A packing slip is a document that lists the items in a shipment and the quantity of each. It goes inside or on the package so the receiver can check the contents against the order. It has no payment request. This free packing slip generator makes a PDF in your browser, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Who needs a packing slip
Any seller that ships physical goods can use one.
- Online stores. Shopify, Etsy and other sellers put a slip in each parcel so the customer can check the order.
- Warehouses and fulfillment teams. Pickers and packers use the slip to confirm what goes in each box.
- Wholesalers and suppliers. Receiving staff match the delivery to their purchase order.
- Drop shippers. You ship to your customer's customer, who should not see your prices.
- Anyone who ships partial orders. The slip shows what is in this box and what is still to come.
What to include on a packing slip
- Your business details: name, address and email, in the "From (your business)" section.
- Ship-to details: the receiver's name and delivery address, in the "Ship to" section.
- Packing slip number and date: the order number works well, so you can find the slip later.
- Line items: a description and a quantity for each item. Put the SKU or product code in the description.
- Notes: the order number, box number, back-ordered items, handling instructions and a contact for questions.
This generator has no price columns, tax or totals, which is correct for a packing slip. It also has no logo or signature field, so use the Notes for any extra reference.
How to make a packing slip with this tool
- Open the generator. You do not need an account.
- Under "From (your business)", enter your name, address and email.
- Under "Ship to", enter the receiver's name and address.
- Under "Document details", enter the packing slip number and the date.
- Under "Line items", click "Add item" for each product. Enter the description and quantity. Use the remove button to delete a row.
- Check the live preview. It updates as you type.
- Add the order number, box count or handling notes under "Notes".
- Click "Download PDF", print it and put it in the package.
Your data is not saved between visits. Keep the PDF for your records.
Packing slip vs invoice vs delivery note vs bill of lading
| Packing slip | Invoice | Delivery note | Bill of lading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main job | List the contents | Request payment | Prove delivery | Contract with the carrier |
| Shows prices | Usually no | Yes | Usually no | No |
| Made by | Seller | Seller | Seller or carrier | Carrier or shipper |
| Travels | In or on the package | By email or with the order | With the shipment, often signed | With the freight |
The packing slip says what you sent. The invoice says what the customer owes. If the receiver must sign for the goods, use the delivery note generator. For freight, see the bill of lading generator. The guide to packing slip vs delivery note explains the closest pair.
Practical tips
- Gift orders. Leave prices off. A packing slip already does this, so do not copy an invoice.
- Backorders. List the shipped items and note the missing ones, for example "Item B: backordered, ships separately."
- Partial shipments. Make one slip per box or per shipment, and use the same order number on each.
- Count what is in the box. If it differs from the order, the slip should show the box.
- Use names the receiver knows. Product names or codes avoid confusion at receiving.
- Keep a copy. The PDF is your proof of what you packed if a customer says an item is missing.
Before you ship
A packing slip is one step in an order flow. A purchase order starts the order. A sales order confirms it on your side. Then you pack, add the slip and send the invoice when your terms say so.
Prefer to fill it in Word, Excel or by hand? Download our free invoice and receipt templates in DOCX, XLSX and PDF.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a packing slip?
- A packing slip is a document that goes with a shipment and lists what is inside: each item and its quantity. The receiver uses it to check the package against the order. It usually has no prices and is not a request for payment.
- What is the difference between a packing slip and an invoice?
- A packing slip lists the items and quantities in a package. An invoice lists prices, tax and the total, and asks for payment. The packing slip helps the receiver check the contents. The invoice helps you get paid. Many sellers send both for the same order.
- Is a packing slip the same as a delivery note?
- Often yes. Both list the contents of a shipment without prices. Some businesses use packing slip for the sheet inside the box and delivery note for the sheet the receiver signs. Use the name your customer or carrier expects.
- Is a packing slip the same as a bill of lading?
- No. A packing slip describes the contents for the receiver. A bill of lading is a transport document between the shipper and the carrier. Many shipments need both.
- Should a packing slip show prices?
- Usually not. Items and quantities are enough for the receiver to check the box. Leave prices off for gift orders and drop-ship orders, where the person who opens the box is not the buyer. Put prices on the invoice.
- Can I make a packing slip for free, without an account?
- Yes. This generator is free, needs no sign-up and adds no watermark. You can make as many packing slips as you need. It runs in your browser, and you download the result as a PDF. Nothing you type is stored on our server.
- Where do I put the packing slip?
- Put one copy inside the package, or in a pouch on the outside, where the receiver finds it first. Keep a copy for your records. For a multi-box order, write the box number in the Notes, for example Box 1 of 3.