Blog

‍

In a world where business documents reflect your brand identity, invoice design plays a powerful role in leaving a professional impression. 

For most Indian businesses, Tally Prime is the go-to accounting and GST software — but many users stick to the default invoice layout, unaware of the vast potential for customization it offers.

That’s where Tally invoice printing customization becomes crucial. Whether you want to integrate your logo, adjust field placement, or comply with specific industry regulations, custom-designed invoices help you present data more clearly and professionally. 

Companies like Nakshatra Solutions, with decades of experience in Tally Prime customization, enable businesses to tailor every element of their invoices without disrupting accounting accuracy.

‍

What Is Invoice Customization in Tally Prime?

Tally Prime, India’s most popular accounting software, includes several default invoice formats that cater to general business needs. However, as businesses evolve and compliance norms vary across industries, the one-size-fits-all format no longer suffices. That’s where invoice customization in Tally adds flexibility and efficiency.

Understanding Default Invoice Formats

By default, Tally Prime provides basic invoice formats for:

• Sales invoices
  
  
• Purchase invoices
  
  
• Delivery and receipt notes
  
  
• Debit and credit notes
  
  

These templates include standard fields such as customer details, GST information, item descriptions, quantities, and totals. While functional, these layouts are often generic and lack brand identity or advanced data fields needed by specific industries.

Why Businesses Customize Invoice Layouts

Businesses choose to customize invoices in Tally for multiple reasons:

1. Branding and Identity – A customized invoice featuring your logo, colors, and layout reinforces brand consistency across customer touchpoints.
   
   
2. Regulatory Compliance – Many industries, such as pharma, manufacturing, and FMCG, require specific data points (batch numbers, HSN codes, QR codes) for statutory compliance.
   
   
3. Operational Efficiency – Tailored layouts simplify data reading for both customers and internal teams. For instance, adding transport details or payment references helps in faster reconciliation.
   
   
4. Professional Presentation – Clean, well-structured invoices improve readability and leave a strong impression on clients.
   
   
5. Automation and Accuracy – Auto-populating fields such as dynamic QR codes, invoice numbers, or digital signatures saves manual effort and reduces errors.
   
   

Benefits of Customized Invoice Printing

• Enhanced Brand Visibility: Consistent logo placement and color scheme reinforce corporate identity.
  
  
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures invoices meet GST, e-invoicing, and industry-specific mandates.
  
  
• Faster Communication: Information is organized logically, reducing back-and-forth queries.
  
  
• Digital Readiness: Integration with QR codes, payment links, and digital signatures supports a modern workflow.
  
  
• Scalability: Custom templates can evolve with business requirements, from basic invoices to highly automated, print-ready formats.
  
  

Partnering with experts like Nakshatra Solutions ensures your customized Tally invoices are not only visually refined but also technically sound, compliant, and automation-ready.

‍

Types of Invoice Customization Options in Tally

Tally Prime’s architecture supports extensive customization possibilities. Depending on your business model, invoice type, and compliance requirements, customization can range from basic aesthetic changes to advanced functional automations.

Let’s explore the most common types of invoice customization options available in Tally Prime.

1. Layout Customization: Headers, Footers, and Column Structure

Layout customization focuses on how the invoice looks and how data is organized on the printed page. You can:

• Modify header positions and include additional company or branch details.
  
  
• Adjust column width for better alignment and visibility.
  
  
• Include separate sections for transport details, bank information, and terms & conditions.
  
  
• Redesign the footer to include authorized signatures, disclaimers, or digital stamps.
  
  

For example, manufacturing companies often need extra space for batch details and item specifications. With layout customization, Nakshatra’s Tally experts can expand or rearrange sections to accommodate this without affecting data integrity.

2. Field Customization: Adding GSTIN, HSN, QR Codes, or Batch Details

Tally invoices are data-driven, so customizing fields is vital for regulatory compliance and clarity.
Typical field-level customizations include:

• Adding GSTIN, HSN/SAC codes, or barcodes.
  
  
• Displaying batch numbers and expiry dates for pharma or FMCG industries.
  
  
• Including transporter names, vehicle numbers, or dispatch details.
  
  
• Generating QR codes linked to invoice URLs or payment portals.
  
