Send invoice online
Sending invoices online is fast and leaves a clear record. The main ways are email (with a PDF) and online invoicing tools or client portals.
Send by email
Create your invoice (with our invoice generator or a template), download it as a PDF, and email it to the client. In the message, state what the invoice is for, the amount due, and the due date. Ask them to confirm receipt if you want a record. This is simple and works for most freelancers and small businesses. For timing and follow-up, see how to send an invoice.
Online invoicing tools and portals
Many apps let you create an invoice and “send” it through the app. The client gets an email with a link to view the invoice (and sometimes pay online). Benefits can include:
- A record of when the invoice was viewed
- Option for the client to pay by card or link
- Reminders or automatic follow-up
If you use accounting or invoicing software (e.g. QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or a free tool), check whether it has a “send” or “email invoice” feature that does this.
What to choose
- Email + PDF – Easiest: create the invoice, download PDF, attach to email. Good when you send invoices occasionally and don’t need built-in payment or reminders.
- Online tool/portal – Useful when you want view tracking, online payment, or reminders without sending separate emails.
For creating the invoice itself, see how to create an invoice and invoice format. You can create an invoice for free and download a PDF to send by email or upload to a portal.