How to Make an Invoice in Google Docs? Examples + Template

If you’re a freelancer, contractor, or small business owner, creating invoices quickly and professionally is essential for getting paid on time. One of the most accessible tools available is the Google Docs invoice template, which lets you design, edit, and share invoices directly from your Google account.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

• What an invoice is
• How to make an invoice in Google Docs
• Access to free templates you can use right away
• When it might make sense to move to more advanced invoicing software

What Is an Invoice?

According to Investopedia, an invoice is a commercial document issued by a seller to a buyer that details the products, services, quantities, and agreed prices provided. It also specifies the terms of payment, including when the payment is due and the total amount owed. 

Invoices serve as both a payment request and a record for accounting purposes. They can also act as a written agreement between two parties, offering clarity on what was delivered and what is owed. 

For many small businesses, invoices are vital documents that keeps cash flow moving, helps track sales, and establishes a professional relationship with clients.

For a more in-depth insight, check out our guide: What Is An Invoice: Everything You Need To Know.

Why Invoices Are Important

Invoices are more than just a request for payment. They serve as the backbone of healthy business operations. For small businesses and contractors, invoices help to:

• Keep accurate financial records for taxes and audits, ensuring compliance with IRS or state regulations
• Provide legal proof of the exchange of goods or services, which can protect you in the event of a dispute
• Outline clear terms so clients understand when payment is due and what the expectations are
• Support better cash flow management by tracking outstanding balances and encouraging timely payments
• Strengthen professionalism and trust with clients by showing that you operate in a transparent, consistent way
• Offer insights into sales patterns, helping you forecast revenue and make better financial decisions
• Serve as documentation for business loans, credit, or grant applications where financial proof is needed understand when payment is due
• Support better cash flow management by tracking outstanding balances
• Strengthen professionalism and trust with clients

Example: Invoice Breakdown

How to Create an Invoice in Google Docs

Creating an invoice in Google Docs is simple and only takes a few minutes once you’re familiar with the process. Here’s how to set it up.

1. Log in to Your Google Account

Start by signing in to your Google account. If you don’t have one, you can create a free account at Google. Logging in gives you access to Docs, Sheets, and Google Drive, where you’ll store and share your invoices.

2. Choose Your Google Docs Template

Once logged in, go to Google Docs and open the Template Gallery. Search for a free Google Docs invoice template. Google offers a few basic options, but you can also download a simple invoice template Google Docs version from our 125 free invoice templates.

Pro Tip: If you need more flexibility, you can also try a google sheets invoice template for real-time calculations and totals.

3. Save Your Design to Your Google Drive Account

After selecting your preferred template, save a copy to your Google Drive so you can access your invoices anywhere. This also helps you stay organized, as you’ll have one central place to store and manage your records.

Save with a Google Workspace Account

If you have a paid Workspace account, you’ll benefit from more storage and professional features like advanced sharing and integrations.

Save with a Free Google Account

A free account still works perfectly for most freelancers and contractors. You can store invoices, share them via email, and collaborate with clients.

4. Edit Your New Invoice

This is where you make the template your own. Add your:

• Business name or your full name
• Address, phone number, and email
• Client details
• Invoice number and date
• Description of goods or services provided
• Total amount due
• Payment information (e.g., bank transfer details, how to accept payments via PayPal or credit card)

5. Create a New Invoice

For each new project or client, copy your saved template and update the details. This ensures consistency while saving you time.

6. Choose an Invoice Naming Convention

Adopting a clear file naming system is important. 

For example:

Invoice_ClientName_ProjectName_Date

This makes it easier to track invoices in Google Drive or when exporting to a google sheet invoice for reporting.

7. Share the Invoice with Your Client

You can email the invoice as a PDF directly from Google Docs or generate a shareable link. Always make sure payment due terms are clearly visible. Adding a due date encourages timely payments and reduces follow-ups.

The Importance of Using an Invoice Template for Your Business

According to QuickBooks, organized invoicing helps businesses improve cash flow and maintain proper records for tax filings. Using a fully customizable invoice template in Google Docs helps you:

• Save time compared to building one from scratch
• Keep a professional look with a simple invoice format
• Reduce errors by relying on a sheet invoice template with built-in fields
• Provide a consistent record for accounting or tax purposes

You can also simplify the process by using dedicated tools like Invoice Fly’s Invoicing Software, which allows you to create professional invoices faster and manage them all in one place.

Tips for Creating an Invoice Template in Google Docs

1. Use an editable Google Docs invoice template: Start with an editable version so you can update client names, dates, and line items quickly without rebuilding the layout each time.
2. Experiment with a sheets template or excel: Build invoices in a sheets template using Google spreadsheets or Excel for automatic calculations and real-time totals.
3. Rely on a template invoice as your base: A structured template invoice ensures you never miss essentials like invoice number, date, or payment terms.
4. Keep a receipt copy for your records: Always save a PDF version of each invoice as a receipt for taxes and client reference.
5. Choose a professional invoice format: Use clean fonts, spacing, and layout to present your business credibly.
6. Add online billing options: Include PayPal, Stripe, or bank transfer details so clients can pay easily through online billing.
7. Share a client invoice example: Sending a client invoice example during onboarding sets expectations and shows how your process works.
8. Offer a downloadable invoice template: Give long-term clients a downloadable invoice template compatible with your records.
9. Add branding and clear payment terms: Insert your logo, brand colours, and explicit terms like “Net 30” or “Payment is due within 14 days.”
10. Stay organized and integrate tools: Save templates in dedicated Google Drive folders, link them with a google sheet invoice, add notes/policies, and back up copies regularly.

Get Your Google Docs Invoice Signed

Digital signatures help confirm approval and provide an extra layer of professionalism. You can:

• Insert a signature line directly into your invoice
• Use add-ons like DocuSign or HelloSign to collect client signatures online
• Convert your Google Doc into a PDF and email it for signing

Adding a signature ensures clarity for both parties, reduces the chance of disputes, and makes the invoice legally stronger in case of disagreements.

A Better Alternative to the Google Docs Invoice Template

While Google Docs works, it does have limitations:

• Manual updates can be time-consuming
• No automatic real-time tracking of payments
• Difficult to integrate with accounting or invoicing software

If you want something more advanced, consider an invoicing tool like Invoice Fly’s Invoice Maker. It offers:

• Pre-designed templates that are fully customizable
• Ability to accept payments online
• Features to send automatic reminders for timely payments
• Easy export and reports to stay on top of your finances

Send Invoices Confidently

A Google Docs invoice template is a practical solution for freelancers and contractors who need a quick, accessible option for billing. It’s simple, customizable, and free. But if you want to track payments in real time, send reminders, and keep all your finances in one place, upgrading to dedicated invoicing software will save you hours of admin work.

Ready to move beyond manual templates? Invoice Fly’s Invoicing Software today!