How to Create a PDF Invoice in Shopify (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Create a PDF Invoice in Shopify (Quick Answer)

You can create a PDF invoice in Shopify in three ways:

1. Use the Order Printer tool to manually generate invoices — quick to set up, but fully manual for each order
2. Send invoices using Draft Orders — useful when you want to request payment before checkout
3. Use apps like Sufio, Shopify Invoice Hero, or Vify Order Printer to automatically create and send PDF invoices — best for automation, branding, and scaling

The easiest and most scalable method is using an invoicing app, since it handles PDF generation and email delivery automatically.

The easiest and most scalable method is using an invoicing app, since it handles PDF generation and email delivery automatically.

The Problem: Shopify Doesn’t Give You a Proper PDF Invoice

You just received an order.

Now the customer asks: “Can you send me the invoice?”

You open Shopify… and realize something.

There’s no clear “Download Invoice PDF” button.

Yes, Shopify shows order details. But that’s not the same as a proper invoice.

A real invoice should include structured billing details, numbering, and a clean format that customers can download or print.

This guide will show you exactly how to create PDF invoices in Shopify—step by step—and how to automate it so you don’t repeat the same task again.

Why This Problem Exists in Shopify

You might be wondering… why doesn’t Shopify just generate invoices automatically?

Let’s break it down.

Shopify focuses on orders, not invoices

In simple terms, Shopify is built to manage orders.

An order shows what a customer bought.

An invoice is a formal document used for billing and accounting.

These are not the same thing.

According to Shopify’s documentation, order pages are designed for tracking purchases, not generating structured billing documents (https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/orders).

There’s no built-in PDF automation

Shopify does not automatically create or send invoice PDFs.

That means:

• No auto-generated PDF
• No automatic email attachment
• No consistent invoice formatting

Manual work doesn’t scale

At the beginning, manually creating invoices might feel manageable.

But as orders grow, this quickly becomes repetitive and time-consuming.

This is where most store owners start looking for a better workflow.

Method 1: Create a PDF Invoice Using Shopify (Manual Way)

Let’s start with the simplest method.

This works without installing anything.

Steps to follow:

1. Go to your Shopify Admin
2. Click on Orders
3. Open any order
4. Click on Print
5. Select Order Printer template
6. Save or print as PDF

This method is commonly used and supported through Shopify’s Order Printer tool (https://apps.shopify.com/order-printer).

Where this method falls short

Now, you may ask… is this enough?

Not really.

Here’s why:

• You must do it manually every time
• Limited design customization
• No automatic email sending

It works, but only for very small stores.

Method 2: Use Draft Orders to Send Invoices

This method is slightly different.

Instead of generating an invoice after purchase, you send it before payment.

Steps to follow:

1. Go to Orders → Drafts
2. Click Create Order
3. Add products and customer details
4. Click Send Invoice

Shopify will email a checkout link to the customer (https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/orders/create-orders).

When should you use this?

This works best when:

• You’re handling custom pricing
• You’re dealing with B2B customers
• You want approval before payment

Limitation

This is not a true PDF invoice system.

It’s more of a payment request.

Method 3: Automatically Generate PDF Invoices (Recommended)

Now let’s look at the method most growing stores use.

Instead of doing everything manually, you use an app to automate invoice creation.

Popular apps include:

• Sufio
• Order Printer Pro
• Vify Order Printer PDF Invoice

These apps are designed specifically for invoicing workflows inside Shopify.

What these tools do

Once installed, they can:

• Automatically generate PDF invoices
• Send invoices via email
• Add branding (logo, colors)
• Maintain consistent formatting

Many of these features are listed in Shopify’s app marketplace (https://apps.shopify.com/search?q=invoice).

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Automatic PDF Invoices

Let’s walk through a simple setup.

Step 1: Install an invoice app

Go to the Shopify App Store and install one of the tools mentioned above.

Step 2: Connect your orders

Most apps automatically sync with your existing orders.

So you don’t need to import anything manually.

Step 3: Customize your invoice template

You can adjust:

• Logo
• Store details
• Layout

This helps keep your invoices consistent.

Step 4: Enable automatic sending

Turn on auto-email so invoices are sent after each order.

This removes manual work completely.

Step 5: Test your setup

Create a test order and check:

• PDF format
• Email delivery
• Data accuracy

This step is often skipped, but it helps avoid mistakes later.

Once your PDF invoice is set up, you’ll want a reliable way to get it to the right people — printing single orders, sending in bulk, or letting customers download on their own. Here’s how to handle all of that →

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Let’s look at a few things that often go wrong.

Sending order confirmations as invoices

Order confirmations are not invoices.

They lack proper structure and formatting.

Missing important details

Invoices should include:

• Store information
• Customer details
• Order breakdown

Skipping these makes the document incomplete.

Not automating the process

Manual workflows slow you down as you grow.

No consistent format

Different invoice styles can confuse customers.

Keeping one format helps maintain clarity.

Actionable Tips to Improve Your Invoice Workflow

Keep your design simple

A clean layout is easier to read and looks more professional.

Use consistent invoice numbering

This helps with tracking and record-keeping.

Automate early

Even if you have a few orders, setting up automation saves time later.

Always test your invoices

Check how your PDF looks before sending it to customers.

Use tools that fit your workflow

Some apps are better for customization, others for automation.

Pick based on your needs.

FAQ

1. Does Shopify automatically create PDF invoices?

No, Shopify does not generate PDF invoices by default. You need to either use the Order Printer tool or install an invoicing app (https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/orders).

2. How do I send an invoice to a customer in Shopify?

You can send invoices using draft orders or by generating a PDF and emailing it manually. Apps can automate this process (https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/orders/create-orders).

3. What is the easiest way to create invoices in Shopify?

The easiest way is to use an invoicing app like Sufio or Order Printer Pro, as they automate PDF generation and delivery.

4. Can customers download their invoices?

Yes, many invoice apps allow customers to download invoices directly from email or their order page.

5. Do I need an app to automate invoices?

Yes, automation is not built into Shopify by default. Apps are required to generate and send invoices automatically (https://apps.shopify.com/search?q=invoice).

If your store ships internationally, a standard PDF invoice won’t hold up at the border. Customs authorities in 2026 now require specific codes and machine-readable formats that most basic invoices miss entirely. Here’s what the full commercial invoice compliance looks like →

Or if you want a comprehensive comparison of every invoice generation method available on Shopify — native tools, free apps, third-party platforms, B2B support, and global tax compliance — here’s the complete invoice generator guide for 2026 →