Create ZUGFeRD Invoice (Zapier)
With PDF4me on Zapier you can turn CSV, JSON, or XML invoice data into ZUGFeRD output (often paired with Factur‑X naming). Pick XmlWithPdf when you need one file that people can open as a PDF while machines still read the embedded XML. Pick XmlOnly when the next system only wants the invoice XML.
What are you building?
The Create ZUGFeRD Invoice action combines your template PDF (for hybrid output) with invoice data from an earlier trigger or step. You choose Input Format, Output Mode, then Conformance, version, optional render on PDF, and language. Teams in Germany, the wider EU, and anywhere buyers ask for structured e‑invoices use this pattern; requirements often line up with EN 16931 style content even though your exact profile is agreed with the buyer or ERP.
Who is this page for?
If your customer or regulator expects ZUGFeRD or Factur‑X, or you already trade B2B in Germany, Austria, France, Benelux, or other EU markets moving toward structured invoicing, this Zap action is the right place to generate the file in Zapier. Replace our screenshots with your own Zap editor captures when you publish internally so people recognize their layout.
Connect PDF4me
Sign in to PDF4me when Zapier asks, or paste an API key from your PDF4me dashboard. Run Test on the step once fields are filled so you know calls succeed before you turn the Zap live.
Fill either Invoice Csv Data or Invoice Xml Data or Invoice Json Data, and make sure Input Format matches. Stuffing two formats “just in case” usually breaks the step or validation!
Configure the PDF4me step
Zapier usually moves you through connection, field mapping, then testing. After you rename earlier steps, hit Refresh fields so dropdowns show the right samples.
The images here show CSV plus XmlWithPdf and the conformance block. Swap them for screenshots from your Zap so new hires see the same buttons they use in production.
Template PDF plus CSV (XmlWithPdf)
Use one step for the PDF shell (often File and File Name) and another for the CSV file. Set Input Format to CSV and Output Mode to XmlWithPdf to get a hybrid ZUGFeRD PDF.
Point File and File Name at your layout PDF (for example SimplePdf.pdf). Point Invoice Csv Data at the CSV coming from your download step. Leave the XML and JSON invoice fields blank when you stay on CSV.
Conformance, version, render, language
Pick Conformance Level (many teams start at BASIC), Zugferd Version (often 1.0), whether to Render Invoice on PDF, and Language if labels must follow a locale.
Conformance Level and Zugferd Version are normally required. Render Invoice on PDF matters when you stay on the hybrid PDF path.
Quick reminders
XmlWithPdf gives you a PDF people can open, with XML tucked inside for systems. XmlOnly skips the PDF wrapper when the receiver only ingests XML.
Pipe the actual file from Dropbox, Drive, or HTTP into Invoice Csv Data the way your PDF4me action expects (binary vs plain text). If the test fails, compare against a known good CSV first.
Stay on BASIC until your buyer asks for COMFORT or EXTENDED. Those jumps change how much detail must sit in the payload, so confirm with whoever receives the file.
Field reference
| Parameter | Usually | Purpose | Example map |
|---|---|---|---|
| File | Often required | Template PDF used when you output XmlWithPdf. | `3. File` |
| File Name | Often required | Filename for that PDF including extension. | `3. File Name` plus extension |
| Input Format | Required | Whether payload is CSV, JSON, or XML. | `CSV` |
| Output Mode | Required | XmlWithPdf for hybrid file, XmlOnly for XML alone. | `XmlWithPdf` |
| Invoice Csv Data | If CSV | CSV payload when Input Format is CSV. | `2. File` |
| Invoice Xml Data | If XML | XML payload when Input Format is XML. | n/a |
| Invoice Json Data | If JSON | JSON payload when Input Format is JSON. | n/a |
| Conformance Level | Required | Profile such as BASIC, COMFORT, EXTENDED. | `BASIC` |
| Zugferd Version | Required | Version exposed in the action. | `1.0` |
| Render Invoice on PDF | Optional | Draw invoice detail on the PDF when using XmlWithPdf. | `True` |
| Language | Optional | Labels such as German or English. | `de` |
Note: For XmlOnly, Zapier may hide or relax the template PDF fields. Trust the required markers on the live action after you choose the output mode.
First Zap checklist
- Add PDF4me and pick Create ZUGFeRD Invoice (label may vary slightly by app version).
- Connect your account and map File and File Name from the step that holds your layout PDF.
- Set Input Format, then map only the matching invoice field (CSV, XML, or JSON).
- Set Output Mode to XmlWithPdf or XmlOnly.
- Set conformance, version, render, and language as needed.
- Test the step, fix any red errors, turn the Zap on, then send the output wherever your process needs it (Drive, email, webhook)!
Which invoice field goes where?Open if you use CSV, JSON, or XML.
Set Input Format to CSV. Map Invoice Csv Data. Leave XML and JSON empty.
Set Input Format to JSON. Map Invoice Json Data. Leave CSV and XML empty.
Set Input Format to XML. Map Invoice Xml Data with valid invoice or ZUGFeRD XML per connector rules.
Ideas for real Zaps
Patterns that come up a lotExamples only; adapt paths and apps to your stack.
- Pull the CSV and the base PDF from Dropbox (or your storage).
- Run Create ZUGFeRD Invoice with XmlWithPdf and BASIC unless your buyer asked for more.
- Save or email the PDF from the next Zap step.
- Catch JSON with Webhooks by Zapier or your SaaS trigger.
- Set Input Format to JSON and map Invoice Json Data.
- Ship the hybrid PDF to SFTP, Drive, or your ERP handoff.
- After you have the PDF, optionally run Create PDF/A if records policy demands it.
- Notify finance or drop the file into long term storage.
Where do teams use this?Typical contexts, not legal advice.
Supplier invoices where the buyer wants one PDF plus embedded XML for AP portals.
Closing batches driven by CSV or JSON exports from the ERP.
Push JSON out of your product and let Zapier package ZUGFeRD for enterprise buyers who ask for it.
Related PDF4me actions
Same task on other platforms
Power Automate: Create ZUGFeRD Invoice. n8n: Create Zugferd Invoice (Latest).