How to view XRechnung, ZUGFeRD and Factur-X invoices
XRechnung is a structured e-invoice profile, while ZUGFeRD and Factur-X can combine a human-readable PDF with embedded invoice XML. The useful business data may therefore be in XML, a PDF attachment or both.
From difficult file to readable document.
- 01
Save the complete source
Keep the received XML or PDF unchanged. For a hybrid invoice, do not print and rescan the PDF because that can discard its embedded XML.
- 02
Open it with the invoice reader
Choose the file in EU Document Opener. Supported XRechnung, CII, Factur-X and ZUGFeRD declarations are identified on-device.
- 03
Review, then retain the original
Check the readable rendering and export a convenience PDF if needed. Keep the source for import, audit and compliance workflows.
Three names, related but different roles
XRechnung expresses German public-sector e-invoicing requirements and can use supported XML syntaxes. ZUGFeRD and Factur-X describe closely aligned hybrid invoice profiles that pair a PDF representation with structured XML.
A filename alone cannot prove profile conformance. The app reports supported declarations and fields but does not certify the invoice against every business rule.
Why the XML is important
The PDF is convenient for people. The structured payload is what accounting and exchange systems use for reliable identifiers, tax amounts and line data. Preserve both when a hybrid invoice provides both.
Local viewing for commercial data
Invoice files can expose bank details, addresses, tax identifiers and purchasing history. On-device inspection avoids sending that data to an unrelated online conversion site.
Authoritative references
Official specifications and public-sector documentation used to check the terminology in this guide.
Questions about this file type.
Is XRechnung always a PDF?
No. XRechnung is commonly delivered as structured XML. A conventional PDF viewer may therefore show nothing useful.
Where is the XML in a Factur-X or ZUGFeRD invoice?
In a hybrid invoice it is embedded as an associated file inside the PDF.
Can I export a readable copy?
EU Document Pro can export a readable PDF from supported invoice data; keep the received source as the authoritative record.