Save an XRechnung as PDF
An XRechnung is an XML file: you can save and forward the original directly, but need a visual representation to read it comfortably. With the XRechnung viewer and your browser's print dialog you get an additional readable PDF copy in a few steps. The invoice is processed locally in your browser and is not uploaded.
Step by step
- Open the viewer and drop the invoice file into it (XRechnung as
.xml, or ZUGFeRD/Factur-X as.pdf). - Check the display, for example the seller and amount due under "At a glance".
- Click "Print / Save as PDF". The browser's print dialog opens.
- Choose the PDF option as destination or printer (names listed below).
- Check paper size (e.g. A4) and page count in the preview. Multi-page invoices repeat the table header on every page. You can turn off the browser's headers and footers.
- Save the file and choose where to store it on your device.
What the PDF option is called in your browser
- Chrome and Edge: destination "Save as PDF".
- Firefox: printer "Save to PDF".
- Safari (macOS): "PDF" menu at the bottom of the print dialog, then "Save as PDF".
The exact names can differ by browser version, operating system and language. On phones and tablets the path usually goes through the browser's "Share" or "Print" option.
A PDF copy is not the e-invoice
The saved file is a view of the invoice for reading, forwarding or filing. It is not itself an e-invoice: it contains no machine-readable invoice data and is not a ZUGFeRD file. The viewer does not convert the e-invoice; it only displays it in a printable form. Always keep the original file as well. Which retention rules apply to you is a question for your tax adviser; background on obligations and formats is in the e-invoicing FAQ.