Feeling like it’s difficult to handle multiple Excel sheets or clunky third-party tools just to create a simple invoice? You’re not alone.
Many developers and businesses spend countless hours formatting invoices, adjusting totals, and emailing them manually, only to realize they look unprofessional.
That’s where a Laravel invoice generator with PDF becomes very useful.
With Laravel, you can automate the entire invoicing process, customize the design, and generate professional PDF invoices instantly.
Whether you’re building an eCommerce app, SaaS product, or an internal ERP, a custom invoice generator in Laravel is a smarter, scalable solution.
In this blog, you can learn about a step-by-step Laravel PDF invoice tutorial.
By the end, you’ll have a production-ready Laravel PDF invoice generator that saves time, cuts costs, and impresses clients.
Why Build a Custom Invoice Generator in Laravel (Instead of Using Tools)?
You might wonder: Why not just use SaaS invoicing apps?
The truth is, they often come with recurring costs, limited customization, and restrictions on features. With a custom invoice Laravel solution, you get full control.
- Control over design & branding: Add your logo, colors, and personalized layout to every Laravel invoice PDF.
- No recurring costs: Build once in Laravel and generate unlimited invoices, no monthly subscription fees.
- Smooth Integration: Whether you’re running an eCommerce store, SaaS billing system, ERP, or CRM, your Laravel PDF invoice generator can be directly connected to your workflows.
A Laravel custom invoice generator is smarter. You own the code, the data, and the flexibility.
Tech Stack You’ll Need (Simple Yet Powerful)
Building a custom Laravel PDF invoice generator doesn’t require a huge stack. Just a few reliable tools:
- Laravel framework (latest version): The backbone of your invoice system.
- PDF libraries: Popular choices include Barryvdh/Laravel-Dompdf or Laravel Snappy to turn Blade templates into PDFs.
- Blade templates: Clean and flexible invoice designs that can be styled to match your brand.
- Optional: Queue + Mail to Automate invoice delivery by emailing PDF invoices directly to clients.
These libraries are some of the most widely used Laravel PDF invoice packages, making it easy to follow along.
This blog doubles as a PDF invoice Laravel tutorial, so you can start building right away.
Step 1: Setting Up a Laravel Project for Invoice Generation
To start building your custom Laravel invoice generator, you first need a fresh Laravel installation.
1. Install Laravel + Dependencies
Run the following command:
composer create-project laravel/laravel invoice-generator
cd invoice-generator
2. Configure Database (MySQL/Postgres)
Open your .env file and update database details:
DB_CONNECTION=mysql
DB_HOST=127.0.0.1
DB_PORT=3306
DB_DATABASE=invoice_db
DB_USERNAME=root
DB_PASSWORD=secret
Run migration setup:
php artisan migrate
3. Add Invoice Table Migration
Create an invoice migration file:
php artisan make:migration create_invoices_table --create=invoices
Inside database/migrations/xxxx_create_invoices_table.php:
public function up()
{
Schema::create('invoices', function (Blueprint $table) {
$table->id();
$table->string('client_name');
$table->string('client_email');
$table->json('items');
$table->decimal('amount', 10, 2);
$table->decimal('tax', 10, 2)->default(0);
$table->decimal('total', 10, 2);
$table->timestamps();
});
}
Finally, run:
php artisan migrate
Your database is ready. Now you can generate PDF invoice Laravel smoothly.
Step 2: Creating Invoice Model, Migration & Controller
Next, let’s create the Invoice model and controller.
php artisan make:model Invoice -mcr
Inside app/Models/Invoice.php:
class Invoice extends Model
{
protected $fillable = [
'client_name',
'client_email',
'items',
'amount',
'tax',
'total'
];
protected $casts = [
'items' => 'array'
];
}
Inside app/Http/Controllers/InvoiceController.php:
namespace App\Http\Controllers;
use App\Models\Invoice;
use Illuminate\Http\Request;
use PDF;
class InvoiceController extends Controller
{
// Create new invoice
public function createInvoice(Request $request)
{
$invoice = Invoice::create([
'client_name' => $request->client_name,
'client_email' => $request->client_email,
'items' => $request->items,
'amount' => $request->amount,
'tax' => $request->tax,
'total' => $request->total,
]);
return response()->json($invoice);
}
// Download invoice as PDF
public function downloadPDF($id)
{
$invoice = Invoice::findOrFail($id);
$pdf = PDF::loadView('invoice', compact('invoice'));
return $pdf->download('invoice_'.$invoice->id.'.pdf');
}
// Send invoice via email
public function sendInvoice($id)
{
$invoice = Invoice::findOrFail($id);
$pdf = PDF::loadView('invoice', compact('invoice'));
\Mail::send('emails.invoice', compact('invoice'), function ($message) use ($invoice, $pdf) {
$message->to($invoice->client_email)
->subject('Your Invoice')
->attachData($pdf->output(), 'invoice_'.$invoice->id.'.pdf');
});
return "Invoice sent successfully!";
}
}
Now you can createInvoice(), downloadPDF(), and sendInvoice() directly.
Step 3: Designing the Invoice Template (Blade File)
A Laravel custom invoice generator needs a professional, branded look. Let’s create a Blade template.
