To get paid for their products and services, freelancers need access to simpler, smarter invoicing systems. By creating your invoice in Word, you can make a document using a word processor that's user-friendly and offers the tools you need to create an invoice that's both sleek and readable.
By creating your invoice in Word, you also gain the benefit of a cost-effective invoicing solution that optimizes your personal payment workflow. With digital invoices created using Microsoft Word, freelancers reduce the volume of physical invoices they and their customers must manage each pay cycle. In addition, freelancers enjoy the transferability of the Word platform as the world’s preferred, most-widely used word processor.
Looking for more guided direction for creating your invoice in Word? Microsoft Word offers a variety of invoice templates to choose from, each offering a unique look and feel suited to a range of business applications.
With easy access to over 175 pre-designed templates, making an invoice with Word allows freelancers the flexibility they need to build necessary business materials more efficiently so they can return to the work they love most—no need to start building a design from scratch.
To get started with your templated invoice in Word, simply open the program and click on “New Document.” From there, browse the database of pre-designed templates and select the one that will best fulfill your needs as a freelancer. As you explore the different templates, consider important business elements that may have an effect on the capabilities of your invoice, including products and services; quantities; client and customer details; and shipping and tracking information.
After you’ve selected your template, it’s time to begin customizing your invoice in Word. Your template should include fillable sections for the most essential invoice components, including unique invoice numbers and itemization lines for products and services.
From there, use the customization tools to update your document to reflect all other relevant business and branding details, including the following elements:
- your logo (if you have one)
- branding colors and fonts
- freelancer contact details
- payment terms, i.e. acceptable payment options, late fees, and policies
As you begin to bill vendors and clients for payment, you’ll then update your invoice document with all financial details relevant to the transaction, including the following elements:
- client and/or vendor contact details
- unique invoice number (for internal tracking purposes)
- invoicing/transaction date
- itemized list of products and/or services rendered
- subtotals for each product and/or service
- payment due dates
- payment totals, including taxes applicable to your area
For freelancers looking to create business materials more aligned with their personal brand, Word also offers users the functionality to make custom changes to any of the pre-designed templates. From color scheme to branded imagery, the possibilities for adding your personal flair to your financial materials are endless.
While the functionality of the program is a bit too basic for more advanced design work, the custom options available with the Word program provide an affordable option for freelancers who need to create smaller volumes of invoices (approximately five or less a month) without deviating too far from the look and feel of their brand.