# How to create WooCommerce invoices with plugins WooCommerce users can create and send invoices right in the WooCommerce backend. If you have the right plugin, you can even do away with external invoicing software. So how do you **install** an invoicing plugin and which **extensions** should you invest in? Keep reading to find out. ## Why create invoices in WooCommerce? In its default settings, WooCommerce only allows you to create order confirmations, not professional invoices. For creating proper invoices, you’ll need some external help, either in the form of [invoicing software](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/startup/grow-your-business/best-invoicing-software/ "Invoicing software: What can it do for you?") or a [WooCommerce plugin](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/woocommerce-plugins/). With a plugin, you can create **invoices right in the WooCommerce backend**, which comes with the following pros: - All **data** stays within the system. - You won’t need the **interfaces** necessary for invoicing software. - Plugins are usually **cheaper** than external programs, helping you keep your [WooCommerce costs](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/woocommerce-pricing/) to a minimum. - **Menu navigation** is easy and well-integrated in WooCommerce, meaning the learning curve will be less steep. Tip Still looking for the right server environment for your WooCommerce project? Check out [WooCommerce hosting](https://www.ionos.com/ecommerce-solutions/woocommerce-hosting "Hosting for WooCommerce with IONOS") by IONOS for a safe, fast, and optimized solution. ## A step-by-step tutorial on how to create an invoice in WooCommerce Below we will show you step by step how to create and send invoices in WooCommerce. We use the plugin “**WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips**” by WP Overnight, which offers a large number of features in its free version. ### Step 1: Install plugin The first step is to log in, navigate to the WooCommerce backend, and install the plugin of your choice. To do this, go to the menu on the left and select “**Plugins**” and then “**Add New**”. You can click on “Upload plugin” if you’ve already saved the installation file for the plugin on your device. Otherwise, use the search tool: Enter the name of the plugin you want to download, then once you’ve found the plugin click “Install now”. After the installation is finished, click on “**Activate**” to turn the plugin on. [![Image: Screenshot of the plugins page in the WordPress backend](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/5/2/csm_woocommerce-invoice-install-plugin_e0538c49dc.webp "Screenshot of the plugins page in the WordPress backend")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/woocommerce-invoice-install-plugin.jpg) Installing and activating an invoice plugin for WooCommerce. ### Step 2: Choose settings for WooCommerce invoice plugin After you’ve installed the plugin, you can open it in the WooCommerce backend. Click on “WooCommerce” in the menu on the left and choose “PDF Invoices”. That will take you to the menu for general settings. The first setting to decide on is whether PDF invoices will be downloaded or opened in a new tab. You can also choose from different [invoice templates](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/startup/grow-your-business/invoice-templates-the-quick-and-convenient-solution/ "Invoice templates"), decide on a **paper size**, activate support for other currency symbols, and enable font subgroups in order to reduce the file size. You’ll want to activate test mode so that the latest settings are always used to create invoices. [![Image: Screenshot of “General settings” in the PDF Invoices plugin](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/d/9/csm_woocommerce-invoice-choose-settings_1f57c273f8.webp "Screenshot of “General settings” in the PDF Invoices plugin")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/woocommerce-invoice-choose-settings.jpg) “General settings” is your first stop in setting up the WooCommerce invoice plugin PDF Invoices. ### Step 3: Design the store header for your WooCommerce invoices The next step is to design the store header for your WooCommerce invoices. You’ll first want to insert your company’s logo using the “**Set image**” button. Then enter the height of your logo in inches, cm or mm. [![Image: Screenshot of page for uploading store’s logo](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/e/d/csm_woocommerce-invoice-store-header_fabba1f898.webp "Screenshot of page for uploading store’s logo")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/woocommerce-invoice-store-header.jpg) Next you’ll need to upload your store’s logo. After you’ve uploaded your logo, enter the **name and address of your store**. Under “Footer”, you can enter any additional information like conditions of sale. The three additional optional fields are only available for premium users. They can be used to add additional columns to the footer. Once you’ve edited all the settings, click