> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dualentry.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Invoice in Another Language

> Send invoice PDFs in Dutch or with custom labels by setting a custom template's language and adding item translations to your DualEntry items.

Invoice a customer in another language by giving a custom template that language and adding translated text to the items you bill. The template language translates the fixed text on the PDF, such as the title "Invoice" becoming "Factuur" in Dutch. Item translations replace each line item's name and description. Amounts, quantities, rates, and tax are never affected, and the DualEntry interface stays in your own language.

Custom templates have two built-in languages: English and Dutch. For any other language, see [Use custom labels for other languages](#use-custom-labels-for-other-languages).

## Prerequisites

* The `invoice_template:create`, `invoice_template:edit`, and `invoice_template:assign` permissions. See [User roles and permissions](../../../platform-configuration/user-roles-and-permissions).
* Permission to edit items, for adding translations.

## Set up a Dutch template

1. Create or clone a template under **Accounting Setup → Custom Templates**. See [How to Create a Custom Template](./how-to-create-a-custom-template).
2. Under **Language and labels**, set the language to Dutch. The fixed labels on the canvas switch to Dutch.
3. Optionally, set the paper size to A4 and a date format such as `DD/MM/YYYY`.
4. Save the template.
5. [Apply the template](./how-to-apply-a-custom-template) to the customer or company that bills in Dutch, and save that record.

## Add item translations

1. Open the item you bill to the customer.
2. In the **Translations** section, choose **Add translation**.
3. Enter the **Language code** (`nl` for Dutch), then the translated **Name** and **Description**.
4. Save the item.
5. Repeat for each item that appears on the customer's invoices. Translations are entered one item at a time.

After you complete both procedures, open one of the customer's invoices under **Money In → Invoices**. The PDF preview shows Dutch labels and the translated item text.

## Use custom labels for other languages

For a language other than English or Dutch, keep the template in English and override its labels:

1. Open the template and go to **Language and labels → Custom labels**.
2. Replace each label with your wording, such as changing `Invoice` to `Facture`. Each label can be up to 80 characters.
3. Save the template and apply it.

Item translations apply only to the template's language, so line items on these invoices show each item's primary name and description. Right-to-left languages aren't supported.

## Troubleshooting

**The PDF shows English item names on a Dutch invoice.** At least one item has no Dutch translation. The invoice preview shows a warning naming the items, for example `Missing nl item translations for Consulting. Primary item text is used.` Add an `nl` translation to each item named and save it.

**A bulk download reports "Some item translations are missing."** Some of the downloaded invoices used primary item text because a translation was missing. The PDFs still download. Open each affected invoice to see which items need a translation.

**An invoice you already sent is still in English.** An invoice keeps the template from its first download or email. Only invoices that haven't been downloaded or emailed pick up a new language.


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