How to open an XRechnung or ZUGFeRD e-invoice

Read an XRechnung as a normal invoice

The same steps work for an XML file on its own and for a ZUGFeRD or Factur-X PDF that carries the XML inside.

1. Open E-invoice to PDF and add the file you received.
2. Run the tool. The seller and buyer, the buyer reference (Leitweg-ID), the items, the VAT per rate, the totals and the IBAN are laid out as a regular invoice.
3. Download the PDF to check it, approve it or forward it to someone who does not use accounting software.

If the item amounts do not add up to the sum the file states, the copy says so above the totals — worth a question to the sender before paying.

XRechnung, ZUGFeRD, Factur-X: what is the difference?

All three follow the European standard for e-invoices, EN 16931. XRechnung is the German specification of it and is pure XML, in one of two syntaxes: UBL or CII. ZUGFeRD 2 and its French twin Factur-X put the CII XML inside a PDF, so people see a normal invoice and software reads the XML. A plain PDF without the XML is not an e-invoice.

What the readable copy does not do

It shows what the file says; it does not check the file against the official XRechnung rules. That check is done with a validator, and your accounting software or the recipient’s portal usually runs one. The copy only flags one thing on its own: item amounts that do not add up to the stated sum.

What to keep for your records

German bookkeeping rules expect an e-invoice to be kept in the form it was received, so archive the XML itself — the readable PDF is for people. For a ZUGFeRD PDF, keep the PDF: it already contains the XML, and Extract attachments can pull it out if your software wants it separately.