  
• Adding buyer’s order numbers, e-way bill details, or custom reference fields.
  
  

Nakshatra Solutions provides industry-ready templates with these fields pre-mapped to your business workflow, saving significant setup time.

3. Design Customization: Company Logo, Colors, and Watermark

Visual design enhancements make invoices more appealing and professional. With design customization, you can:

• Embed your company logo at the top of the invoice.
  
  
• Use your brand’s color scheme in headers or borders.
  
  
• Add a watermark with your brand name or tagline for authenticity.
  
  
• Create visually distinct purchase and sales invoices using color codes.
  
  

Nakshatra’s Tally developers can integrate high-quality logos, digital stamps, and professional layouts that print seamlessly on standard or pre-printed stationery.

4. Automation Features: Dynamic QR, Auto-generated Invoice Numbers, and More

Modern businesses benefit from automation within Tally invoice customization:

• Dynamic QR Codes: Generate instant QR codes for digital payments or GST e-invoice verification.
  
  
• Auto Invoice Numbering: Set sequential or conditional numbering for different voucher types.
  
  
• Auto Email/Print Triggers: Automatically email or print invoices after saving.
  
  
• Digital Signature Integration: Embed authorized signatures without manual stamping.
  
  
• Conditional Printing Rules: Display or hide fields based on voucher type or party.
  
  

Such features streamline invoicing workflows, ensuring consistency, security, and compliance — key advantages delivered through Nakshatra’s Tally customization services.

‍

Step-by-Step Guide to Customize Invoice Printing in Tally Prime

Tally Prime offers flexibility to modify invoice designs without third-party tools. Below is a simplified step-by-step guide to help you understand how customization works. However, for advanced automation and design-level modifications, professional assistance is recommended.

Step 1: Open the Invoice Customization Feature

From the Tally Gateway, navigate to:
Gateway of Tally → Accounts Info → Voucher Types → Alter → Select “Sales” (or desired voucher).
Within this section, enable customization options for the selected voucher type.

Step 2: Enable “Use for Printing” and Select Invoice Type

In the voucher type configuration screen:

• Turn on the “Use for Printing” option.
  
  
• Choose the invoice format type (e.g., “Item Invoice” or “Accounting Invoice”).
  This determines how details will appear when printed or exported as a PDF.
  
  

Step 3: Modify Headers, Columns, and Fields

Now, you can start editing:

• Adjust or rename column headings such as “Item Name”, “Rate”, or “Amount”.
  
  
• Insert additional columns for GST details, discount, or custom remarks.
  
  
• Add or remove optional fields like delivery note or reference number.
  
  

For deeper customization (adding new data fields or dynamic variables), developers at Nakshatra Solutions use TDL (Tally Definition Language) scripts to safely modify the underlying structure.

Step 4: Add Branding Elements (Logo, Signature, Stamp)

To make your invoice visually consistent with your brand:

• Import your logo (JPEG or PNG format) through the company settings.
  
  
• Add a digital signature field to eliminate manual signing.
  
  
• Include company stamps, QR codes, or payment links.
  
  
• Adjust the font and alignment for improved readability.
  
  

Nakshatra’s customization team ensures these elements print correctly across formats — whether on laser printers, dot-matrix printers, or digital PDFs.

Step 5: Set Print Preview Options and Test

After making changes:

• Go to the Print Preview section to visualize the layout.
  
  
• Test with sample invoices to ensure alignment, spacing, and data accuracy.
  
  
• Cross-check GST values, HSN codes, and tax bifurcation for correctness.
  
  

If you are printing on pre-printed stationery, alignment testing becomes critical. Professionals can fine-tune margins and scaling to avoid misprints.

Step 6: Save and Assign to Sales or Purchase Voucher Types

Finally, save the customized format and link it to the relevant voucher types:

• Assign your customized layout to “Sales Invoice”, “Purchase Invoice”, or “Credit Note”.
  
  
• Enable the format as the default print template.
  
  
• Test the workflow by creating a new voucher and printing directly.
  
  

You now have a personalized, professional invoice ready for daily use.

‍

Why Choose Nakshatra Solutions for Tally Invoice Customization?

