Free invoice generator
Your details are saved on this device.
From (you)
Bill to (client)
Line items
Enter a tax rate between 0 and 100%.
Enter a discount between 0 and 100%.
Payment details
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|
How to invoice as a freelancer (the details that get you paid)
An invoice is a payment request, but it is also a small legal record. A few details do most of the work in getting it paid on time and keeping your books clean. Here is what belongs on every freelance invoice and why.
The essentials every invoice needs
- A unique invoice number. Sequential numbers (INV-0001, INV-0002) make it easy for you and your client's accounts team to reference a specific bill, and most tax authorities expect them.
- Both parties' details. Include your name or business and contact info, plus the client's billing name and address. If you are registered for VAT/GST or have a tax ID, put it on.
- Invoice date and due date. Always state a concrete due date, not "on receipt." "Net 14" or a specific calendar date gives you a clear line for chasing late payment.
- Clear line items. Describe what you did, the quantity or hours, the rate, and the amount. Vague single-line invoices are the ones that get queried.
- Totals with tax shown separately. Show the subtotal, any discount, tax/VAT as its own line, and the grand total.
- How to pay. Include bank details, a payment link, or your terms. Making it easy to pay does more than anything else to get you paid faster.
Set a due date and a late-payment term
Most freelancers use Net 7, Net 14, or Net 30, which is the number of days the client has to pay. Shorter terms get you paid sooner, but very short terms can annoy larger clients with slow accounts systems. Whatever you choose, add a late-payment line to your notes (for example, interest after 30 days) so the term has teeth. You can work out exactly what a late invoice is owed with the late-payment interest calculator.
Number your invoices from the start
Pick a simple scheme and never reuse a number, even for a cancelled invoice (issue a credit note instead). Consistent numbering makes year-end accounting far less painful and looks professional to clients.
Keep a copy
Because this tool runs entirely in your browser and stores nothing, download the PDF and keep it with your records. Most places require you to keep invoices for several years, so save a copy the moment you send it.
If you send more than a handful of invoices a month, dedicated invoicing software can automate reminders, recurring bills, and payment links. See our recommended invoicing tools →
Frequently asked questions
Is this invoice generator really free?
Yes. Every tool on KettleHour is free with no signup, no watermark, and no email required.
Where is my invoice data stored?
Only in your own browser. The tool runs locally and your figures are never uploaded. If you click "Remember my details," only your own business info (name, address) is saved on your device using local storage. The client details and amounts are never saved.
How do I download the invoice as a PDF?
Click Download PDF, then choose Save as PDF as the destination in the print dialog. Everything except the invoice itself is hidden, so the saved file has no page title, no links and no branding from this site.
Can I add my logo and bank details?
Yes. Upload a PNG, JPG or SVG in the Logo field and it appears at the top left of the invoice. Fill in the payment method and account details and they print in a Payment section above the notes. Both stay on your device; "Remember my details" keeps them for next time.
Can I add my logo?
Not in this version. It keeps things text-only for speed and privacy. Your business name is shown prominently at the top, which is enough for a professional freelance invoice.