What is an e-invoice file?
An e-invoice is an invoice sent as data rather than as a page. Instead of a PDF, you get a file ending in .xml with every detail in its own labelled box: the invoice number, your customer's VAT number, each line, the VAT rate and the total. Accounting software reads it automatically, so nobody has to type it in.
That's great for software, but if you open one yourself it looks like a wall of code. This viewer turns it back into something you can read.
How to open an XML invoice
- Save the file from the email or portal it came from.
- Drop it on the box above, or press Choose a file. On a phone, choose it from your Files or Downloads.
- Read the invoice, then press Print or save as PDF if you want a copy to file or forward.
You can also paste the XML straight in, or press Try an example to see how it works first.
What the viewer shows
- Whether it's an invoice or a credit note, its number, dates and any buyer or purchase order reference
- Who it's from and who it's to, with addresses, VAT numbers, company numbers and email addresses
- Each line with the quantity in plain words (hours, days, m², each), the price, the VAT rate and the amount
- A VAT breakdown by rate, including zero-rated, exempt, reverse charge and "not subject to VAT" lines, with the reason given
- Totals, the amount to pay, bank details and payment terms, and any notes
The basic checks
The viewer also looks for common problems: totals that don't add up, a missing buyer reference, no supplier VAT number on a VAT invoice, reverse charge without the customer's VAT number, and no due date or payment terms. These are simple checks only. They're not official Peppol validation, so a file can pass them and still be rejected by a customer's system.
Why you'll see more of these
The Government plans to make e-invoicing mandatory for VAT invoices between businesses and to the public sector from 1 April 2029, using the Peppol network. The format is expected to be based on Peppol BIS Billing 3.0, which is what this viewer reads, though the UK standard hasn't been published yet. Not sure it affects you? Try our e-invoicing checker or read the e-invoicing 2029 guide.
Questions
How do I open an XML invoice?
Drop the .xml file onto the free PaySorted e-invoice viewer, or choose it from your files. It turns the data into a normal-looking invoice you can read, print or save as a PDF.
Is my invoice uploaded anywhere?
No. The file is read by your own browser and never leaves your device. Nothing is uploaded, saved or sent to PaySorted.
Which e-invoice formats does the viewer read?
UBL 2.1 invoices and credit notes, which is the format used by Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 and expected to be the basis of UK e-invoicing. It doesn't read the CII format or PDFs with data inside them.
Does the viewer check whether my e-invoice is valid?
It runs some basic checks, such as whether the totals add up and whether a buyer reference and VAT number are included. It is not official Peppol validation, so a file can pass these checks and still be rejected.
Can I turn an XML invoice into a PDF?
Yes. Open the file in the viewer, then press Print or save as PDF and choose Save as PDF in your browser's print window.