Inside resources/views/invoice.blade.php:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8">
<title>Invoice</title>
<style>
body { font-family: sans-serif; }
.header { text-align: center; }
table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 20px; }
th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; }
th { background: #f4f4f4; }
.total { font-weight: bold; }
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="header">
<h2>Company Name</h2>
<p>Invoice #{{ $invoice->id }}</p>
</div>
<p><strong>Client:</strong> {{ $invoice->client_name }} <br>
<strong>Email:</strong> {{ $invoice->client_email }}</p>
<table>
<tr>
<th>Item</th>
<th>Amount</th>
</tr>
@foreach($invoice->items as $item)
<tr>
<td>{{ $item['name'] }}</td>
<td>${{ number_format($item['price'], 2) }}</td>
</tr>
@endforeach
<tr>
<td>Tax</td>
<td>${{ number_format($invoice->tax, 2) }}</td>
</tr>
<tr class="total">
<td>Total</td>
<td>${{ number_format($invoice->total, 2) }}</td>
</tr>
</table>
</body>
</html>
Your invoice now looks print-ready and professional.
Step 4: Converting Invoice into PDF
To render Blade into a PDF, install the DomPDF package:
composer require barryvdh/laravel-dompdf
Add service provider (if Laravel < 5.5):
Barryvdh\DomPDF\ServiceProvider::class,
Use in controller:
use Barryvdh\DomPDF\Facade\Pdf;
Sample code (InvoiceController):
public function downloadPDF($id)
{
$invoice = Invoice::findOrFail($id);
$pdf = Pdf::loadView('invoice', compact('invoice'))->setPaper('a4', 'portrait');
return $pdf->download('invoice_'.$invoice->id.'.pdf');
}
Pro Tips:
- Use inline CSS for consistent styles.
- Optimize images (logos) to reduce PDF size.
- Cache templates if generating invoices in bulk.
You’ve completed a working Laravel PDF invoice tutorial.
Step 5: Advanced Features to Supercharge Your Invoices
Once your basic Laravel invoice generator is running, let’s make it smarter:
- Auto-email PDF invoices: Clients receive invoices instantly.
- Dynamic invoice numbering system: Keep invoices unique & trackable.
- Multi-currency & tax support: Perfect for international businesses.
- QR code / barcode integration: Easy payment verification or quick access.
Example: Adding a dynamic invoice number in your model:
protected static function boot()
{
parent::boot();
static::creating(function ($invoice) {
$invoice->invoice_number = 'INV-'.strtoupper(uniqid());
});
}
This makes your project a dynamic Laravel invoice generator with PDF export that’s enterprise-ready.
Here’s the Complete Code to Build Custom Invoice Generator with PDF in Laravel.
Build Smarter Invoices with Seven Square’s Laravel Expertise
If you’re planning to build a custom invoice Laravel system with PDF export, our team can make it faster, scalable, and production-ready.
- Proven Laravel Expertise: We have built multiple Laravel PDF invoice generators, from simple invoice apps to dynamic invoice systems with PDF export.
- Custom Invoice Solutions: Whether you need branding, multi-currency, or advanced features, our custom invoice Laravel development fits your exact needs.
- End-to-End Support: From database setup to invoice template design and PDF generation, we handle everything.
- Optimized & Scalable Code: We follow best practices so your Laravel invoice PDF system runs smoothly even with bulk invoice generation.
Want a Custom Laravel Solution? Contact Us Today!
Common Mistakes Developers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Even experienced developers run into issues when building a Laravel invoice generator. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Poor Invoice Styling: Leads to messy, unreadable PDFs. Always test different layouts.
- Missing Currency/locale Support: Clients across countries need accurate formatting (e.g., ₹, $, €).
- No Version Control for Invoice Formats: Changing templates without backups can break existing invoices.
- Not Testing Across PDF Viewers: Some clients open invoices in browsers, others in Adobe; always check compatibility.
By avoiding these challenges, your Laravel PDF invoice tutorial will result in a perfect, production-ready system.
Real-World Use Cases: Where to Use This Laravel PDF Invoice Generator?
A Laravel custom invoice generator with PDF is valuable across industries. Here are some practical applications:
- eCommerce platforms: Generate order invoices instantly after checkout.
- SaaS billing systems: Automate recurring subscription invoices with branding.
- Freelancers & agencies: Send professional PDF invoices & Laravel files to clients with your logo and details.
- Internal ERP/CRM solutions: Keep business operations smooth by integrating invoices into your company’s workflow.
No matter your industry, a Laravel PDF invoice generator saves time, ensures professionalism, and keeps finances organized.
Build Smarter, Save Time, Impress Clients
A custom invoice generator in Laravel gives you flexibility, speed, and professionalism that off-the-shelf tools simply can’t match.
With full control over your Laravel invoice PDF, you can automate billing, customize layouts, and integrate seamlessly into your business apps.
We’ve walked through the steps, shared code, and provided a GitHub repo to get you started.
FAQs
- A Laravel PDF Invoice Generator is a custom solution that helps businesses generate professional invoices in PDF format directly from Laravel applications with full customization options.
- A custom invoice Laravel solution gives you control over design, branding, and features, unlike third-party tools.
- It’s cost-effective and integrates easily with eCommerce, SaaS, ERP, and CRM.
- A Laravel invoice PDF system automates billing, saves time, ensures professional design, supports multiple currencies, and integrates smoothly with business workflows like eCommerce, SaaS, and CRM platforms.
- You can generate a PDF invoice in Laravel using DomPDF, attach it to an email with Laravel Mail, and send it directly to clients for faster and automated billing.