Invoicing in Word or Excel: when is a template enough, and when isn't it?
A Word or Excel template costs nothing, you already know it, and for your first few invoices it works fine. The problems come later: a number used twice by accident, the missing reverse-charge wording, a client you have to chase for the third time, and no idea which invoice is still open.
Factando is built for the moment you want to move on from a template without taking on a full bookkeeping package. The free generator works without an account, so you can try it without switching.
What a Word or Excel template does better
- Free, and you already have it: no account, no subscription
- You control every detail of the layout
- Works offline, with no dependency on a service
- For one or two invoices a year it really is enough
What Factando does better
- Gap-free numbering per year: the app assigns the number, so you can't use one twice
- Reverse charge (art. 196 EU VAT Directive) and the KOR (art. 25 Dutch VAT Act) as a choice, with the required text printed automatically
- Send by email with a secure link and PDF, and see which invoice is paid, open or overdue
- Automatic reminders on your behalf (Pro), so you never write 'just checking on invoice 23' again
- Enter client details once and reuse them; free for up to 3 sent invoices a month
When a Word or Excel template is the better choice
Stick with Word or Excel if you send only a few invoices a year, always to the same client, and you keep your numbering and VAT wording right yourself.
When Factando fits
Choose Factando once you invoice every month, have several clients, or have ever had a wrong number or missing VAT wording. The free version costs no more than your template.
This comparison is based on public information on the a Word or Excel template website and was last updated in October 2026. Features and prices can change, so always check the current information with the provider. Factando is not affiliated with a Word or Excel template.
Judging for yourself takes a minute
Create an invoice without making an account. If you don't like it, you've lost nothing.