Overview of the Invoice PDF Exporter Module
Purpose
The Invoice PDF Exporter module is designed to automate the generation of downloadable PDF files from invoice data. These PDFs serve as standardized digital documents that users can print or integrate into accounting systems, ensuring consistency and reliability in financial records.
Benefits
- Saves Time: Eliminates manual effort required to create invoices, allowing businesses to quickly provide customers with downloadable versions.
- Consistency: Ensures all invoices follow a professional, uniform format, reducing errors and enhancing credibility.
- Efficiency for Developers: Streamlines integration processes by automating PDF generation, making it easier to develop solutions that require standardized invoice outputs.
Usage Scenarios
- Customer Invoices: Businesses can offer customers the ability to download PDF invoices directly from their portal or system, improving convenience.
- Programmatic Generation: Developers can programmatically generate PDFs and store them in databases or send them via email, enhancing workflow automation.
- Accounting Integration: Enables seamless integration with accounting software by providing standardized PDF outputs for further processing.
- Audit and Record-Keeping: Facilitates the creation of records required for auditing purposes, ensuring accurate and accessible documentation.
This module is a powerful tool for businesses aiming to streamline their financial processes while maintaining professional standards in invoice management.
Features of Invoice PDF Exporter Module
1. Customizable Layout
Users can design unique PDF layouts with adjustable fonts, colors, logos, margins, spacing, and templates to match their branding or specific requirements.
2. Multiple Invoice Formats
Supports multiple predefined formats (e.g., standard, detailed, simplified) for different needs. Users can export single or bulk invoices efficiently.
3. Export History
Maintains a record of past exports, including date, invoice IDs, and settings, aiding in tracking and auditing.
4. Integration with Existing Systems
Seamlessly integrates with third-party tools via APIs, enabling data exchange and automation without manual intervention.
5. Watermark and Security Features
Adds watermarks like “VOID” or logos for security. Includes password protection and authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
6. Billing Information Management
Enables management of customer and product/service details, ensuring accuracy and quick updates when needed.
7. Support for Additional Fields
Allows inclusion of custom fields (e.g., project codes) for tailored invoice content.
8. Batch Processing
Facilitates exporting multiple invoices at once, enhancing efficiency.
9. Version Control
Tracks different invoice versions for audits or modifications without affecting the original document.
10. Error Handling and Logging
Provides detailed error logs with timestamps and codes to aid in troubleshooting and ensuring reliable operation.
Invoice PDF Exporter Module
This module provides functionality to generate downloadable PDF invoices for accounting and printing purposes. The solution includes both a backend API endpoint and a frontend UI snippet for integration.
Features
- Generate PDF invoices from structured data
- Customize templates and layouts
- Add watermarks or logos
- Multiple output format support (PDF, etc.)
- Integration via REST API or Web Interface
Output Format
- Standard PDF document
- A4 paper size
- Customizable margins and fonts
1. FastAPI Endpoint Code Sample
from fastapi import APIRouter, Depends, HTTPException
from fastapi.responses import FileResponse
from typing import Optional
from datetime import datetime
import pdfkit
router = APIRouter()
# Mock database query (replace with your data source)
def get_invoice(invoice_id: str) -> dict:
return {
"id": invoice_id,
"customer_name": "John Doe",
"date": datetime.now().isoformat(),
"items": [
{"description": "Service A", "quantity": 1, "price": 100},
{"description": "Service B", "quantity": 2, "price": 50}
],
"total": 200
}
@router.get("/api/invoices/{invoice_id}/pdf")
async def export_invoice_to_pdf(invoice_id: str):
try:
invoice_data = get_invoice(invoice_id)
# Generate PDF content (simplified example using pdfkit)
options = {
'encoding': 'UTF-8',
'quiet': ''
}
pdf_content = pdfkit.from_dict(invoice_data, False, options)
return FileResponse(
content=pdf_content,
media_type="application/pdf",
filename=f"invoice_{invoice_id}.pdf"
)
except Exception as e:
raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail=str(e))
2. React UI Code Sample
import React, { useState } from 'react';
import { PDFGenerator } from './pdf-generator'; // Assume this exists
export default function InvoiceEditor() {
const [templateFile, setTemplateFile] = useState(null);
const [watermarkText, setWatermarkText] = useState('');
const [showPreview, setShowPreview] = useState(false);
const handleDownload = () => {
const data = {
template: templateFile,
watermark: watermarkText,
items: [
{ description: 'Service A', quantity: 1, price: 100 },
{ description: 'Service B', quantity: 2, price: 50 }
]
};
PDFGenerator.generate(data)
.then((blob) => {
const url = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
const a = document.createElement('a');
a.href = url;
a.download = 'invoice.pdf';
document.body.appendChild(a);
a.click();
document.body.removeChild(a);
})
.catch(error => console.error('Error generating PDF:', error));
};
return (
<div>
<input
type="file"
onChange={(e) => setTemplateFile(e.target.files[0])}
accept=".pdf,.html"
style={{ marginBottom: '1rem' }}
/>
<div style={{ marginBottom: '1rem' }}>
<label>Watermark Text:</label>
<input
type="text"
value={watermarkText}
onChange={(e) => setWatermarkText(e.target.value)}
/>
</div>
<button onClick={handleDownload}>
Generate and Download PDF
</button>
{showPreview && (
<div style={{ marginTop: '2rem' }}>
<h3>PDF Preview:</h3>
{/* Add your preview component here */}
</div>
)}
</div>
);
}
3. Pydantic Data Schema Code Sample
from pydantic import BaseModel
from typing import List, Optional
class InvoiceItem(BaseModel):
description: str
quantity: int
price: float
class Invoice(BaseModel):
id: str
customer_name: str
date: str
items: List[InvoiceItem]
total: float
status: Optional[str] = "pending"
# Example usage:
invoice_data = {
"id": "INV-001",
"customer_name": "Jane Smith",
"date": "2023-10-05T14:30:00Z",
"items": [
{"description": "Consulting Service", "quantity": 1, "price": 200},
{"description": "Report Generation", "quantity": 1, "price": 50}
],
"total": 250,
"status": "paid"
}
invoice = Invoice(**invoice_data)
Usage Example
API Endpoint:
Use the following curl command to test the FastAPI endpoint:
curl http://localhost:8000/api/invoices/INV-001/pdf
React UI:
Integrate the provided React component into your web application and use it to generate invoices by selecting templates and customizing watermarks.
