5 Invoice Types Explained

Choosing the Right Invoice Type

The invoice type selector sits at the top of the form. Switching types changes the document title, adjusts which fields are visible, and sets the right context for your PDF.

Each type has specific metadata fields that appear or disappear based on your selection. Here is what each type does and when you should use it.

1. Regular Invoice

Default title: INVOICE

The standard invoice for billing clients for goods or services. This is what most businesses use for day-to-day invoicing. It includes all the core fields:

• Invoice number and date
• Due date with payment term shortcuts (15d, 30d, 60d, or custom)
• Sender & recipient details (name, address, VAT ID, contact)
• Line items with description, quantity, unit price, and optional VAT/discount
• Payment methods and notes

When to use: Standard B2B or B2C transactions. You delivered a product or service and need to request payment.

The regular type has two internal variants: with VAT and without VAT. Toggle VAT on or off in the settings section.

Create a regular invoice →

2. Receipt

Default title: RECEIPT

A receipt is like a regular invoice but for a settled transaction. It confirms that payment has already been received.

Key difference: Payment date field — the user sets when the payment was received. In the totals section, a payment line subtracts the grand total, making the amount due 0.

• All standard invoice fields
• Payment Date (required) — when the payment was received

When to use: After receiving payment. Send to the client as proof of payment for their records.

Create a receipt →

3. Quote

Default title: QUOTE

A price quotation or estimate for a potential client. Unlike an invoice, a quote is not a demand for payment — it is an offer that may or may not be accepted.

Type-specific fields:

• Valid Until (required) — a date picker for the quote expiry. After this date, the quoted prices are no longer guaranteed
• Quote Terms (optional) — a text area for conditions, scope limitations, or other terms

Fields removed: Due date is hidden since quotes are not payment demands.

When to use: A prospective client asks "how much would this cost?" You send a quote with itemized pricing, valid for a set period. If accepted, you follow up with a regular invoice.

Create a quote →

4. Proforma Invoice

Default title: PROFORMA INVOICE

A preliminary invoice sent before work is completed or goods are delivered. It looks like an invoice but carries no legal obligation for payment.

Type-specific fields:

• Expected Payment — replaces the "Due" label. The due date selector still appears, but the language signals it is an estimate rather than a firm deadline
• Proforma Notes (optional) — a text area for the purpose or context of the proforma (e.g., "For customs pre-clearance" or "Advance payment request")

When to use: Before delivery to show the buyer what the final invoice will look like. Common for customs pre-clearance, advance payment requests, or providing a price commitment before a deal is finalized.

Create a proforma invoice →

5. Credit Note

Default title: CREDIT NOTE

A document that reduces the amount owed on a previously issued invoice. Used for refunds, corrections, or partial cancellations.

Type-specific fields:

• Original Invoice # (required) — the number of the invoice being credited. This creates a clear audit trail linking the credit to its source

Fields removed: Due date is hidden since credit notes adjust an existing balance rather than creating a new payment obligation.

When to use: You overcharged a client, a product was returned, or services were partially cancelled. Instead of voiding the original invoice, you issue a credit note referencing it.

Create a credit note →

Quick Comparison

All five types share the same line items, sender/recipient details, payment methods, and PDF template system. The differences are in metadata fields and the legal meaning of the document.

Try the invoice generator →