You received an .xml instead of a PDF
E-invoices travel in three formats recognized in France. Factur-X is a PDF that contains an XML file. UBL and CII are XML files on their own, with no part meant to be read by eye. When a supplier or their software sends you one of these two, you receive an .xml and nothing else.
So this file isn’t a technical attachment to the invoice. It is the invoice, with its number, lines and amounts stored in fields that software reads directly. Don’t delete it, even after making a PDF from it, because it’s the file you’ll have to keep.
How to open an XML invoice
- Save the attachment to your computer or phone. If it came in a .zip file, unzip it first.
- Drop the .xml file in the area above. The tool recognizes whether it’s in UBL or CII format.
- Read the invoice. The seller, the lines, VAT by rate, the totals and the IBAN are shown, after the key fields and a checklist of seven mentions.
- To pass it on to someone without a tool, turn it into a PDF with the converter.
Why the file shows as code
A double-click opens the .xml in your browser, a text editor or Excel, depending on your computer. You then see tags, with the data squeezed between them. The browser often warns that the file has no style information associated with it, then shows the tree. The file isn’t damaged. It has no layout, since it’s made to be read by software.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><Invoice xmlns="urn:oasis:names:specification:ubl:schema:xsd:Invoice-2" xmlns:cac="urn:oasis:names:specification:ubl:schema:xsd:CommonAggregateComponents-2" xmlns:cbc="urn:oasis:names:specification:ubl:schema:xsd:CommonBasicComponents-2"> <cbc:CustomizationID>urn:cen.eu:en16931:2017</cbc:CustomizationID> <cbc:ID>INV-00437</cbc:ID> <cbc:IssueDate>2026-09-12</cbc:IssueDate> <cbc:DueDate>2026-10-12</cbc:DueDate> <cbc:InvoiceTypeCode>380</cbc:InvoiceTypeCode> <cbc:DocumentCurrencyCode>EUR</cbc:DocumentCurrencyCode> <cac:AccountingSupplierParty> <cac:Party> <cac:PartyName> <cbc:Name>Imprimerie du Canal</cbc:Name> </cac:PartyName> </cac:Party> </cac:AccountingSupplierParty> … <cac:LegalMonetaryTotal> <cbc:TaxExclusiveAmount currencyID="EUR">1040.00</cbc:TaxExclusiveAmount> <cbc:TaxInclusiveAmount currencyID="EUR">1248.00</cbc:TaxInclusiveAmount> <cbc:PayableAmount currencyID="EUR">1248.00</cbc:PayableAmount> </cac:LegalMonetaryTotal> … </Invoice>
You can still read the essentials. cbc:ID holds the invoice number, cbc:IssueDate the issue date and cbc:TaxInclusiveAmount the total including VAT. Amounts are written with a dot and no thousands separator, such as 1248.00. The tool shows them in English style, such as €1,248.00.
Telling UBL from CII
The first tag of the file is enough. Open it with a text editor and look at the second line, right after the <?xml …?> declaration.
| Format | What you receive | First tag |
|---|---|---|
| UBL | An XML file on its own | <Invoice> |
| CII | An XML file on its own | <rsm:CrossIndustryInvoice> |
| Factur-X | A PDF that contains an XML file in CII format | The file opens as a PDF |
Our glossary explains how these formats relate to each other.
Common cases
| You received | What you do |
|---|---|
| An .xml on its own | Drop it here to read it. Keep the file as it is, since it’s the invoice. |
| An .xml and a PDF in the same email | Keep both. The PDF is for reading, and the XML carries the invoice data. |
| A .zip file | Unzip it, then drop the .xml. The tool doesn’t open archives. |
| A Factur-X PDF | Drop it too, the tool reads the XML inside. To get that XML as a separate file, use the extractor. |
| An .xml the tool refuses | The message “This XML file wasn’t recognized as a UBL or CII invoice” points to another type of document, such as a credit note in UBL format, which the tool doesn’t read yet. Open it from your accredited platform’s account, or ask the supplier for a readable version. |
| The file on your phone | Save the attachment to your files, then tap “Choose a file” on this page. |
Keeping it and passing it on
An e-invoice is kept in its original form, and for a UBL or CII invoice, that’s this XML file. A PDF made with the converter is only a reading copy. Our guide to archiving e-invoices covers how long to keep them and the conditions to meet.
Send your accountant the XML file itself, since it’s the original. Attach a PDF if they want to glance at it. If you have a pile to send, the invoice renamer first gives them names such as 2026-09-12_Imprimerie-du-Canal_1248.00.xml.
Frequently asked questions
What software opens an XML invoice file?
An e-invoice reader such as this one, or your accredited platform’s account, which displays them too. A browser, a text editor or Excel can open the file, but they show you its tags instead of the invoice.
Is the XML file a real invoice?
Yes, when it’s in UBL or CII format. It’s even the original, and a PDF you make from it is only a reading copy.
Should I ask the supplier for a PDF?
There’s no need. The converter turns it into a PDF in your browser. Keep the XML all the same, since it’s the invoice.
Is an XML invoice received by email valid?
During the start-up phase, an invoice that came outside the official French network shouldn’t be rejected for that reason alone if the transaction is real. It can still be paid and its VAT deducted. Then remind the supplier to issue their invoices from their accredited platform, as our page on receiving e-invoices explains.
Does it work on a Mac and on a phone?
Yes, in an up-to-date browser, on Mac, Windows, Android or iPhone. On a phone, first save the attachment to your files so you can pick it from the page.
Are my files sent anywhere?
No. The invoice is read in your browser, nothing goes through a server and nothing is kept. When you close the tab, nothing is left.
Do I need an account?
No. You open the page and drop your file, with no account or email address.
Official sources (in French), checked on October 13, 2026: impots.gouv.fr, je découvre la facturation électronique · impots.gouv.fr FAQ · DGFiP practical guide (PDF) · economie.gouv.fr.