Instantly create a professional proforma invoice for customs clearance, global trade, or advance payments. Edit templates and download PDF now.
Create, personalize, and email custom proforma invoices easily with our powerful online proforma invoice generator. If you need to prepare cost estimates first, our Estimate Generator for Business helps you create accurate estimates.
A proforma invoice is a bill that is sent to buyers in advance of the delivery of goods or services. It details terms, prices, and quantities, but is not a legal request to pay.
Proforma invoices are used by businesses to bring transparency, confirm business deals, and facilitate international transactions. If you're unsure what happens after a client approves a quote or estimate, our guide on Can an Estimate Be Converted into an Invoice explains how businesses move from an estimate to the final invoice.
A proforma invoice for customs helps authorities calculate duties, taxes, and import costs before shipment.
Send a proforma invoice for approval to confirm pricing, scope, and terms before starting work or requesting deposits.
Provide a detailed price estimate invoice so buyers understand total costs upfront and can budget accordingly.
Improve credibility with branded, well-structured proforma invoice templates for business-to-business transactions.
| Aspect | Proforma Invoice | Commercial / Regular Invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Estimate/quotation | Payment request |
| Legal Status | Not legally binding | Legally enforceable |
| When Issued | Before delivery | After delivery |
| VAT / Tax | Not claimable | Claimable |
| Accounting Entry | Not recorded | Recorded as revenue |
| Customs Use | Used for import/export | Proof of sale |
Follow these simple steps to create a professional proforma invoice
Click "Create Proforma Invoice" and start instantly—no signup required.
Add your company name, tax ID, address, and your client's information.
Include item descriptions, quantities, unit prices, shipping costs, and totals.
Select "Proforma Invoice" as your document type and download instantly.
Our tool acts as a free proforma invoice template generator, allowing you to:
💡 For freelancers working on client projects, you can also use our Freelance Invoice template for service-based billing and project-based payments. Perfect for freelancers, exporters, agencies, and small businesses.
No, a proforma invoice is not legally binding and does not require payment.
You can show VAT for estimation purposes, but it cannot be claimed by the buyer.
Yes, an international shipping proforma invoice is widely accepted for customs clearance.
Proforma is Latin: "proformi," meaning "in the form of" or "for the sake of form."
Normally 7-30 days, based on your business terms and industry standards.
A proforma invoice is more formal and elaborate than a quotation and is commonly used in international trade.
Start generating professional proforma invoices with our proforma invoice generator in seconds. No signup. No hassle.