This module provides a comprehensive solution for generating standardized PDF invoices, with both backend and frontend components.
# Invoice PDF Exporter Module Documentation
## Summary
The **Invoice PDF Exporter** module allows users to generate downloadable PDF files from invoice data. These PDFs can be used for printing, accounting, or sharing with clients. The module is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing payment processing workflows.
---
## Related Modules
- **Payment Processor**: Handles the core logic for processing payments and transactions.
- **Customer Information Manager**: Manages customer data required for generating invoices.
- **Product Catalogue**: Provides product details needed for invoice line items.
- **Sales Order Management**: Integrates sales order data with invoice generation.
---
## Use Cases
### 1. Generate Invoice PDF from Scratch
- **Description**: Create a new invoice PDF using custom or predefined templates.
- **Steps**:
- Pass customer, product, and payment details to the module.
- Specify template parameters (e.g., logo, company name).
- Export the PDF for download.
### 2. Generate PDF from Existing Sales Order
- **Description**: Convert an existing sales order into a formatted invoice PDF.
- **Steps**:
- Retrieve the sales order data.
- Pass it to the Invoice PDF Exporter module.
- Generate and export the PDF.
### 3. Customize PDF Templates
- **Description**: Use custom templates for branding or specific formatting requirements.
- **Steps**:
- Upload a template file (e.g., `.docx`, `.xlsx`).
- Map data fields to the template.
- Export the filled PDF.
### 4. Batch Process Invoices
- **Description**: Generate multiple invoices at once for bulk processing.
- **Steps**:
- Provide a list of invoice IDs or order details.
- Set batch processing parameters (e.g., output directory).
- Export all invoices as individual PDFs.
---
## Integration Tips
### 1. Data Normalization
- Ensure that the data passed to the module is normalized and validated before processing.
- Example: Use the **Payment Processor** module to standardize payment details.
### 2. Error Handling
- Implement error handling for cases where:
- PDF generation fails (e.g., invalid template paths).
- Data fields are missing or incomplete.
### 3. Logging
- Log errors and warnings during PDF generation for debugging purposes.
- Example: Use the **Customer Information Manager** to track customer-specific issues.
### 4. Performance Optimization
- Cache frequently used templates to reduce processing time.
- Optimize image files in templates to avoid large file sizes.
### 5. Security
- Secure sensitive data (e.g., API keys) when integrating with external services like template storage or email gateways.
---
## Configuration Options
| **Parameter Name** | **Description** | **Data Type** | **Default Value** | **Notes** |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| `enabled` | Enable/disable the module. | Boolean | true | Set to `false` to disable PDF export functionality. |
| `output_directory` | Path for storing generated PDFs. | String | `/var/invoice_pdfs` | Use absolute paths for clarity and consistency. |
| `pdf_margin` | Margin (in inches) for the PDF. | Integer | 0.5 | Adjust to match your template's design requirements. |
| `template_path` | Path to custom templates. | String | `templates/invoice` | Use a default template if none is specified. |
| `brand_colors` | Brand colors for PDF generation. | Object | `{}` | Example: `{"primary": "#2196F3", "secondary": "#FF5722"}`. |
| `font_family` | Font family for PDF text. | String | "Arial" | Ensure the font is available on the system. |
| `api_key` | API key for external services. | String | null | Required for integrations like email sending or cloud storage. |
| `max_file_size` | Maximum PDF file size (in MB). | Integer | 5 | Prevents excessively large files from being generated. |
| `debug_mode` | Enable debug logging. | Boolean | false | Set to `true` for detailed error and performance logs. |
---
## Conclusion
The **Invoice PDF Exporter** module is a powerful tool for generating formatted invoices as PDFs. By integrating it with related modules like **Payment Processor** or **Sales Order Management**, you can streamline your payment processing workflows. Use the configuration options and integration tips provided to optimize performance, customize templates, and ensure secure data handling.
For further assistance, refer to the official documentation or contact support.