Free Basic Invoice Template
Create a basic, professional invoice in minutes
Bill for a straightforward product or service without making the invoice complicated. The total and due date tell the customer what to pay, helping you get paid.
Email, print or download your invoice as a PDF.
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Create the invoice. Send it. Get back to work.
Choose a Basic Invoice Layout
Start with a layout you can read at a glance. Add only the details this customer needs.
How to Create a Basic Invoice
Show what you charged for and when payment is due. Follow these steps to add the details in Docelf.
- Add Your Business: Enter your business name and contact details.
- Choose the Customer: Use a saved customer or add their billing details.
- Check the Number and Dates: Check the invoice number, invoice date and due date.
- List the Charges: Add each product or service with its quantity and price.
- Check the Total: Add any tax or discount. Docelf does the math.
- Explain How to Pay: Add payment instructions in Terms and Conditions. Review the invoice, then email it or download a PDF.
How to Fill In Basic Invoice Line Items
Give each charge its own line. Use a description the customer can match to the product or service they received.
This fictional example bills for two hours of computer troubleshooting, plus separately priced printer and router setup. The setup work is not included in the hourly charge. Prices are in US dollars, with an illustrative 8% tax on all three items.
| QTY | Description | Unit Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Computer troubleshooting — hours | $65.00 | $130.00 |
| 1 | Printer connection and test | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| 1 | Router setup and test | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Subtotal | $200.00 | |
| Sales Tax (8% example) | $16.00 | |
| Total | $216.00 |
The 8% rate is only an example. Check which charges are taxable and use the rate that applies to your bill.
What to Include in Basic Invoice Terms
Use the Terms and Conditions field to explain when and how to pay. Keep the wording short enough for the customer to read quickly.
The example below uses a 14-day payment period. Change it to match your agreement and the invoice due date. Replace the bracketed details before sending.
Example: Terms and Conditions
- Payment is due within 14 days of the invoice date.
- Pay by [Accepted Payment Method] using the details on this invoice.
- Please use the invoice number as your payment reference.
- For billing questions, contact [Billing Email or Phone].
Keep the Bill Simple. Let Docelf Handle the Math.
Enter the charges once. Docelf calculates the total and keeps the invoice with your other documents. Email it when you have checked the details.
Keep the Invoice Basic, Not Vague
A short invoice can still answer the questions that matter. Give these four details a quick check.
A Recognizable Charge
Use “Two hours of computer support,” not just “Work.” Add the service date when the customer has several jobs with you.
The Right Customer
Check who should receive the bill. Use the billing contact the customer gave you, not an old email from another job.
One Clear Amount Due
Check the charges, tax and discounts against the invoice total. Record any payment already received and check what is still due.
Clear Payment Instructions
Give a due date and the payment details your customer needs. Do not leave them guessing where to send the money.
Use an Invoice When It Is Time to Ask for Payment
An estimate shows what a job is likely to cost. When you are ready to request payment, an invoice lists what you provided and the amount due. A receipt confirms money already received.
Already priced the job in Docelf? You can create the invoice from an estimate or quote. Check the copied details before sending.
Add Your Business Style Without Adding Clutter
Add your logo and choose colors and fonts that match your business. Keep the charges and payment details easy to read.
You can use USD, EUR, GBP, CAD or AUD in Docelf. Add a footer for your contact details or attach a supporting file when the customer needs one.
For a business-specific heading, add an optional industry name before “Invoice.” See how to add your logo, colors and fonts.
After You Send the Basic Invoice
After emailing the invoice from Docelf, check its history to see whether the customer opened it.
Keep the Payment Record Up to Date
- Follow up with the customer if the due date passes and the balance is still unpaid.
- Record the payment amount and date when the money arrives.
- Create a receipt from the invoice after recording the payment.
More Invoice Layouts to Start From
Need a different look or more space for charges? These layouts use the same online invoice editor.
Prefer an Invoice File You Can Edit?
Choose the format you already work with. Check the finished invoice before sending it to the customer.
Need a Different Starting Point?
Use a completed example to see the details together. Choose an itemized invoice when the customer needs a fuller breakdown.
Basic Invoice Template FAQs
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What is a basic invoice?
A basic invoice is a straightforward request for payment. It identifies your business and customer, lists what you provided, and shows the amount due. It also gives the customer a due date and payment instructions.
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How much detail does a basic invoice need?
Use enough detail for the customer to recognize each charge. A short service description, quantity or hours, and price may be enough. Add a service date or job reference when it helps. You do not need a long account of every task.
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Can a basic invoice include both products and services?
Yes. Put each product or service on its own line. For hourly work, show the number of hours and the hourly rate. For products, show the quantity and price per item.
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Do I need an invoice number?
Give each invoice its own number so you can find it and match payments to it. In Docelf, you choose the starting number for your first invoice. Docelf then numbers new invoices in sequence.
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Can I reuse a basic invoice for another customer?
Yes. Duplicate the invoice in Docelf to create a new draft with a new number. Change the customer, dates and charges before you send it. Check that the payment terms match your agreement with the new customer.
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Is a basic invoice a receipt?
No. An invoice asks for payment. A receipt confirms a payment you have received. After you record a payment on an invoice in Docelf, you can create a receipt from it.
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Can a basic invoice have just one charge?
Yes. For a fixed-price service, use a quantity of 1 and the agreed price. Briefly describe the work covered. You do not need extra lines unless the customer is paying for additional items or services.
Ready to Send a Straightforward Invoice?
Send a simple bill that shows the customer what to pay.
- Enter the customer and charges
- Let Docelf calculate the total
- Email the invoice or download a PDF
