The latest articles on DEV Community by ismail183 (@ismail183). https://dev.to/ismail183 https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F3846082%2Fdaf2acf3-4422-4b0c-9f1a-aec75f521d6f.png https://dev.to/ismail183 en ismail183 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:41:24 +0000 https://dev.to/ismail183/generate-a-factur-x-pdf-invoice-in-python-free-no-library-needed-2n3o https://dev.to/ismail183/generate-a-factur-x-pdf-invoice-in-python-free-no-library-needed-2n3o <p>If you've ever tried to generate a Factur-X invoice programmatically, you know the pain. The official libraries are heavy, the documentation is scattered across three different standards bodies, and getting a valid PDF/A-3 with embedded XML is anything but straightforward.</p> <p>This article shows you how to generate a fully compliant Factur-X invoice in Python in under 20 lines of code - using a free API, no local dependencies, no Java runtime.</p> <h2> What is Factur-X? </h2> <p>Factur-X is a hybrid e-invoice format: a human-readable PDF/A-3 with an embedded CII XML file. It's the standard for electronic invoicing in France and Germany (where it's called ZUGFeRD), and it's becoming mandatory across the EU.</p> <p>The embedded XML allows accounting software to extract invoice data automatically - no manual data entry, no OCR errors.</p> <h2> The Problem With Existing Solutions </h2> <p>The most common approaches involve:</p> <ul> <li> <strong>factur-x Python library</strong> - requires <code>ghostscript</code>, <code>pdfrw</code>, and a working LaTeX or WeasyPrint setup</li> <li> <strong>Mustang Java library</strong> - requires a JVM, complex Maven setup</li> <li> <strong>Commercial APIs</strong> - €99/month minimum</li> </ul> <p>For a quick integration or a small volume use case, none of these are great.</p> <h2> The Solution: XMLBridge API </h2> <p>XMLBridge.com exposes a free REST API that generates valid Factur-X PDF/A-3 files. No API key, no signup, no rate limit for reasonable usage.</p> <p>Endpoint: <code>POST https://api.xmlbridge.com/generate-facturx</code></p> <h2> Verify the Output </h2> <p>To confirm the embedded XML is valid, open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat and check the attachments panel - you should see <code>factur-x.xml</code>. You can also drag the PDF into <a href="https://xmlbridge.com/facturx" rel="noopener noreferrer">xmlbridge.com/facturx</a> to extract and inspect the embedded XML directly in the browser.</p> <h2> What the API Returns </h2> <p>The API returns a raw PDF binary (<code>application/pdf</code>). The PDF:</p> <ul> <li>Is PDF/A-3b compliant</li> <li>Contains an embedded <code>factur-x.xml</code> (CII format)</li> <li>Passes EN 16931 schematron rules</li> <li>Is compatible with Chorus Pro (French public procurement platform)</li> </ul> <h2> Conclusion </h2> <p>Generating a valid Factur-X invoice doesn't have to involve a 200MB Java dependency or a paid SaaS subscription. For most use cases - freelancers, small businesses, internal tools - a simple HTTP call is all you need.</p> <p>Try it live at <a href="https://xmlbridge.com/facturx" rel="noopener noreferrer">xmlbridge.com/facturx</a> or hit the API directly.</p> <p><em>Questions or issues? Drop a comment below.</em></p> python fintech xml invoice ismail183 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:58:29 +0000 https://dev.to/ismail183/xmlbridge-free-online-xml-converter-html-pdf-excel-json-xslt-xsd-273 https://dev.to/ismail183/xmlbridge-free-online-xml-converter-html-pdf-excel-json-xslt-xsd-273 <p><a href="https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fif22i7j7u7ohqqkw8snt.jpg" class="article-body-image-wrapper"><img src="https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fif22i7j7u7ohqqkw8snt.jpg" alt=" " width="800" height="466"></a></p> <p>Hey everyone,</p> <p>I recently launched a free browser-based XML tool called XMLBridge — thought it might be useful to some of you.</p> <p>What it does:</p> <ul> <li>Convert XML to HTML, PDF, Excel or JSON</li> <li>Apply XSLT transformations</li> <li>Validate XML against an XSD schema</li> <li>Generate XML from an XSD schema</li> <li>Generate SEPA payments XML</li> </ul> <p>Everything runs 100% client-side - no files are ever uploaded to a server, which makes it safe for sensitive data.</p> <p>It's available in English, French and German.</p> <p>Would love to get some feedback from the community!</p> <p>Link: <a href="https://xmlbridge.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://xmlbridge.com</a></p> showdev sideprojects tooling webdev