Factur-X for WooCommerce: the hybrid format explained
Factur-X is the format the French e-invoicing mandate recognises for B2B exchanges: a human-readable PDF with a structured XML embedded inside, which accounting software reads automatically. WooCommerce doesn't generate it natively — here's how to get it from your orders.
What is the Factur-X format?
Factur-X pairs a PDF/A-3 file (which you can open and read normally) with a structured XML file in the CII D16B standard, compliant with the European EN 16931 semantic model, embedded in the same document. Accounting software reads the XML automatically; a human reads the PDF with nothing to install.
It's the format recognised by Chorus Pro (French public sector) and most accredited e-invoicing platforms (PDP) for B2B exchanges in France, alongside pure UBL or CII.
Why WooCommerce doesn't generate it natively
WooCommerce generates regular PDF invoices, readable but without a structured XML that accounting software can use. Producing a valid Factur-X file requires building a CII XML compliant with the EN 16931 schema (mandatory fields, line structure, VAT, identifiers), then embedding it correctly in a PDF/A-3 — a mechanism the e-commerce platform doesn't handle by default.
That's what a dedicated plugin is for: take the data already present in the WooCommerce order (customer, products, VAT, totals) and turn it into a valid Factur-X file, with no re-typing.
How to generate a Factur-X file from a WooCommerce order
- Install the free Factur-X for WooCommerce plugin.
- Open an order in WooCommerce.
- Click "Generate Factur-X": the plugin builds the CII XML and embeds it in the PDF.
- Check the mandatory fields shown, then download the file.
Everything happens on your own server: no order data is sent to an external service for generation.
Free version or Pro?
Order-by-order generation is free, with no time limit. The Pro version (€79/year excl. VAT for 1 store, €149/year for 5, €299/year for 25, no trial, 14-day money-back guarantee) adds batch processing over a full period, CSV export and the complete EN 16931 profile.
Frequently asked questions
Does Factur-X replace sending through Chorus Pro or a PDP?
No. The plugin generates and checks the Factur-X file. Transmission through Chorus Pro or an accredited platform (PDP) remains a separate step, on your side.
Is the embedded XML visible if I open the PDF normally?
No, it stays invisible when reading: you see the PDF as a regular invoice, while compatible accounting software automatically extracts the embedded XML.
Is Factur-X different from pure UBL or CII?
These are three formats accepted by the French mandate. Factur-X has the advantage of being both human-readable (PDF) and machine-processable (XML), which makes it the most used format for direct exchanges between businesses.
Try the Factur-X format now
Generate a Factur-X file from a real order in your store, for free, before the mandate becomes urgent.