What is an invoice?
An invoice is a document you send a client to request payment for goods or services. It records who is billing whom, what was provided, how much is owed, and by when. A good invoice is clear, complete, and easy for your client (and their accountant) to act on.
You don't need accounting software or an account with anyone to make one. You need the right information laid out cleanly — which is exactly what this guide walks you through.
What every invoice must include
Whatever your country, a professional invoice carries the same core elements. Include each of these and your invoice will be complete and credible:
- Your name or business, address, and contact details
- Your client's name and address
- A unique invoice number
- The invoice date (and a payment due date)
- A line for each item or service: description, quantity, and rate
- The subtotal, any tax or discount, and the total due
- How to pay you — bank details or payment terms
How to create an invoice, step by step
Follow these steps in the free generator. Everything happens in your browser — your invoice data is never uploaded.
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Add your details
Start with who's sending the invoice: your name or business, email, and address. If you have a logo, add it — it's read on your device only and never uploaded.
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Add your client
Enter the name and address of the person or company you're billing. This is the “Bill to” block that appears on the finished invoice.
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Set the number and dates
Give the invoice a unique number and set the issue date. Add a due date so it's clear when payment is expected — “two weeks” and “one month” shortcuts are one click.
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List your items
Add a row for each product or service with a description, quantity, and rate. The amount for each line and the running total update as you type.
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Add tax, discount, and see the total
Apply a tax or VAT percentage and any discount. The subtotal, tax, discount, and grand total are calculated for you and formatted for your locale.
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Add notes or payment terms
Use the notes field for payment instructions, a thank-you, or terms like “Payment due within 14 days.” Include your bank details so the client knows how to pay.
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Download your PDF
Click download and a polished PDF is generated on your device — no watermark, no account, nothing sent to a server. Send it to your client and you're done.
Tips for getting paid faster
Small details make a real difference to how quickly an invoice is paid:
- Set a clear, short due date — “due in 14 days” beats “due on receipt.”
- Make the total and the due date impossible to miss.
- Spell out exactly how to pay, with full bank details.
- Send the invoice promptly, while the work is fresh.
- Use consistent, sequential invoice numbers so nothing gets lost.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to charge tax on my invoice?
It depends on where you and your client are and whether you're registered for VAT/sales tax. If you are, add the correct rate; the tool calculates and shows it separately. If you're not, leave tax at zero.
What invoice number should I start with?
Any unique number works — many people start at 0001 or 1001 and increase by one for each invoice. The key is that no two invoices share a number.
Is my invoice data private?
Yes. This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your details and your client's details are never uploaded — the PDF is built on your device.
Can I add my logo?
Yes. Uploading a logo reads the image locally (it never leaves your device) and places it on the invoice. You can remove it at any time.
Do I need an account?
No. There's no signup, no email, and no watermark. You come for one invoice and leave with it.