While Tally Prime offers native flexibility, advanced customization requires expertise in Tally Definition Language (TDL), compliance knowledge, and design sense. That’s where Nakshatra Solutions stands out.

1. Deep Expertise in TallyPrime and TDL

Nakshatra’s certified Tally developers have over two decades of experience developing TDL-based solutions — from small aesthetic changes to large-scale ERP integrations.

2. Industry-Specific Customizations

The team builds ready-to-deploy templates for industries like manufacturing, pharma, textile, and trading. These templates include batch management, quality tracking, and automated QR invoicing.

3. End-to-End Implementation Support

Nakshatra handles the full cycle — consultation, development, testing, and deployment. You get a single partner for invoice customization, GST integration, and AMC support.

4. Compliance-Ready Templates

All invoice designs align with GST and e-invoicing guidelines, ensuring your documents stay compliant while maintaining visual appeal.

5. Seamless Integration and Training

Post-deployment, Nakshatra offers training sessions and documentation so your team can manage layouts confidently without coding knowledge.

To explore customized invoice solutions or request a live demo, visit Nakshatra Solutions.

‍

Popular Custom Invoice Formats

Every business operates differently, and therefore, their invoice requirements are never identical. While Tally Prime offers a standard structure, most organizations prefer specialized invoice templates that align with their operational flow, branding, and compliance needs.

Nakshatra Solutions provides ready-to-use and fully customizable invoice formats that cater to multiple industries — from retail to manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. These templates are crafted for clarity, compliance, and professional presentation.

Custom Invoice Header (C10)

A custom invoice header (C10) allows businesses to highlight essential information at the very top of every printed invoice.

It’s not just about the company name — it’s a powerful section to communicate brand identity and regulatory details. Commonly, this header includes:

• Company name, logo, and address
  
  
• GSTIN and CIN numbers
  
  
• Contact details (email, phone, website)
  
  
• Invoice title (e.g., “Tax Invoice”, “Retail Invoice”, “Export Invoice”)
  
  
• Date and invoice number
  
  

Nakshatra’s experts design headers that fit your stationery, incorporate your logo seamlessly, and remain print-perfect on both A4 and continuous stationery. Their C10 customization template ensures headers are clean, legible, and fully compliant with GST print standards.

Custom Invoice Footer (C11)

The custom invoice footer (C11) format focuses on the lower section of the invoice — an area often overlooked but essential for communication and compliance.

A well-structured footer can include:

• Authorized signatory block
  
  
• Company declaration or terms and conditions
  
  
• Banking details for payments
  
  
• QR codes for quick UPI or GST verification
  
  
• Digital signature area
  
  
• Thank-you note or promotional message
  
  

Nakshatra’s C11 footer customization lets you standardize signatures, automate payment details, and maintain consistent disclaimers across all printed invoices. For businesses using multiple voucher types (sales, export, purchase), C11 can dynamically adjust its footer text or layout depending on the context.

Pharma Invoice Format

Pharmaceutical companies require precise invoice structures to meet both regulatory and operational standards. This includes recording batch details, expiry dates, MRP, and manufacturer details.

A pharma invoice format in Tally customized by Nakshatra Solutions typically includes:

• Batch and expiry columns
  
  
• Drug license number
  
  
• MRP and rate breakdown
  
  
• Manufacturer and distributor details
  
  
• Expiry tracking alerts
  
  
• GST-compliant HSN/SAC codes
  
  

Such templates ensure that pharma distributors and retailers remain audit-ready and compliant with Drugs and Cosmetics Act requirements. By embedding these features into Tally Prime, Nakshatra eliminates the need for external Excel templates or manual record-keeping.

Tea Invoice Format

The tea trading and packaging industry has unique invoicing needs, especially regarding grade, weight, lot number, and packaging details.

Nakshatra’s tea invoice format is designed to capture:

• Tea grade (CTC, Dust, BOP, etc.)
  
  
• Lot and batch numbers
  
  
• Packing quantity and weight
  
  
• Broker or buyer details
  
  
• Auction or sale reference numbers
  
  

These custom layouts are structured for clarity, especially during high-volume trade transactions. Tally Prime’s flexibility, when enhanced with Nakshatra’s C-series customization, helps simplify dispatch documentation while maintaining a professional look.

