Can I generate a commercial invoice for free, without signing up?
Yes. The generator is free, runs in your browser, and does not ask you to create an account. Fill out the form, preview the draft, and download the PDF.
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Commercial invoice FAQ: common questions about shipping documents
Use this page when you are still deciding what document the shipment needs, what to prepare before filling it out, or what to double-check before download.
Why use this instead of a Word template or another free invoice tool?
A Word template needs reformatting for every shipment, and most free invoice generators are built for freelancers billing clients — not for the three documents cross-border shipping commonly needs together. This tool is built specifically for commercial invoices, packing lists, and proforma invoices, with a browser preview so you can check the layout before you download. No reformatting, no copy-paste errors between documents, no watermark.
Where does my invoice data go — is it uploaded to a server?
The generator runs entirely in your browser. Your shipment data, party names, declared values, and line items are not sent to our servers. The PDF is created locally in your browser tab and downloads directly to your device.
Is there a watermark on the PDF I download? Are there limits on how many I can create?
No watermark. No daily or monthly limits. The PDF downloads exactly as you see it in the preview — clean and ready to use. There are no usage caps and no paid tier required to export.
My carrier asked for a commercial invoice — where do I start?
Open the commercial invoice generator, fill in the sender, recipient, and goods details, then preview the PDF before you download. If you want a walkthrough first, read the step-by-step guide. If you want a quick field check before export, use the required fields checklist.
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Do I need a commercial invoice if my shipping label already has customs information?
Maybe. Some carrier or label workflows submit customs data electronically or include the customs form with the label, while others still ask you to attach a commercial invoice. If your provider asks for a separate invoice PDF, generate one and make sure it matches the label and shipment details.
How many copies of a commercial invoice should I print?
It depends on the carrier and whether the shipment uses electronic customs submission. Some workflows need one PDF for records, while others ask for multiple copies attached outside the package. Check the carrier or label-provider instruction for the specific shipment before you treat the PDF as ready.
Do I need both a commercial invoice and a packing list for the same shipment?
Often yes. The commercial invoice covers the sale, value, and customs declaration; the packing list covers what was physically packed and counted. Many international shipments need both views of the same goods — see commercial invoice vs packing list for how to choose which one to start with. Before download, compare both drafts with the consistency checklist.
I have a proforma invoice from my supplier — do I still need a commercial invoice to ship?
Usually yes. A proforma invoice is typically a pre-sale quote; the commercial invoice is the final document customs and carriers expect once the transaction is confirmed. If you want the difference laid out in detail, read proforma invoice vs commercial invoice.
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Is a packing list the same as a commercial invoice, or do I need a separate one?
They are separate documents. The commercial invoice focuses on goods, declared value, and the parties to the sale. The packing list focuses on physical contents — how items are packed, counted, and grouped for handling.
What information do I need to have ready before I use the generator?
Have the seller and buyer details, invoice number and date, currency, and a line-item list with descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and totals. Some lanes also ask for country of origin or harmonized codes — check your shipment instructions, review the required fields checklist, then start the generator. If the goods line is the part you are stuck on, read how to write description of goods.
What information do I need before I fill out the packing list?
Sender and consignee, document reference or date, item descriptions, quantities per line, and totals. Some lanes ask for weights, dimensions, or package identifiers separately — verify against your carrier or warehouse checklist, then review the packing list required fields checklist before you open the packing list generator.
Do I need a commercial invoice for international shipping?
Often yes when goods are crossing a border and someone needs the declared value, goods description, and sale details in one document. Small courier parcels may be simpler, but many customs-facing shipments still need a commercial invoice or equivalent. If the shipment details are already clear, start with the commercial invoice generator.
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Do I need an account to use the tool?
No. You can create and export a document without opening an account.
Will the PDF I download be accepted by customs or my carrier?
The PDF is usable as a clean draft, but acceptance depends on whether the shipment details, document type, and required fields match what your lane or carrier expects. The tool helps with document preparation, not lane-specific approval. The safest last pass is the invoice checklist or packing list checklist, depending on what you are exporting.
Can I use this for any country, carrier, or destination?
You can use it to draft common shipping paperwork for many lanes, but not every destination or carrier asks for the same fields. Treat it as the document builder, then check whether your lane needs extra wording, codes, or attachments. That is usually the difference between a clean draft and a fully shipment-ready file.
My carrier asked for both documents — which one do I fill out first?
Start with the commercial invoice because it drives the goods descriptions, values, and parties. Once those are locked in, mirror the line items into the packing list so both documents stay consistent — use the commercial invoice generator first, then the packing list generator, then compare them with the consistency checklist.
What should I double-check before I download a draft?
Start with the mistakes people actually resend PDFs for: wrong party names, stale addresses, old reference numbers, mismatched quantities, and values that do not match the shipment. Then make sure you are exporting the right document type for the job. The fastest pre-send pass is the commercial invoice checklist or the packing list checklist, depending on which document you are exporting.