Prerequisites
To get started, you’ll need the WooCommerce PDF Invoices, Packing Slips, Delivery Notes and Shipping Labels plugin. This plugin offers a solid base for creating professional PDF invoices and includes helpful options for handling related documents like packing slips and shipping labels.
It’s a good fit for store owners who want more control over how documents are created and sent.
With this free plugin, you can automatically generate PDF invoices for each order, include them in customer emails, and print packing slips and delivery notes right from the WooCommerce order admin. You’ll also be able to manage shipping label formats and export them in bulk. These features help reduce paperwork and simplify order fulfillment.
You can download the plugin from the WordPress repository. Once installed and activated, you’re ready to set up your invoices. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step.
How to Set Up WooCommerce PDF Invoices?
Step 1: Configure General Settings
After activating the plugin, your first stop should be the general settings page. Here, you’ll enter essential company details like your name, logo, and tax ID. These will appear on every invoice and help reinforce your business identity.
To get started, go to Invoice/Packing > General in your WordPress dashboard. You’ll find fields for adding your business name, uploading a logo, and inserting a tax identification number if applicable.
Further down, you can enter the full business address, including street, city, and postal code. This information helps ensure your invoices meet local compliance standards.
The Advanced options include enabling RTL support for right-to-left languages, selecting a PDF generation library, and toggling a print button on invoices and packing slips.
Once you’re done, click Update Settings to save your preferences.
Step 2: Enable PDF Invoices for WooCommerce
Now that your general setup is complete, you can enable PDF invoice generation for customer orders. Navigate to Invoice/Packing > Invoice and:
- Click the Enable Invoice option within the invoice settings.
- Choose a date for the invoice.
- Select the order statuses to trigger auto-generate invoices.
- Choose an order status email to attach PDF invoices to customer emails.
This ensures that customers receive a formal copy of the invoice alongside their order confirmation, improving professionalism and transparency.
Step 3: Assign Invoice Numbers
In this step, you’ll assign a format to your invoice numbers. This helps keep your records organized and ensures every invoice is uniquely identifiable.
- Use custom invoice numbers or set the order number as the invoice number.
- Choose a desired length for the invoice number.
Need more detail in your invoices? You can add extra fields like order meta data to include information such as payment method, delivery instructions, or custom checkout fields.
Additionally, the plugin allows you to generate invoices for free orders, a helpful option for stores offering giveaways or samples. You can also set a custom format for the invoice PDF file name to match your store’s internal system.
- Once you’ve enabled the desired settings, click Update Settings to finalize these changes.
Step 5: Customize WooCommerce PDF Invoices
With everything configured, it’s time to personalize the invoice layout. This is your opportunity to make the documents reflect your brand identity.
Navigate to the Customize tab within the plugin. From here, you can add or modify invoice fields, rearrange elements, and change the formatting of the invoice.
That’s it! Your WooCommerce store is now ready to automatically generate and send professional PDF invoices. For more store management tips, visit our SEO and content optimization resources.
Unlock More Features with Invoice Generator Pro & Add-ons
The free version of the plugin handles the basics well, but if you’re looking for more advanced invoicing functionality, consider upgrading to the WooCommerce PDF Invoice and Packing Slips Pro version by WebToffee.
The Pro plugin unlocks features like credit notes, payment links, and advanced templates for complex workflows. If you need help connecting automation between WooCommerce and other platforms, our marketing automation consulting can help integrate these tools seamlessly.
Customizer for WooCommerce PDF Invoices
For store owners who want their invoices to reflect their brand, the Customizer add-on extends the WooCommerce PDF Invoices plugin with deeper layout control.
QR Code Add-on
This add-on makes your invoices scannable and more interactive by embedding QR codes into the PDF documents generated through WooCommerce.
mPDF Add-on
If your WooCommerce store serves a multilingual audience, especially those using right-to-left (RTL) scripts, this add-on is essential. It switches the PDF generation engine from DOMPDF to mPDF, which offers more robust handling of complex fonts and character sets. Learn more about building globally ready sites with our WordPress education and consulting programs.
Wrapping Up
Setting up automated PDF invoices in WooCommerce isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about creating a consistent, professional customer experience and making order management easier. With the right plugin, you can streamline your workflow, reduce manual work, and present documents that reflect your brand’s standards.
Whether you stick with the free version or upgrade for more flexibility, this toolset gives you a strong foundation for better invoicing. If you’d like expert help customizing your WooCommerce setup, get in touch with BosonHub Digital Development today.
