How to create an invoice
- Fill in the invoice number, dates and currency.
- Enter your details in From and the client’s in Bill to — one line per item, exactly as you want them to appear.
- Add line items: description, quantity and rate. Amounts and the total update as you type.
- Optionally add tax (with your own label, e.g. VAT or GST), a discount, shipping, and any amount already paid.
- Click Download PDF. Attach it to an email and you’re done.
Your draft is saved in your browser, so you can reuse it for the next invoice — just change the number, date and items.
Numbering invoices
Use a simple, sequential scheme and never reuse a number: INV-0001, INV-0002… Some businesses prefix the year (2026-014) or the client (ACME-007). Sequential numbers matter for accounting and, in many countries, are a legal requirement.
Payment terms explained
- Due on receipt — payment expected immediately.
- Net 7 / 14 / 30 — due that many days after the invoice date. Net 30 is the most common for business clients; freelancers often use Net 14.
- 2/10 Net 30 — 2% discount if paid within 10 days, otherwise full amount in 30.
State the terms on every invoice, and consider adding a late-fee clause (for example 1.5% per month) — it’s much easier to enforce if it was on the invoice from the start. Use the days from today calculator to work out exact due dates.
Tax on invoices
Whether you charge tax, and at what rate, depends on where you and your client are and what you sell:
- US: sales tax applies mostly to goods and varies by state and city; most services are exempt. Freelancers usually don’t charge tax on services but must report the income.
- UK / EU: VAT-registered businesses must show VAT and their VAT number. Cross-border B2B sales in the EU are often “reverse charged” — you show 0% and a note.
- Canada / Australia / NZ: GST/HST at the national rate, with the registration number shown.
The tax rate here applies to the subtotal after discount, which is the usual treatment. When in doubt, ask an accountant — getting tax wrong on invoices is expensive to fix later.
Getting paid faster
- Send the invoice the day the work is delivered.
- Put your payment details (bank account, PayPal, payment link) in the Notes box.
- Keep line-item descriptions specific: “Homepage redesign — 12 hours” beats “Design work.”
- Follow up the day after the due date, politely, with the invoice attached again.
- For new clients or large projects, invoice a deposit up front using the Amount paid field on the final invoice to show the balance.
Frequently asked questions
Is it really free, with no sign-up?
Yes. There's no account, no limit on invoices and no watermark. The PDF is generated in your browser and downloaded straight to your device.
Where is my invoice data stored?
Only in your own browser's local storage, so your draft is still there if you come back. It never reaches our servers. Use "Clear form" to wipe it.
What should an invoice include?
Your name or business and contact details, the client's, a unique invoice number, the issue and due dates, a description of each item with quantity and price, any tax, the total, and payment terms. Many countries also require a tax ID (VAT/GST/ABN) — put it in the "From" box.
Can I add my logo?
Not yet — the generator produces a clean text-based invoice that prints well. Logo support is on the list.
Last updated August 26, 2026.