Batch and Expiry Details Format

Batch and expiry tracking is critical in sectors like FMCG, chemical, and food manufacturing. Default Tally invoices can’t display this information directly in the print layout — but with customization, these can be integrated seamlessly.

Nakshatra’s Batch and Expiry Details format enables:

• Display of batch number and expiry date in invoice lines
  
  
• Sorting or filtering of items by batch
  
  
• Integration with batch-wise stock tracking
  
  
• Automatic expiry alerts
  
  

This feature ensures traceability, compliance, and accuracy in billing — crucial for industries where product life cycle and quality assurance are non-negotiable.

‍

Advanced Invoice Customization Features

While layout and formatting form the foundation of invoice customization, modern businesses demand automation, interactivity, and digital convenience. Tally Prime, when enhanced by Nakshatra Solutions, supports an advanced set of invoice customization features that go far beyond visual design.

Add Dynamic QR Codes for E-Invoicing

With GST e-invoicing becoming mandatory for most registered entities, dynamic QR codes have become a compliance and convenience necessity.

Nakshatra integrates dynamic QR code generation directly into Tally invoices, allowing:

• Instant e-invoice validation via QR scan
  
  
• UPI-enabled payment links
  
  
• GST portal verification
  
  
• Customer-side authenticity checks
  
  

The QR code updates automatically with every invoice generated, ensuring accuracy and reducing manual intervention.

Include Manual Signatures or Stamps

Many businesses still rely on physical signatures or stamps for authenticity — especially in export and manufacturing sectors. Nakshatra’s customization allows:

• Embedding of pre-scanned signatures or digital stamps
  
  
• Conditional printing of signatures based on voucher type or amount
  
  
• Support for multiple signatories across branches
  
  

This eliminates repetitive manual signing while maintaining authenticity and compliance.

For organizations transitioning to digital workflows, Nakshatra also integrates secure digital signatures using TDL scripts and certificate-based encryption.

Configure Batch, MRP, or Rate Columns

Customizing data presentation improves invoice clarity and accuracy. Nakshatra Solutions helps configure item-level details such as:

• Batch numbers and expiry dates
  
  
• MRP and base rate comparisons
  
  
• Taxable value and discount breakup
  
  
• Secondary unit of measurement
  
  

This makes invoices more informative and reduces the need for separate annexures or supporting documents.

Custom Fields: Transporter, Delivery Note, or Buyer Order Reference

Certain industries require additional logistical or reference fields in invoices. With field-level customization, Nakshatra can include:

• Transporter name and vehicle number
  
  
• Delivery note or LR (Lorry Receipt) details
  
  
• Buyer order or quotation reference number
  
  
• Custom text blocks for internal remarks
  
  

These fields not only improve traceability but also facilitate smoother reconciliation between sales, dispatch, and accounting teams.

‍

Voucher and Invoice Integration

Tally Prime operates on the concept of vouchers, which are the backbone of accounting and inventory transactions. Each voucher type — sales, purchase, payment, receipt — has its own data structure and print template.

Effective invoice customization requires deep integration with these voucher types to ensure consistent formatting and data mapping.

Overview of Voucher Types

There are three major categories of vouchers in Tally Prime:

1. Accounting Vouchers – Record financial transactions like sales, purchases, payments, and receipts.
   
   
2. Inventory Vouchers – Manage stock movements such as delivery notes, material receipts, and stock journals.
   
   
3. Accounting-cum-Inventory Vouchers – Combine both accounting and inventory data for integrated invoicing.
   
   

How Invoice Customization Links with Voucher Templates

Each voucher type in Tally has its own print format. Customization involves linking your designed invoice layout with specific voucher types so that every transaction prints in your desired format automatically.

For example:

• A “Sales” voucher prints a C10/C11 customized tax invoice.
  
  
• A “Delivery Note” voucher can print with transport and item-wise details.
  
  
• A “Purchase Voucher” can include supplier GST and order references.
  
  

Nakshatra’s implementation team ensures that each voucher-to-format mapping is accurately configured, so users don’t have to manually select templates during printing.

Printing Setup per Voucher Type

Tally allows assigning print preferences to voucher types. With proper configuration:

• Each voucher can have its own default print layout.
  