on “**Save changes**”. In the preview on the right next to the menu, you can see how your changes look on the page. [![Image: Screenshot of invoice in the WooCommerce backend](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/0/1/csm_woocommerce-invoice-preview_d9f2c4cacf.webp "Screenshot of invoice in the WooCommerce backend")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/woocommerce-invoice-preview.jpg) Preview your invoice before you save changes. ### Step 4: Configure automated invoicing The next step is to configure your settings so that your WooCommerce invoices are automatically created and sent. To do this, click on the “**Documents**” tab and decide when the invoice should be sent (for example, right after the order is placed or when the order status changes to “completed”). You can also define what information appears on the invoice, including: - Delivery address - Email address - Phone number - Other information entered by the customer - Invoice date - Invoice number Then, in the second part of the “Documents” tab, you can define how the invoices are stored in your system, i.e. the **invoice format**. If you haven’t created a filter for your own format, you can create a prefix or suffix for the invoices. Then, if you want to **restart the numbering** for your WooCommerce invoices at the beginning of the year, put a check in the corresponding box. ### Step 5: Manually create a WooCommerce invoice Don’t want to automatically create and/or send your invoices? If you want to create invoices manually, follow these steps: 1. In the WordPress backend, click on “**WooCommerce**” in the menu on the left. 2. Click on “**Orders**”. 3. Choose the order that you want to create an invoice for. 4. Check the address and then in the “Create PDF” menu click on “**PDF invoice**”. 5. The invoice will open, and you can save and send the PDF. [![Image: Screenshot of “Create PDF” menu in the WooCommerce backend](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/9/a/csm_woocommerce-invoice-create-pdf_89d4f95f9b.webp "Screenshot of “Create PDF” menu in the WooCommerce backend")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/woocommerce-invoice-create-pdf.jpg) Creating an invoice manually in the WooCommerce backend. Tip Already have your WooCommerce store set up, but still looking for the right domain? Register your custom [domain-name](https://www.ionos.com/domains/domain-names "Register your domain with IONOS") with IONOS. Then you can send out your next WooCommerce invoice from a professional email address! ## The best WooCommerce invoice plugins There are a variety of WooCommerce invoice plugins each offering a different range of features. Below we sum up four of the best options.
Developer Active installations WP version
WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips WP Overnight 300,000+ 3.5 or higher
Invoices for WooCommerce Bas Elbers 20,000+ 4.0 or higher
WooCommerce PDF Invoices, Packing Slips, Delivery Notes and Shipping Labels WebToffee 40,000+ 3.0.1 or higher
YITH WooCommerce PDF Invoice and Shipping List Yith n/a 5.9 or higher
## Which features should a WooCommerce invoice plugin have? The most important factors in deciding on a WooCommerce invoice plugin will be **cost** and **range of features**. To make [writing invoices for your business](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/startup/grow-your-business/creating-an-invoice-tips-for-businesses/ "Tips for writing invoices") as easy as possible, you should look out for the following features: - Customizable invoice designs (including logo, header, footer) - Automatically creating and sending invoices - Generating consecutive invoice numbers - Support for different currencies and languages - Preview feature - Individualized naming Note Wondering what components should be in all of your invoices? Check out our article on [writing a proper invoice](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/startup/grow-your-business/requirements-for-a-proper-invoice/ "Components of a proper invoice"), and then make sure that your chosen WooCommerce invoice plugin supports each of those components. ## A quick guide to the four WooCommerce invoice plugins What sets each of these plugins apart? Below we sum up the **main features** of each plugin and discuss their **pros and cons**. ### WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips [![Image: Screenshot of plugin WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips in the WordPress backend](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/5/5/csm_woocommerce-invoice-plugin-pdf-invoices_00a9dd7dc1.webp "Screenshot of plugin WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips in the WordPress backend")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/woocommerce-invoice-plugin-pdf-invoices.jpg) WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips in the WordPress backend. The plugin [WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips](https://wordpress.org/plugins/woocommerce-pdf-invoices-packing-slips/ "WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips on WordPress") is available in a basic free version and in a paid premium version. The paid version includes features like export functionality and compatibility with Dropbox. The main features of this plugin include: - Automatically add PDF invoices to WooCommerce emails - Fully customizable invoices (PDF or HTML) - Invoices can be downloaded and sent manually - Customizable invoice numbering - Available in over 18 languages
Pros Cons
