Simple free invoice template: Download, customize, and print with ease 

To receive payment for your services, you need to provide your customers with an invoice.

Clients expect proof of payment.  

For a straightforward, basic invoicing solution that eliminates unnecessary complexity, try this free invoice template.

It’s designed to simplify the process, offering just the essentials to help you get paid without the hassle of additional features.

Here’s what we’ll cover

How to use the invoice template 

Using this simple invoice template, for free, is as easy as it gets: 

• Download the free invoice template and open it. 

• Make sure you add your name or your company name at the top. 

• Add or remove any lines that you don’t need. 

• Fill it out and save it with the invoice number added, and also so you don’t overwrite the template itself. 

• Send it on its way. 

But what is an invoice, exactly?

Simply put, an invoice is a document issued by a seller to a buyer detailing goods or services provided and the amount due for payment.  

Creating an invoice should be a simple process.

Our invoice templates are free to download and can be easily applied to a range of industries, goods, and services.

That’s the beauty of simplicity—complete customization allows you to take what we have and craft an invoice to suit your exact needs.  

How can a free downloadable invoice template help you to build your brand? 

You can use the template to customize your invoices with your business logo, colors, and contact details, creating a consistent and professional appearance.

This reinforces your brand identity every time you send an invoice, enhancing recognition and trust with your clients. 

What should be included in a simple invoice 

The standard simple invoice should include the following: 

1. The name of your company (or your name) 

2. The name of your customer 

3. The date 

4. Invoice number and/or job and customer codes (if applicable) 

5. A description of what the customer is paying for 

6. Quantity (if applicable) of what the customer is paying for 

7. How much the customer is being charged per hour or unit (if applicable) 

8. Subtotal 

9. Line items for any taxes or discounts (if applicable) 

10. The total amount being charged to the customer 

11. Payment terms  

12. Notes/terms and conditions 

13. Signature line 

From there, it really depends on your specific industry.  

If you’re using this basic invoice form as a bill of sale, you may want to itemize the products sold.

This helps you keep track of inventory and is something your customer will want to see on an invoice.  

If you’re providing a service, you could leave some space for notes and future recommendations about that service. 

When to send an invoice 

When it comes to sending invoices to clients, it’s important to consider your customer base and the image you’d like to project.

Generally speaking, invoices are sent as soon as a product or service has been delivered.

The invoice should include an issue date, along with pre-agreed payment terms that outline when the payment is due.  

Larger companies will sometimes offer longer, more flexible payment terms, while smaller companies or individuals might opt for “due upon receipt” terms.

The latter means that the total amount on the invoice is due as soon as the transaction is complete. 

Offering longer payment terms has a certain professionalism to it and can help give off the sense that your business is established.

For most larger companies, cash flow will be calculated by monthly goals, so getting paid immediately or within two weeks isn’t necessarily a deal breaker.

This will be true for some smaller businesses and sole traders as well. 

But having your invoice due upon receipt is a perfectly acceptable practice as well.

Most customers understand that a healthy cash flow is essential to keeping smaller operations running smoothly. 

Invoice like a pro with our invoicing best practices 

Proper invoicing practice is integral to success.

Here are some pro tips on the best invoicing practices to please your customers and encourage prompt payments. 

Set definite payment deadlines

Regardless of which type of payment terms you have agreed with your customer, you should clearly flag the due date on your invoice.

Don’t worry about coming off as pushy—and your customers understand that you need to be paid. 

Be clear

Keep your invoice simple and easy-to-understand.

Your agreed payment terms and any other important information should be clearly outlined, so your customers know exactly what they’re paying for and under what terms.

Keeping your invoices clear and straightforward is also beneficial to you, as it makes reviewing and recording your invoices quicker and easier. 

Keep the client in mind

Using free invoice templates allows you to easily customize your invoices according to the client you’re billing.

Tailoring your invoices can go a long way in showing your attention to detail and care for the customer.

Itemizing goods or services, offering discounts (and listing them in the payment terms on the invoice), or even adding a personalized “thank you” in a notes section are the kinds of things people remember. 

Invoicing tips from business owners like you

Check out these tips from business owners who found success tailoring their invoice layouts and processes to suit their needs, as well as their clients’ preferences. 

Offer discounts for early payment

Even a small discount off the total amount due can be a great incentive for your customer to pay you sooner rather than later.  

Accept various forms of payment

Your customers want to pay you in the way that’s most convenient for them.

Accepting credit/debit cards and cheques is essential.

Many modern businesses also accept payments through Paypal, Venmo, and other online and app-based money transfer services. 

Be polite but firm

Being clear but polite in your payment terms—remembering your “please” and “thank you”—is your best bet for getting paid on time while keeping customers happy. 

Discover how automated invoice processing can take the hassle out of invoicing. 

Free invoice template formats 

Free invoice templates come in various formats to suit different business needs and preferences.

Common formats include Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF, each offering unique benefits.  

Word templates are easy to customize with company logos and details, while Excel templates are useful for automating calculations like taxes and totals.

PDF templates are ideal for sending professional, non-editable invoices. 

Word: Customize your free invoice template 

Choose a Microsoft Word template if you want flexibility in your invoice design process.

Personalize your blank invoice template by adding logos and adjusting colors and fonts to fit your style. 

Excel: Itemize and automate calculations

An Excel invoice template is perfect for itemizing multiple services and automatically calculating totals and any taxes.

Excel’s built-in formulas make it easy to manage invoices with more detailed or complex numbers. 

PDF: Impress with your professionalism

You can save your invoice in a PDF format to preserve its professional appearance.

PDF invoices can also be password-protected, with any modifications leaving an electronic trail.  

Find the right invoice template for your business needs 

Explore the range of professional, free invoice templates, set up to help you simplify invoice creation.  

• Free invoice template—construction 

• Free invoice template—contractor 

• Free invoice template—design 

• Free invoice template—freelance 

• Free invoice template—HVAC 

• Free invoice template—professional services 

• Free invoice template—sales  

• Free invoice template—simple 

• Free invoice template—small business 

Make the right impression and watch your business grow 

These free downloadable invoice templates offer a straightforward solution.

They’re designed to save you time and effort, encouraging your customers to pay you on time. 

Ready to update and automate your whole invoicing process?

Explore how efficient online invoicing software for businesses of all sizes can help you streamline your processes, drastically reduce your manual admin, and minimize errors. 

FAQs about invoicing 

What is an invoice template? 

An invoice template is a pre-designed document that helps businesses easily create and issue invoices by providing a structured, editable format for listing services, charges, and payment details. 

How can you create an invoice? 

To create an invoice, start by selecting a free, downloadable invoice template, or you can set up your own document.

It should include your business information, customer details, invoice number, issue date, an itemized list of services or products, the total amount due, and payment terms (including any early payment discounts and late payment fees).

Please note that your payment terms should be clearly explained to and pre-agreed with your customer before the sale is made.

Once you’ve added all the relevant information to your invoice, simply save it in your preferred format and send it to your customer. 

What are the benefits of e-invoicing? 

E-invoicing offers numerous benefits, including faster processing times, fewer errors, and lower costs associated with paper and postage.

It enhances efficiency by automating invoice creation, delivery, and tracking while providing better security and easier access to records.

Additionally, e-invoicing can help support quicker payments, improve cash flow and foster stronger customer relationships.