E-invoices, free: ZUGFeRD and XRechnung
Write the invoice as usual. Tick “Add e-invoice data” and the PDF carries it as data (EN 16931) that accounting software reads; for German public bodies, download an XRechnung. Free, no signup, and nothing leaves your device.
Loading the invoice editor…
Loading the invoice editor…
Questions
- What is an e-invoice?
- An invoice in a structured data format that follows the European standard EN 16931, so accounting software reads it without anyone typing it in. A plain PDF, a scan or a photo is not an e-invoice, even when it arrives by email.
- What is the difference between ZUGFeRD and XRechnung?
- Both are EN 16931 e-invoices. ZUGFeRD (called Factur-X in France) is a PDF with the invoice data embedded: people read the PDF, software reads the data. XRechnung is the XML file on its own, which German public bodies ask for together with their Leitweg-ID. PlainPaid makes both.
- When do I need one?
- In Germany every business must be able to receive e-invoices since 2025. Sending them becomes mandatory in 2027 for businesses with more than €800,000 turnover and in 2028 for all others. France follows from September 2026 for large firms and September 2027 for small ones, through approved platforms. Italy, Belgium and Poland use their own systems; see what an invoice must include.
- Does the PDF still look the same?
- Yes. It is the same PDF, saved as PDF/A-3 (the archive format) with the data attached as factur-x.xml. The data comes from the same figures as the page, so they always agree.
- Does my invoice data go to a server?
- No. The invoice, the PDF and the XML are all made in your browser. There is no account and nothing to sign up for.