Skip to content

Convert a PDF invoice to an e-invoice (XRechnung or ZUGFeRD)

Upload your existing PDF invoice above. The tool reads invoice number, dates, seller, buyer, line items, VAT and bank details from the PDF and fills them into an e-invoice form. You check and complete the data, choose XRechnung (XML) or ZUGFeRD (PDF with embedded XML) and download a structured e-invoice — all in your browser, without uploading the file.

Choose files

or drag and dropPDF invoice, scan or photo (JPG, PNG)

Your files never leave your device — everything runs locally in your browser.

How it works

  1. 1

    Upload the PDF

    A text-based PDF invoice from Word, your invoicing tool or an online shop.

  2. 2

    Automatic recognition

    Invoice data such as numbers, dates, amounts, VAT rates and IBAN are extracted.

  3. 3

    Check and complete

    Correct anything that was not recognised and add required fields such as the buyer reference.

  4. 4

    Download

    Save the result as XRechnung XML or as a ZUGFeRD PDF.

Why a PDF alone is not enough

In Germany, a PDF invoice is not an e-invoice — even when it is sent by email. An e-invoice must use a structured format under EN 16931, such as XRechnung or ZUGFeRD, so that software can read every field without guessing. Domestic B2B e-invoicing in Germany is being phased in until 2028; details in E-invoicing in Germany.

How the recognition works

The converter reads the text layer of your PDF and looks for typical invoice elements: labels like “Invoice no.”, dates, amounts with currency, VAT rates, IBAN and VAT IDs. Because every invoice layout is different, the result is a proposal — you stay in control and confirm every value before the e-invoice is generated. Scanned PDFs without a text layer give weaker results; run them through OCR first.

XRechnung or ZUGFeRD?

  • XRechnung: pure XML, the usual format for German public authorities. It needs a buyer reference (for authorities: the Leitweg-ID).
  • ZUGFeRD: a readable PDF with embedded XML — popular between businesses because the customer can open it like any PDF.
  • Unsure? See XRechnung vs. ZUGFeRD.
If you want to keep your own PDF layout exactly as it is, use Create ZUGFeRD from your PDF instead — it embeds the XML into your original file.

Tips

  • Automatic recognition is a helper — always check amounts and tax rates before downloading.
  • To keep your own PDF layout, use create ZUGFeRD from PDF.
  • Check the result with the e-invoice validator; your PDF never leaves your browser.

Frequently asked questions

Is my invoice uploaded to a server?

No. Recognition and conversion run locally in your browser; the PDF never leaves your device.

Does it work with scanned invoices?

Only if the PDF contains text. For image-only scans, run OCR first and then convert.

Is the converted e-invoice valid?

It is built according to EN 16931 and required fields are checked. Before sending, you can run the validator to be sure.

What if a field is not recognised?

Simply type it in. Every recognised value is a proposal that you can correct before the e-invoice is generated.

Related guides