Banana Free Proforma Invoice Generator
Create a professional proforma invoice in under two minutes - add your items, download a print-ready PDF, and send it to your buyer. Free, no signup, no watermark, in 20+ currencies.
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What is a proforma invoice?
A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill of sale sent to a buyer before goods or services are delivered. It sets out the seller, buyer, items, quantities, prices and estimated total so the buyer can arrange payment, financing or customs clearance. Unlike a final invoice, it is not a demand for payment and is not recorded in your accounts.
Proforma invoice vs commercial invoice vs quotation
| Document | When it's issued | Legally binding? | Used for accounting? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quotation | Before the sale, informal | No | No |
| Proforma invoice | Before delivery, formal estimate | No | No |
| Commercial (final) invoice | After the sale is confirmed | Yes | Yes |
What to include on a proforma invoice
- The words "Proforma Invoice" clearly at the top
- Your business name, address and contact details
- The buyer's name and address
- A unique reference number and issue date
- A description of goods or services with quantities and unit prices
- Estimated tax, shipping and the total amount payable
- A validity date and proposed payment terms
How to make a proforma invoice in 3 steps
- Add your details. Enter your business and buyer details in the free editor.
- List items and title it. Add each item with quantity and price, set your currency, and title the document "Proforma Invoice".
- Download and send. Export a print-ready PDF and send it to your buyer. Start now in the free generator.
Frequently asked questions
What is a proforma invoice?
A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill of sale sent to a buyer before goods or services are delivered. It states the seller, buyer, items, quantities, prices and estimated total so the buyer can arrange payment, financing or customs clearance - but it is not a demand for payment and is not used for accounting.
Is a proforma invoice a real invoice?
No. A proforma invoice is a quote-like document issued before the sale is final, so it carries no accounting or tax obligation. A commercial (final) invoice is issued once the sale is confirmed and is the document used for payment and bookkeeping.
How do I create a proforma invoice for free?
Open the free Banana Invoice generator, add your business and buyer details, list the items with quantities and prices, title the document "Proforma Invoice", and download it as a PDF - no signup required.
What should a proforma invoice include?
A proforma invoice should include the words "Proforma Invoice", your business and buyer details, a unique reference number and date, a description of goods or services with quantities and unit prices, any tax and shipping estimates, the total amount, and a validity date or payment terms.
What is the difference between a proforma invoice and a quotation?
A quotation is an informal price offer; a proforma invoice is a more formal, invoice-shaped document that also serves for advance payment, import/export and customs. Both are non-binding and precede the final invoice.
Related invoice tools & guides
- What is a proforma invoice? - the full guide with meaning, uses and format.
- Simple invoice generator - a clean final invoice once the sale is confirmed.
- GST invoice generator - for India & Pakistan.
- Invoice number generator - number your proforma and final invoices in sequence.