Free credit note generator
Document a reduction to an earlier invoice. Add the original invoice reference, explain the adjustment and download a credit note PDF for your customer.
- No sign-up required
- Automatic calculations
- Download PDF
Your details are sent securely to our PDF service only when you preview or download. This tool does not save documents to an account.
How to create a credit note
Start with a layout from the gallery. Add your logo and pick a header and color; you can change the design without retyping your details.
Enter the customer and original invoice number. List only the items or charges being credited, then explain the return, pricing correction or other agreed adjustment in the notes.
Open the PDF preview to check the finished pages, not just the form. Download the file when it is ready, then attach it to your own email or print a copy.
Make the invoice adjustment easy to identify
Header design
Choose a layout, header and color while keeping the credit note title and reference clear. Switching layouts keeps your entries.
Add your logo
Use the issuing business’s logo and contact details so the customer can match the credit to the original invoice.
Preview PDF
Check the original invoice reference, credited items and total in the PDF. Include supporting images when they help explain a return.
Keep the credit note with the original invoice
On your phone or computer
Use this editor in your browser. A downloaded PDF keeps its page layout when viewed on a phone, opened on a computer or printed.
Track the adjustment separately
Retain both documents and the reason for the change. Record any refund or account credit separately so the adjustment can be reconciled.
Manage invoice records in the app
The Pocket Invoice app keeps customer, invoice and payment records. Creating a credit note here does not change an existing invoice or process a refund.
What to include in a credit note
A credit note records an agreed reduction to an earlier invoice, such as a return or an overcharge. Make it clear which invoice changes and why.
- 01
Issuer and customer
Use the business and customer details associated with the original invoice.
- 02
Credit note number and date
Give the credit note its own reference and issue date rather than reusing the invoice number.
- 03
Original invoice reference
Enter the invoice number being adjusted. Include an order or return reference if needed to identify the transaction.
- 04
Credited items and quantities
List the returned goods or charges being reduced, with the quantities and rates that make up the credit.
- 05
Credit amount and currency
Review the adjustment amount and any relevant tax or discount. Use the currency of the original transaction.
- 06
Reason and settlement
Explain the correction and whether the agreed credit will reduce an outstanding bill or be settled separately.
Choose a credit note template
Enlarge the previews to inspect the layout. Choose Use template to prepare the credit note in that design.
Browse templatesFrequently asked questions
Can I make a credit note for free?
Yes. You can create, preview and download a credit note PDF without signing up.
When should I issue a credit note?
Use a credit note to document an agreed reduction to an earlier invoice, such as returned goods, an overcharge or a reduced service charge. State the reason and reference the original invoice.
Does this tool update the original invoice?
No. It creates a separate credit note PDF from your entries. It does not open or change the original invoice or your account records.
Will this page remember my draft?
No. The form stays in this open page and is not saved as an account document. Download your PDF before leaving; use the Web app for saved records.
Does a credit note automatically refund the customer?
No. The credit note records the adjustment. Arrange any refund or offset separately and keep the settlement record with the invoice and credit note.
How are my details used?
Your details are sent securely to our PDF service only when you preview or download. This tool does not save documents to an account.
Create another document
Create your credit note
Reference the original invoice, check the credit amount and download the adjustment record.