  
• Users can select between multiple templates at print time.
  
  
• Automatic printing rules (like “Print after saving”) can be activated.
  
  

Nakshatra Solutions ensures that even businesses with multiple branches or voucher types maintain uniform branding and formatting across all outputs.

‍

On-Cloud vs On-Premise Printing Customization

As businesses adopt digital transformation, invoice customization isn’t just about design — it’s also about accessibility and scalability. Tally Prime supports both on-premise and cloud-based customization environments, each catering to different business models.

Cloud-Based Invoice Templates for Remote Access

In cloud setups, businesses can access Tally Prime remotely via authorized hosting providers or private cloud servers. Nakshatra’s cloud-ready customization ensures:

• All invoice templates and formats are stored centrally.
  
  
• Remote users can print or email invoices using the same design.
  
  
• Changes made by the admin reflect instantly across locations.
  
  
• Data security and access control are maintained at all times.
  
  

This setup is ideal for multi-branch or multi-location companies, where accounting operations are distributed but need consistent branding and compliance.

For instance, a garment manufacturer with factories in multiple cities can print invoices with the same header, logo, and QR configuration from any location — all synced via cloud.

On-Premise Customization for Localized Control

For businesses preferring full control over their data and printing infrastructure, on-premise customization remains the preferred choice.

Nakshatra provides:

• Locally stored invoice templates
  
  
• Custom print alignment for dot-matrix or laser printers
  
  
• High-speed printing for large-volume transactions
  
  
• Secure customization that doesn’t depend on internet access
  
  

On-premise models are ideal for industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and trading, where connectivity can be limited or where data confidentiality is paramount.

Nakshatra’s team can deploy both models — hybrid or standalone — ensuring your Tally Prime environment remains efficient, compliant, and visually consistent regardless of deployment type.

‍

Tips for Professional Invoice Printing

1. Maintain Brand Consistency
Ensure your invoices reflect your company’s identity by including your logo, color theme, font style, and layout consistently across all documents. This not only strengthens your brand image but also gives your customers a professional impression.

2. Ensure GST & E-Invoicing Compliance
While customizing your Tally invoice, double-check that all mandatory GST fields (like HSN/SAC code, GSTIN, and tax breakup) are visible. For e-invoicing, enable IRN and QR code printing to stay compliant with government standards.

3. Optimize Layout for Printing Devices
Design your invoice layout based on your printer type:

• Use A4 format for detailed commercial invoices
  
  
• Use POS or half-page format for retail or counter billing
  Preview and test each format before finalizing to avoid cut-offs or alignment issues.
  
  

4. Simplify for Faster Printing
Avoid unnecessary graphics or text blocks that slow down the printing process, especially if you handle bulk invoicing daily.

‍

Common Issues and Fixes

1. Logo or Fields Not Printing
Check your path and file size of the logo image. Re-upload in a supported format (e.g., JPG or BMP) and ensure “Show logo in print” is enabled in the customization settings.

2. Alignment Issues in PDF Export
If your printed or PDF layout looks misaligned, adjust the page margins and field spacing in the Print Configuration screen. Use the “Print Preview” option before exporting.

3. Incorrect Totals or Column Misplacement
This usually occurs due to manual edits or hidden fields. Recheck the formula configuration or restore the default column mapping under voucher type customization.

4. Missing Custom Fields on Print
Ensure that all custom fields have the “Use for Printing” option enabled and are linked to the correct voucher type.

‍

FAQs

Can I add a logo or signature in a Tally invoice?
Yes, Tally Prime allows adding logos, signatures, and company stamps directly in the invoice format. You can also make the signature manual or auto-applied during printing.

How do I print GST-compliant invoices?
Enable GST in Tally, assign HSN/SAC codes to items, and customize your invoice layout to include all tax-related fields such as GSTIN, tax breakup, and total taxable value.

Can I create different invoice templates for each customer?
Yes. You can create and assign unique invoice formats for specific customers or voucher types — useful for businesses serving multiple industries or regions.

Is QR code printing supported in Tally Prime?
Absolutely. You can enable Dynamic QR Codes for e-invoicing, which automatically embeds invoice details (like IRN, invoice number, and date) for faster scanning and verification.

‍