Proforma Invoice Generator
Send a preliminary invoice before delivery, for advance payment or customs. Free, no sign-up, PDF in one click.
What is a Proforma Invoice?
A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill sent before goods are shipped. Buyers use it to arrange payment, import permits or financing; it is not a demand for payment and is replaced by the final invoice.
Create a proforma invoice online for free: a preliminary bill of sale that shows the buyer exactly what they will pay before goods are shipped. Use it as a proforma invoice template for deposits, import permits and letters of credit, and convert it to a final invoice in one click.
What to include on a proforma invoice
- The title “Proforma Invoice”. It must be clearly labelled so it is not mistaken for a final tax invoice.
- Reference number and date. Use a separate numbering series from your real invoices, plus a validity date for the prices.
- Seller and buyer details. Full names, addresses and contact details of both parties, and tax numbers if relevant.
- Detailed goods description. Quantity, unit price and total for each item, with product codes where possible.
- Shipping terms. Shipping method and Incoterms (for example FOB or CIF), which define who pays freight and insurance.
- Payment terms. Deposit amount, payment method and the deadline before goods are released.
How to make a proforma invoice online
- Enter your business name, address and logo in "Your business". Save them as your default and they will be filled in next time.
- Add the other party's details and the document number and dates. Numbers increase automatically.
- List the items. Quantities, prices, taxes and totals update in the preview as you type.
- Pick a template, colour and document language, then click "Download PDF" or "Print".
Common proforma invoice mistakes
- Recording a proforma as revenue in your accounts: it is a quotation, not a sale.
- Using the same number series as tax invoices, which breaks your invoice sequence.
- Leaving out Incoterms on international orders, which leads to disputes about freight costs.
Need a blank version to fill in by hand? Proforma Invoice Template (PDF)
Questions about the Proforma Invoice Generator
Is a proforma invoice legally binding?
Generally no. It is a commitment to sell on the stated terms, but it is not a demand for payment and is not a tax document. The final commercial or tax invoice is issued once the sale is confirmed.
When should I send a proforma invoice?
Send it before delivery when a buyer needs a firm price to approve a purchase, pay a deposit, arrange financing or obtain an import licence.
Can I turn a proforma into a real invoice?
Yes. Use “Convert to” and choose Invoice: all the details are copied across and a new invoice number is assigned.
Is the Proforma Invoice Generator free?
Yes, completely. There is no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how many documents you create.
Is my data safe?
The document is built entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to our servers; drafts are kept only on your device.
Can I edit a document after downloading it?
Yes. Click "Save" and the document appears on the My documents page, where you can open, duplicate or delete it.
Can I change the currency and tax name?
Yes. Choose from more than 150 currencies and rename the tax line to VAT, GST, TVA, IVA or anything else.