What is ZUGFeRD – and why does it contain XML?
ZUGFeRD stands for "Zentraler User Guide des Forums elektronische Rechnung Deutschland" (Central User Guide of the Forum for Electronic Invoicing Germany). It is a hybrid format developed in 2014 and recognised today as a national standard alongside XRechnung.
A ZUGFeRD file looks like a normal PDF on the outside – you can open it with any PDF viewer. Invisible to the human eye, however, is a second layer: a complete XML file is embedded inside the PDF containing all invoice data in machine-readable form. Accounting software can automatically extract this XML layer without anyone having to type numbers manually.
zugpferd.io reads the XML layer out of ZUGFeRD files and displays the contents in a clear, structured view – no additional software required. Afterwards, simply print the view as a PDF from your browser.
ZUGFeRD profiles at a glance
ZUGFeRD comes in different profiles depending on the level of detail. zugpferd.io supports all of them:
ZUGFeRD versions explained
| Version | Year | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| ZUGFeRD 1.0 | 2014 | First version; XML based on UN/CEFACT SCRDM |
| ZUGFeRD 2.0 | 2019 | Revised; now based on UN/CEFACT CII D16B |
| ZUGFeRD 2.1 | 2020 | Current version; complies with European standard EN 16931; includes XRechnung profile |
| Factur-X | 2020 | French equivalent to ZUGFeRD 2.1 – technically identical |
How to convert ZUGFeRD to a readable PDF
Note: if you have a ZUGFeRD PDF, you do not upload the PDF file. Instead, you need to extract the embedded XML file. Here's how:
- Open the ZUGFeRD PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader or another PDF viewer.
- Click "Attachments" (usually a paperclip icon) – there you'll find the embedded XML, usually named
zugferd-invoice.xmlorfactur-x.xml. - Download the XML file to your device.
- Drop it into zugpferd.io – you'll instantly see the structured invoice view.
- Print → Save as PDF: Use the browser print function (Ctrl+P / Cmd+P) to save a clean, formatted PDF.
If you only have an XML file (no PDF)
Some systems deliver the ZUGFeRD XML as a standalone file – without an embedding PDF. This is uncommon but possible. In that case, simply load the XML file directly into zugpferd.io. The tool detects the format automatically.
ZUGFeRD and the EU e-invoicing mandate
From 1 January 2025, companies in Germany are required to receive structured e-invoices. From 2027, the obligation to send them applies to all businesses. ZUGFeRD 2.1 is a recognised format alongside XRechnung.
Similar mandates are rolling out across the EU: France requires Factur-X (identical to ZUGFeRD 2.1), Italy has FatturaPA, and other member states are following suit under the EU's ViDA directive. zugpferd.io supports EN 16931 compliant invoices from any EU country.
Open your ZUGFeRD invoice now
Drop XML, read invoice, print as PDF. Free, instant, secure.
Go to Viewer →Frequently asked questions
Can I open ZUGFeRD invoices with Excel?
Technically yes – Excel can open XML, but the display is unreadable and not intended for invoices. zugpferd.io is the better choice.
Do I need to buy software for ZUGFeRD?
No. For simply reading and checking a ZUGFeRD invoice you only need zugpferd.io – free, no installation. If you want to create ZUGFeRD invoices yourself, you'll need accounting software.
Is ZUGFeRD internationally recognised?
Yes. ZUGFeRD 2.1 is based on the European standard EN 16931 and is recognised in all EU member states. The French equivalent Factur-X is technically identical and fully supported by zugpferd.io.