Purchase Order Templates by Format

Choose the Purchase Order Format That Fits the Job

Start with the tool you already use and what you need to do with the finished order. The right format should make it easier to add the vendor, items, prices, and delivery details—not give you more paperwork to manage.

Document & Spreadsheet Formats

Use a familiar document or spreadsheet when you want to edit the purchase order yourself and keep a reusable file for the next order.

• Word Purchase Order Template
• Google Docs Purchase Order Template
• Excel Purchase Order Template
• Google Sheets Purchase Order Template

Fill-In & Finished Purchase Orders

Start with a blank or editable layout, use a form you can fill in, or choose a PDF when you mainly need a finished copy.

• Blank Purchase Order Template
• Editable Purchase Order Template
• Purchase Order Form
• PDF Purchase Order Template

Simple & Professional Layouts

Use a simple layout for everyday orders. Choose a professional template when you want the purchase order to look consistent with the rest of your business documents.

• Simple Purchase Order Template
• Professional Purchase Order Template

Online & Software Options

Create and send the purchase order online, or compare Docelf with the purchase-order tools included in QuickBooks.

• Online Purchase Order Template
• QuickBooks Purchase Order Alternative

Choose by Where You Work and What Happens Next

Only need a straightforward way to create and send purchase orders? See how Docelf compares with creating purchase orders in QuickBooks.

What to Include in Any Purchase Order Format

The file or layout may change, but the purchase order still needs to tell the vendor exactly what you are ordering and what should happen next.

• Your business name, address, and contact details
• The vendor's business and contact information
• A unique PO number and the order date
• The shipping address, job site, requested delivery date, and delivery instructions
• Clear product or service descriptions, quantities, and unit prices
• Discounts, sales tax, shipping charges, subtotal, and total when they apply
• Payment terms, notes, approval details, and attachments the vendor needs

Before you send it, check the quantities, prices, address, and delivery date. A two-minute review now can save a much longer email thread later.

Purchase Order Format or Purchase Order Type?

A purchase order format describes how you create or present the document. Word, Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets, PDF, blank, simple, professional, and online are purchase order formats or layouts.

A purchase order type describes what you are ordering or how the order will be used. Blanket, product, and service purchase orders are common examples.

Need help choosing the order itself rather than the file? Browse purchase order types. For a full explanation of purchase orders and how to create one, return to the free purchase order template.

More Purchase Order Templates

Browse the main purchase order guide, compare common purchase order types, or start with a template for construction or small-business purchasing.

• Free Purchase Order Template
• Purchase Order Types
• Construction Purchase Order Template
• Small Business Purchase Order Template

Purchase Order Templates by Format FAQs

• Which purchase order template format should I use?

  Choose the format that fits how you already work. Use Word or Google Docs for a document you want to edit, Excel or Google Sheets for spreadsheet-style rows and calculations, and PDF when you mainly need a finished copy to save, print, or send.

• Can I create a purchase order in Word or Excel?

  Yes. Word gives you a document-style purchase order that is easy to edit. Excel gives you a spreadsheet for item descriptions, quantities, unit prices, discounts, tax, and totals. You can also use Google Docs or Google Sheets.

• Should I use Google Docs or Google Sheets for a purchase order?

  Use Google Docs when you prefer a document layout and need room for notes, terms, and delivery instructions. Use Google Sheets when you prefer rows and columns for quantities, prices, and calculations.

• Can I download a purchase order as a PDF?

  Yes. Create the purchase order, then download the finished document as a PDF. You can save it, print it, sign it when needed, or attach it to an email. You can also email a purchase order directly from Docelf.

• What is a blank purchase order template?

  A blank purchase order template gives you a clean structure for your business details, vendor information, PO number, order date, line items, quantities, prices, total, delivery instructions, terms, and notes. You fill in the details for each order.

• Can I create a purchase order online instead of editing a file?

  Yes. With Docelf, you can create and send a purchase order online, save vendor and line-item information for future orders, download a PDF, print the document, and see when your vendor opens the purchase order.

• Is there a simple alternative to creating purchase orders in QuickBooks?

  Yes. If you need document software rather than a full accounting system, Docelf gives you a straightforward way to create, email, download, print, and organize purchase orders. Docelf is not accounting software.

• What is the difference between a purchase order format and type?

  A purchase order format describes how you create or present the document, such as Word, Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets, PDF, blank, simple, or online. A purchase order type describes what you are ordering or how the order is used, such as a blanket, product, or service purchase order.