Freelancer Invoice
Used by independent workers billing a client for creative, technical, or consulting work. Typically includes an hourly or project rate, a short description of deliverables, and standard Net 30 payment terms.
When to use it
You completed a project or milestone and need to request payment for your time or work product.
Contractor Invoice
Issued by contractors, subcontractors, and tradespeople for labour and materials. Often references a purchase order number and itemises parts separately from labour hours.
When to use it
You performed physical or skilled-trade work on a job site and need to bill the client or general contractor.
Proforma Invoice
A preliminary invoice sent before work begins or goods are shipped. It is not a payment demand — it acts as a quote or cost estimate that the client can approve. Commonly used in international trade for customs purposes.
When to use it
You need to agree on scope and price before starting, or when a client requires a formal cost document for internal approval.
Commercial Invoice
Required for cross-border shipments. A commercial invoice declares the value, quantity, and nature of the goods being shipped so that customs authorities can calculate duties and taxes.
When to use it
You are exporting physical goods internationally and need to satisfy customs and import requirements.
Service Invoice
A general-purpose invoice for any service-based business — agencies, cleaners, coaches, IT support, and so on. Service invoices describe the service rendered, the time period, and the agreed rate.
When to use it
Your business delivers a service rather than physical goods and you need a clean, professional record of the transaction.
Recurring Invoice
Sent on a fixed schedule — weekly, monthly, or quarterly — for ongoing engagements such as retainers, subscriptions, or maintenance contracts. The line items and amounts stay the same each period.
When to use it
You have a client on a retainer or recurring contract and need to bill them on the same terms every period.
Which type do I need?
For most freelancers and small businesses, a standard freelancer or service invoice covers the majority of situations. Use the type that best describes the relationship and the nature of the work. When in doubt, a general service invoice is always appropriate — the most important thing is that it clearly states who is owed what, by when, and how to pay.
TodaysInvoice lets you start with any of these invoice types as a preset and customise every field before downloading your PDF.