Proforma Invoice Template

Copy our Proforma Invoice Template, and automate your invoice process.
Copy our Proforma Invoice Template, and automate your invoice process.
You can create proforma invoice templates automatically from Google Sheets in a few easy steps. It is simple to use Portant as a free pro forma template google sheets which contains all kinds of different elements including your logo, unique invoice numbers, payment terms and contact information. After you've opened Portant Workflow, select your Google Sheet, then connect a Google Docs invoice template, customise your blank invoice template with column tags, attach it to an email and finally click 'Start automation', and voila!, you’ve automated your invoicing from Google Sheets!
We know how painful and monotonous it can be to copy and paste invoice data into invoice templates, double check all the information is correct, save it as a pdf and then send the invoice to your customers. That’s why we’ve come to the rescue.
With Portant you can connect a Google Sheet to an invoice template, click a few buttons and invoices will be magically generated and sent whenever you need to. You can also customise the email and who it's sent from (e.g accounts@portant.co). It's easy to place your invoicing on autopilot.
Select the Sheet you want to create invoices from.
Connect a Google Doc invoice template
Click 'insert' to place tags in your invoice template
Then generate a invoices from your Google Sheet
To select your Google Sheet - first log in via your Google account and then authorise Portant to view your Sheets. You can get started by copying this template:
When you connect your Google Sheet, you can replace our invoice template with your own if you have one prepared already or edit our one. Also, you can connect multiple documents (e.g. if you need to send a contract with an invoice 😀)
Open the document block and add tags into your invoice template. You can format the tags and the data from your Google Sheet will be inserted using the same format (bold, italic, colour etc)You can use data grouping to insert multiple rows from your Google Sheet into the same invoice (e.g. if your line items are split on separate rows in your Google Sheet)
Open the email block and customise how you'd like to share your invoice. You can also edit the email invoices are sent from (e.g. accounts@portant.co) Then click 'Start automation' and test your workflow. Your Invoices will be stored in a folder made in your Google Drive, which can be edited in the 'Outputs' tab.💥Snap💥 You've done it!
Automatically creating invoices from Google Sheets removes manual data entry from your life, saving you the time and effort of copy/pasting or retyping. Automatically creating invoices enables you to get back to the more important stuff.
Typos should be a thing of the past. With our free Google Sheets invoice template, all data is sourced from the original Spreadsheet. Plus, your invoices will be saved with a consistent naming structure in your Google Drive.
Create invoices from templates with the tools you already use - Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms. Automating invoices from this template workflow will help you hit all your goals.
To create a proforma invoice, follow these simple steps:
💡 Tip: You can also use an online proforma invoice generator if you want to speed up the process.
An invoice is a formal request for payment sent after goods or services are delivered, serving as a legally binding document that confirms a sale and records the amount owed. In contrast, a pro forma invoice template is a preliminary estimate sent before the goods or services are provided, outlining the terms of a potential transaction. Unlike invoices, proforma invoices are not legally binding and are primarily used for informational purposes, helping buyers understand costs and terms before finalizing a purchase. Invoices are used in accounting records, whereas proforma invoices are not since they do not reflect completed sales.
No, a pro forma invoice is not a valid invoice. It is a preliminary document issued to provide an estimate of the goods or services to be delivered, including details like descriptions, quantities, prices, and terms. Unlike a standard invoice, a proforma invoice template is not legally binding and does not request payment. It is mainly used for informational and planning purposes to help the buyer understand the costs and terms before finalizing a purchase. Once the transaction is agreed upon, a formal invoice is issued to request payment.
Yes, pro forma invoices can include VAT to provide a complete estimate of the total cost, including taxes. Including VAT helps buyers understand the full amount they may be liable for upon finalizing the transaction. However, since a proforma invoice is not legally binding, the VAT amount is indicative and may vary in the final invoice. Whether VAT is included depends on the specific requirements of the transaction and local regulations.
A proforma invoice is typically valid for a specific period, usually ranging from 30 to 90 days, but this can vary depending on the seller's policies and industry standards. The validity period is meant to give the buyer enough time to review the terms and make a decision while also protecting the seller from fluctuations in costs or availability of goods. It’s important for both parties to confirm the expiration date, as it ensures that the quoted prices and terms remain unchanged within that timeframe. The validity period should be clearly stated on the proforma invoice.
A pro forma invoice template is typically signed by an authorized representative of the seller, such as a sales manager, accountant, or other designated employee who has the authority to issue the document. The signature serves to validate the document, indicating that the details provided are accurate and that the seller is prepared to honor the terms outlined in the proforma invoice, should the buyer choose to proceed with the transaction. However, because a proforma invoice is not a legally binding document, the signature is more a formality than a legal requirement.
A proforma invoice typically comes before a purchase order. The seller issues a pro forma invoice to provide an estimate of the goods or services, including descriptions, quantities, prices, and terms. After reviewing the proforma invoice template, the buyer sends a purchase order to confirm their intent to proceed with the purchase based on the agreed terms. This process ensures that both parties are aligned on the transaction details before moving forward.
The purpose of a proforma invoice is to provide a detailed estimate of a transaction before goods or services are delivered. It outlines descriptions, quantities, prices, and terms, helping buyers understand costs and conditions before committing to a purchase. While not legally binding, it is useful for customs, financing, and ensuring clarity between parties, especially in international trade.
Yes, Google Docs offers basic invoice templates through its built-in template gallery. You can access them by opening Google Docs, clicking on “Template gallery”, and scrolling to the “Work” section.
However, if you're looking for a proforma invoice template or something more customizable for services like recruitment, international shipping, or construction, the built-in options may be too limited.
💡 For more flexibility, try a downloadable Google Docs template specifically designed for proforma invoices — with editable fields, multiple formats (PDF, Word, Docs), and built-in formulas when used with Google Sheets.
No, proforma invoices are not illegal. In fact, they are widely used across industries as a legitimate business document — especially in international trade, sales processes, and pre-invoice workflows.
A proforma invoice is not a tax invoice or demand for payment. It’s a preliminary bill that outlines the products or services being offered, their pricing, and terms — often used to confirm details before issuing a final invoice or fulfilling an order.
✅ Legal to use globally
✅ Common in B2B sales and exports
✅ Helps streamline approval and quoting processes
💡 Just make sure to clearly label the document as “Proforma Invoice” to avoid confusion with tax or commercial invoices.
Yes, Google offers free invoice templates through Google Docs and Google Sheets. These templates can be accessed directly from the Template Gallery and are ideal for freelancers, small businesses, and anyone needing a simple, editable invoice.
While the built-in templates are a great starting point, many businesses choose to use customized templates that better match their branding, industry requirements, or specific formats like PDF, Word, or editable Google Docs versions.
💡 If you need an invoice or more flexible features like automated totals or CRM integration, consider using a customizable invoice template built for your workflow.
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