# ZUGFeRD Format

The hybrid PDF/A-3 format for electronic invoicing. Combines human-readable PDFs with structured XML data for automated processing and European compliance.

## What is ZUGFeRD?

ZUGFeRD (Central User Guide of the Forum for Electronic Invoicing Germany) is a hybrid format for electronic invoices. It combines a visually readable PDF/A-3 document with structured XML data embedded in the PDF.

> **Advantage:**: ZUGFeRD invoices can be read by humans and processed by machines without additional software.

## Key Features

- Hybrid PDF/A-3 with embedded XML data
- Human-readable and machine-processable
- DIN EN 16931-1 conformity
- Factur-X compatibility
- Various conformance levels
- Automatic archiving

## ZUGFeRD Profiles

### MINIMUM (Profile)
Basic invoice data Use case: Simple B2B invoices

### BASIC WL (Profile)
Extended data without line items Use case: Lump sum billing

### BASIC (Profile)
Basic line item data Use case: Standard B2B invoices

### EN16931 (Profile)
Full EU compliance Use case: Cross-border trade

### EXTENDED (Profile)
All available data fields Use case: Complex business processes

## ZUGFeRD Versions

| Version | Release | Standard | Status |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ZUGFeRD 2.4 | 2025-12-04 | Factur-X 1.08 | Current |
| ZUGFeRD 2.3 | 2023 | Factur-X 1.0.6 | Legacy |
| ZUGFeRD 2.2 | 2022 | Factur-X 1.0.5 | Legacy |
| ZUGFeRD 1.0 | 2014 | German standard | Deprecated |

## PDF Component

- PDF/A-3 Format
- Long-term archiving
- Visual representation

## XML Component

- Structured data
- Machine-readable
- Automated processing

## Resources & Links

- [Official ZUGFeRD Website](https://www.ferd-net.de/en/standards/zugferd/factur-x)
- [ZUGFeRD Profiles](/resources/zugferd/profiles)
- [CII Cross Industry Invoice](/resources/compliance/cii-cross-industry-invoice)
- [DIN EN 16931-1 Standard](/resources/compliance/din-en-16931-1-standard)