Python-drafthorse

Judgement

What it is

Building block

What it does

A low-level Python library that models the ZUGFeRD XML format one to one, generates and parses the XML and attaches it to a PDF.

Adopt it when

A Python application must emit ZUGFeRD invoices and the developer can work from the official specification.

Watch out

No profile-level validation, no documentation beyond the spec, and maintenance is a side task for pretix.

Ready for

Usable

Runs as

Library

Built with

Python and lxml

How established

Established: started 8 years ago, no tagged release yet.

What the license allows

You can build it into a product you sell, as long as you keep its copyright notice.

Judged on 2026-11-03 from the project's README and GitHub data. The license and age lines are worked out directly.

Built from

Follow it down: Python-drafthorse → CPython → GCC → LLVM project → runs on a microchip

How compilers were built, back to punched paper tape

Open-source alternatives to Python-drafthorse

1. 1
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Commercial e-invoicing libraries for ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, XRechnung and Peppol

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   Avalara E-Invoicing Avalara

   Comply with international real-time reporting and e‑invoicing mandates. Automate financial operations with Avalara E‑Invoicing and Live Reporting.

   Integration Production-ready A multinational must comply with e-invoicing mandates in several countries and already uses Avalara for tax.

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