your logo if you have one. They are saved in this browser, so you only type them once.
- Your client. Their name and billing address. Click “Save this client” to reuse it next time.
- The work. One line per product or service: description, quantity or hours, and price. Add a discount, shipping or a deposit already paid if you need them.
- Tax and download. Choose US sales tax, VAT/GST or the German rules, check the preview, and click “Download PDF”.
What every invoice should include
- The word “Invoice”, a unique invoice number and the date.
- Your name or business name, address and contact details; the client’s name and address.
- What you supplied, with quantities, prices and the total.
- Tax, if you charge it, shown separately, with your tax registration number where the law requires it.
- The due date and how to pay.
In the US there is no legally required invoice format, so this list is about getting paid quickly and keeping clean records. In the UK, the EU and many other countries, VAT invoices have required details; in Germany they are set out in § 14 UStG, and the generator checks them for you when you choose “Germany”.
Invoice, receipt, quote or credit note?
An invoice asks for payment. A receipt confirms you have been paid. A quote or estimate tells a client what a job will cost before they agree. A proforma invoice is a preview of an invoice, often for customs or advance payment, and a credit note reduces or cancels an invoice you already sent. Switch the type at the top of the form; your details stay the same.
Numbering your invoices
Use one continuous sequence (INV-001, INV-002 …) and never reuse a number. “New document” moves to the next number automatically. The last number is stored in this browser, so if you invoice from more than one device, keep your own list.
Templates for your trade
Start from a sample with typical lines for freelancers, contractors, consultants, photographers, cleaning services, plumbers, lawn care or landlords.
Germany: Rechnungen und E-Rechnung
Choose “Germany” under tax rules for German invoices: VAT broken down by rate, the Kleinunternehmer note, reverse charge for EU businesses, and a download of an XRechnung e-invoice (XML) that German businesses must be able to receive since 2025. More in our German invoice guide.
Related calculators
- Receipt Maker: Make a receipt for a payment you received.
- Quote Maker: Send a price quote clients can accept.
- Invoice Template: Three printable invoice layouts.
Questions people ask
Is this invoice generator really free?
Yes. There is no account, no watermark and no limit on invoices. Ads on the page pay for the site.
Where is my data stored?
Only in your own browser’s storage, so your business details and saved clients are there next time. Nothing you type is sent to our server. Clearing your browser data removes it.
How do I save the invoice as a PDF?
Click “Download PDF”, then choose “Save as PDF” as the printer. On a phone use Share → Print, then save or share the PDF.
Can I add my logo?
Yes. Upload a PNG, JPG, SVG or WebP under 500 KB in “Your business”. It appears on every document you make in this browser.
Formula checked October 2026 · How we calculate