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How to open and read an XRechnung

You received an invoice from a German supplier as an .xml file, and all you see is a long list of angle brackets? That's normal – and solved in 10 seconds.

Why does an XRechnung look like code?

An XRechnung is not a document but a data record. It contains everything an invoice needs – seller, buyer, line items, amounts, VAT rates, bank details – in a fixed structure (XML) so that accounting software can import it automatically. There is no layout, logo or table. That's why a browser or text editor only shows raw text.

To read it as a human, you need a viewer that turns the data into a clear invoice.

Step by step: open an XRechnung in 3 steps

1. Open the e-invoice viewer on our home page.
2. Drag the XML file into the box (or click “Choose file”). You can open several files at once.
3. The invoice appears instantly. Use “Download as PDF” or “Print” to get a copy for filing or approval.

The file is not uploaded. Everything happens in your browser – important for confidential invoice data and GDPR.

Open an XRechnung now

What about ZUGFeRD and Factur-X invoices?

ZUGFeRD and Factur-X invoices look like ordinary PDFs and open in any PDF reader. In addition, they contain an invisible XML file with the same data, which is what counts for bookkeeping. Our viewer extracts it, checks it and lets you save it separately – for example to verify that the visible PDF and the data match.

Supported variants

• XRechnung 3.0 and 2.x in UN/CEFACT CII syntax
• XRechnung in UBL syntax (Invoice and CreditNote)
• ZUGFeRD 2.0 to 2.3 and Factur-X – profiles MINIMUM, BASIC WL, BASIC, EN 16931, EXTENDED, XRECHNUNG
• Peppol BIS Billing 3.0

How to archive e-invoices correctly

The legally relevant original is the XML file. Keep it unchanged. A PDF view or printout is only a reading copy and does not replace the original. Ideally file both together.

Common problems