# How to create an e-invoice \[German: E-Rechnung] using PDF24 Tools
{% hint style="warning" %}
I'm an IT guy, not a tax attorney. Please consult a professional when it comes to taxes or law in Germany.
{% endhint %}
## Running PDF24 Tools:
* Option 1: Use the e-invoice generator directly in your browser by visiting [this link for the English version](https://tools.pdf24.org/en/create-electronic-invoice) or [this link for the German version](https://tools.pdf24.org/de/elektronische-rechnung-erstellen).
* Option 2: [Download](https://tools.pdf24.org/en/creator) and Install the program (Windows only) on your PC to run it without the need for an internet connection. \[German download website [here](https://tools.pdf24.org/de/creator)]
* Option 3: Install via Winget: `winget.exe install --id "MartiCliment.UniGetUI" --exact --source winget --accept-source-agreements --disable-interactivity --silent --accept-package-agreements --force`
## Open PDF24 Toolbox
* Look for the "Create invoice" box.\
* Optional: Click the star icon so it appears on top the next time you use the program.
* Click the "Create invoice" box once to open it.
* You'll have two options:
* Create invoice visually: I do not recommend this option. I tested it in January 2026 and the generated invoice [was not validated correctly](#validating-the-created-invoice).
* Create electronic invoice: This works, and the PDF and XML files created with it [get validated correctly](#validating-the-created-invoice).
## Fill in the fields:
* Fill in the fields to the best of your ability. The required fields will be marked pink in light theme and purple in dark theme.
* Don't worry if you can't fill out all the required fields. At the end of the form, you'll be able to create the invoice *without* validation if necessary.
* If you're not sure what the field "BT-xx", etc. means, you can always look it up on the internet.
* In reality, not all the "required" fields are really necessary. Please check with a tax professional first.
## Create an e-invoice
* Scroll down to the section "Output options"
* The two major formats are either "PDF" or "XML". Usually the first sub-format on the list works, but check with your tax professional first.
* The PDF options will generate a human-readable PDF and embed the machine-readable XML file inside of it. Here's an example in Adobe Acrobat:\
* The XML options will generate only the XML file. This is optimal if you already have a preferred design for your PDF invoices and you just need to embed or add the XML to it.
* Click the "Create invoice" button
* If a required field is missing, you'll get an error message:\
* If your tax professional tells you a certain required field doesn't apply to your case, you can click "Create invoice without validation"
## Validating the created invoice
To make sure your PDF or XML invoice is validated, paste it into the visualizer on the website of [Germany's official, free online portal for submitting tax information, "ELSTER"](https://www.elster.de/eportal/e-rechnung?locale=en_US).
If you get an error, there's something wrong with your e-invoice, otherwise you'll get a visual representation of the XML data.
* The XML options will generate only the XML file. This is optimal if you already have a preferred design for your PDF invoices and you just need to embed or add the XML to it.
* Click the "Create invoice" button
* If a required field is missing, you'll get an error message:\ 
* If your tax professional tells you a certain required field doesn't apply to your case, you can click "Create invoice without validation"
## Validating the created invoice
To make sure your PDF or XML invoice is validated, paste it into the visualizer on the website of [Germany's official, free online portal for submitting tax information, "ELSTER"](https://www.elster.de/eportal/e-rechnung?locale=en_US).
If you get an error, there's something wrong with your e-invoice, otherwise you'll get a visual representation of the XML data.