What Is an Invoice vs. a Receipt?

Direct answer

An invoice is a payment request (before or when payment is due). A receipt is proof of payment (after money has changed hands).

Invoice

An invoice lists what you sold or did, the amount due, payment instructions, and usually a due date or payment terms. You send it to the buyer so they know how much to pay and where to send it.

Receipt

A receipt confirms that payment was received. It may repeat line items or show a total paid; its main job is evidence for both parties (and often for taxes).

When you need both

Many businesses issue an invoice first, then provide a receipt after the client pays—especially for bank transfers or checks where settlement is not instant.

Takeaway

Use invoice language when asking for money; use receipt language when confirming payment. Your PDF tool should produce a clear invoice; your payment processor or bank may give you a separate receipt record.