A DOCX file is a Word document in Office Open XML, the format introduced with Word 2007. It is a ZIP package of XML parts, images and relationships, defined by ECMA-376 and ISO/IEC 29500. An ordinary Word invoice is laid out for people, not in a supported EN 16931 invoice syntax. It cannot be validated directly as a structured e-invoice. Klarbon opening is planned.
What is in a DOCX package?
| Part | Holds |
|---|---|
[Content_Types].xml |
the type of every part in the package |
_rels/.rels |
relationships from the package to its main parts |
word/document.xml |
the text, paragraphs and tables |
word/styles.xml |
styles and formatting |
word/media/ |
images, such as a logo |
docProps/ |
title, author and dates |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Container | ZIP, Open Packaging Conventions |
| Standard | ECMA-376, 5th edition, parts 1 to 4, 2015 to 2021; also ISO/IEC 29500 |
| Standardised invoice fields | not defined by DOCX itself |
Ecma International publishes ECMA-376 free of charge (ECMA-376).
Word invoice or e-invoice?
| Word invoice | EN 16931 e-invoice | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | people | software, with a readable view |
| Invoice data | paragraphs and tables | named fields with codes |
| Can be edited | yes | yes; rerun the selected checks after editing |
| Meets structured-invoice requirements by itself | no | only with the required syntax, rules and delivery route |
What does Klarbon do with Word files?
Klarbon does not open Word files today; reading invoice details from a DOCX is planned, not available yet. Klarbon does not run macros or follow external links in a document. To issue a real e-invoice, see make an e-invoice; to read one, use the invoice viewer.
Related
Frequently asked questions
What is a DOCX file?
The Word document format since Word 2007, an Office Open XML package. It is a ZIP file holding XML parts for the text, styles and settings, plus any images, as defined by ECMA-376 and ISO/IEC 29500.
Is a Word invoice an e-invoice?
No. A Word invoice is laid out for people. The XML inside describes paragraphs and tables, not invoice fields, so software cannot take over the amounts, VAT and parties reliably. It does not meet EN 16931.
Can a Word invoice be checked against the e-invoice rules?
No. The rules of EN 16931 apply to named invoice fields such as BT-1 for the invoice number. A Word document has no such fields, so there is nothing to check them against.
Should I send invoices as Word files?
Use the format and delivery route your customer and the applicable rules require. A DOCX by itself is not a structured EN 16931 e-invoice; you can keep it as a template.
Sources
- Ecma International, ECMA-376 Office Open XML file formats ecma-international.org
- Microsoft, structure of a WordprocessingML document learn.microsoft.com