How to Create an Invoice — 5 Easy Ways in 2022

Need to generate an invoice? Square offers a step-by-step guide explaining how to create an invoice with free templates, on mobile, and more.

by Kaitlin Keefer Sep 01, 2022 — 4 min read

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If you’re a small business owner, you need to know how to create an invoice. The good news is that it’s pretty easy, especially if you use the right tools to streamline the process.

When it comes to creating an invoice, you have options. If you’re new to invoicing, there are plenty of services that provide basic invoice templates. If you’ve been invoicing for a while and are looking to upgrade your process, there are also invoicing software programs that can make invoicing your customers simple and painless. Square Invoices let’s you create and send professional invoices from your computer and now your phone. Here are five of the most popular ways to create an invoice.

1. How to create an invoice in Google Docs

Google Docs provide an easy-to-share option for creating an invoice document. With easily downloadable templates you can quickly generate an invoice, or start from scratch and create your own. To use a Google Docs invoice template:

  1. Log in to your Google account and go to your Google Drive.
  2. Click the “+ New” button and scroll down to Google Docs in the drop-down menu. Click the arrow next to it and select “From a template.” This brings you to the templates page.
  3. Type “invoice” in the search bar on the templates page. A selection of invoice templates should appear in the results. Review the choices and select the best invoice template for your business.
  4. Fill out the new page with the template you selected. This includes custom entry fields with things like company name, address, phone number, email, logo, payment terms, and official payee name for receiving payments.

2. How to create an invoice with a free invoice generator

If you’re not using any of the above programs or their templates, you can use a free invoice generator. Square and a handful of accounting software services, like QuickBooks, offer professional invoice samples. To use a free invoice template from Square, follow these steps:

  1. On the Square invoice template page, select the color and file format for the invoice you want to create.
  2. Enter your email address in the pop-up and the template will open in a new tab. If you don’t see the template pop up immediately, check your pop-up blocker settings for Square’s website.
  3. Add in the entry fields for your business name, customer name, sent and due dates, the items, and the amounts.
  4. Download your invoice and send it to your customer as an attachment.

3. How to create an invoice in Microsoft Word.

There are a variety of easy, professional-looking templates in Word. Creating invoices this way can work well, especially if you are most familiar with the software. However, it can be also a bit cumbersome. This is especially true when it comes to getting paid. Printing and sending paper invoices via snail mail can have a long turnaround time.

And even if you’re sending a Word file via email, you have to figure out the best method for customers to pay you. Usually this involves using a third-party system (like an online payments app) or having them send along a physical check. But if you still prefer to create invoices in Word, here’s how you do it:

  1. Choose from Word’s invoice template under New in the File menu.
  2. Look for the Invoice icon in the dialog box (usually on the left-hand side), and select the invoice type that best fits your needs.
  3. Set a professional header that contains your business’s contact information: business name, mailing address, phone number, email, and business logo.
  4. Put in the client’s information (usually underneath and on the opposite side from your company’s contact info). And be sure to include the name of the business, mailing address, phone number, and email.
  5. Include the unique invoice number, date the invoice was prepared, and a payment due date.
  6. Indicate the payment method to set clear expectations.
  7. Break down products or services into line item descriptions, along with charges associated with each. Calculate the total, including any applicable sales tax, delivery fees, etc. It’s helpful to put the grand total in bold font so that it clearly stands out. Then, download your invoice.