Free basic version with a lot of features Only one invoice template available in free version
Excellent support
### Invoices for WooCommerce [![Image: Screenshot of Invoices for WooCommerce in WordPress](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/0/0/csm_woocommerce-invoice-plugin-invoices-for-woocommerce_2855c02c4f.webp "Screenshot of Invoices for WooCommerce in WordPress")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/woocommerce-invoice-plugin-invoices-for-woocommerce.jpg) Invoices for WooCommerce is a popular and well-rated invoice plugin. The open-source plugin [Invoices for WooCommerce](https://wordpress.org/plugins/woocommerce-pdf-invoices/ "Invoices for WooCommerce on WordPress") has two standard templates (“micro” and “minimal”) for WooCommerce invoices. After upgrading to the paid premium version, you can customize your invoices by, for example, changing the font and column format. Other features of this plugin include: - Automatically adding PDF invoices to WooCommerce emails - Downloading invoices - Cloud storage option (Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, or Egnyte) - Customizable invoice numbering - Integrated error search
Pros Cons
Free basic version No preview feature
Many options for invoice numbering
### WooCommerce PDF Invoices, Packing Slips, Delivery Notes and Shipping Labels [![Image: Screenshot of WebToffee WooCommerce PDF Invoices, Packing Slips, Delivery Notes and Shipping Labels in WordPress backend](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/d/a/csm_woocommerce-invoice-plugin-by-webtoffee_640a141eb6.webp "Screenshot of WebToffee WooCommerce PDF Invoices, Packing Slips, Delivery Notes and Shipping Labels in WordPress backend")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/woocommerce-invoice-plugin-by-webtoffee.jpg) Plugin WooCommerce PDF Invoices, Packing Slips, Delivery Notes and Shipping Labels in the WordPress backend. The WooCommerce plugin [WooCommerce PDF Invoices, Packing Slips, Delivery Notes and Shipping Labels](https://wordpress.org/plugins/print-invoices-packing-slip-labels-for-woocommerce/ "WooCommerce PDF Invoices, Packing Slips, Delivery Notes and Shipping Labels on WordPress") is the perfect solution if you also need to make **packing slips, shipping labels, and delivery notes**. The premium version offers numerous features including invoices with signature. Other features include: -Automatically add PDF invoices at any point in the payment process - Fully customizable invoices (PDF) - Customizable invoice numbering - Barcode feature - Available in over 10 languages
Pros Cons
Free basic version with many features Paid version slightly more expensive than alternatives
Invoices highly customizable
### YITH WooCommerce PDF Invoice and Shipping List [![Image: Screenshot of YITH WooCommerce PDF Invoice and Shipping List in WordPress backend](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/8/4/csm_woocommerce-invoice-plugin-yith_bac299bb2d.webp "Screenshot of YITH WooCommerce PDF Invoice and Shipping List in WordPress backend")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/woocommerce-invoice-plugin-yith.png) Plugin YITH WooCommerce PDF Invoice and Shipping List in the WordPress backend. The plugin [YITH WooCommerce PDF Invoice and Shipping List](https://yithemes.com/themes/plugins/yith-woocommerce-pdf-invoice/ "YITH WooCommerce PDF Invoice and Shipping List") is known for its user friendliness and straightforward setup. The biggest downside to this plugin is that it **doesn’t offer a free version**, and the paid version is relatively expensive. It offers a wide variety of features, including: - Automatically adding PDF invoices to WooCommerce emails - Customers can download invoices anytime - Customizable invoices - Customizable invoice numbering - Print invoices and packing slips simultaneously
Pros Cons
Create bulk invoices No free version
Invoices highly customizable
Tip Want to learn more about WooCommerce? Check out our other articles on the topic: - [WooCommerce Themes](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/woocommerce-themes/) - [WooCommerce payment methods](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/woocommerce-payments/) - [WooCommerce alternatives](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/woocommerce-alternatives/) - [WooCommerce shortcodes](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/woocommerce-shortcodes/) This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/woocommerce-invoices/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/woocommerce-invoices/) for AI/LLM consumption.