FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there only one download file for all versions?In the customer account, as well as in the confirmation mail after the purchase, the same download version is always displayed, regardless of whether the Premium Edition, the trial version or Perfect PDF Reader is to be downloaded. The (non-existent) product key tells the program which functionality should be unlocked. Thus only one universal download is needed. Will I be notified about new updates automatically?In Perfect PDF 12, under "Product", there is an option to "Automatically check for updates". In order to automatically check for updates, a valid soft Xpansion customer account must be linked to the program. Is there text recognition in Perfect PDF 12?Yes. Perfect PDF 12 uses Google Tesseract Engine to perform text recognition in scanned documents. OCR text recognition is part of the functionality of the free Perfect PDF 12 Reader and thus already included in all purchasable editions. How can I integrate Perfect PDF 12 add-in with other software?Perfect PDF 12 can be integrated with other software (the Microsoft Office package as well as Windows Explorer). The configuration for this can be done during the installation or afterwards in the Windows settings under "Apps and Features", "Perfect PDF 12", click on "Change" button. What user interface languages are supported?The software can be used in German and English - this can be specified during installation. The setting in Perfect PDF 12 can be found under "File", "Settings", "User & Region". Changes in the language require a restart of the program. Is the trial version restricted?Yes. There is a time restriction (14 days trial period) and a demo watermark which is visible on every processed document. Please do not use documents that you want to process further after purchase. The demo watermark will not be removed from test documents after purchase! The trial version uses the functionality of the Premium Edition. If a demo license for the Business Edition is needed, please contact our support team directly. I get an error message during activationFor any activation problem, please contact our support. Please use the contact form in the account, so we get the required data sent directly. The required data is your email address, your product key and the hardware code that is displayed in the activation dialog. To open the dialog: start the program → "File" menu → "Product" → "Manage product activation" → "Activate or renew". Please refrain from calling us about an activation problem, as we cannot perform activations over the phone. How can I transfer the product key to a new computer?With the new Perfect PDF the deregistration of the product key is done automatically as soon as the program is uninstalled. If you do not want to uninstall, you can also simply activate PDF Reader in the program activation. This action also deregisters the product key from the server and makes it available for reactivation. The product key can then be activated on the new computer. mfc140u.dll could not be found.A Visual Studio component from Microsoft is requested during Perfect PDF 12 installation. If it is not found, the installer should automatically perform a separate installation. If the download archive has not been unpacked, it may happen in rare cases that this file is not addressed. Please terminate the installation prematurely and manually execute the file "vcredist.exe" in the download archive (for 64-bit systems with the addition x64, for 32-bit systems with the addition x86) and then restart the program installation. I want to perform an update on an offline PCAll important updates are stored in the account. These can be downloaded and transferred to another PC via storage medium. If a relatively old version of the program is still installed, it is possible that the update process requires several updates. If you still have version 12.0.6 installed, it is mandatory to install version 12.1.0 and 12.1.4 first, and then perform the latest update. You can see which updates are needed for which version in the account. The updates can then be installed directly in Perfect PDF 12 under "Product" "Select update file". I am always shown that the functionality I want to use is not unlocked.The product key tells the program which functions to unlock. If you are concerned that you have purchased more features than are unlocked, you can click in the account under "Perfect PDF 12", "Manage Product" and "Feature Expansion". There you will see listed all the functions that the license includes. I want to extend the functionality of my program (upgrade)Please go to the account, to the category "Perfect PDF 12". Your product key should be already registered there. If it is not registered, register it first. After that you can click "Manage product" next to your product key. On the next page, please click on the "Function extension" button. Here you will see a list of existing functions, as well as a list of functions that can still be purchased. Where can I download the current version of Perfect PDF 12?You can download the current version of the program (one download file for all editions, including the trial version and the free Reader version) in your soft Xpansion account. Which edition suits my needs, and how do Perfect E-Rechnung, Office, Premium, Business, Student and Perfect Print differ?We have summarized the differences between the editions in a feature table. Take a look at the individual features to check which ones you need. Which operating systems and system requirements does the product family support?You can find this information on the System requirements and licensing page. Is a trial version available?Yes, you can download the free trial version of Perfect PDF 12 in your soft Xpansion account. It runs for two weeks, offers the full feature set of the Premium Edition and places a demo watermark on processed documents. How do I activate Perfect PDF 12 and where do I enter the product key?At the end of the installation and/or when the program is started for the very first time, the Perfect PDF 12 activation dialog opens automatically. Use the "Activate or renew" button to read more about activation and follow the instructions to complete it. To open the activation dialog independently of installation and/or the first program start, start the program, click "Product" in the "File" menu and then the "Manage product activation" link. Where can I find the product key to activate the program?Depending on how you obtained the program, there are three places where you can find the key: 1. Purchased as a download: in the confirmation e-mail you received. Please also check the spam folder of your e-mail program, as the confirmation e-mail may have been placed there; 2. Purchased on CD-ROM: on the disc or in the printed manual (if available); 3. Free of charge (e.g. via a promotion in a trade magazine, an online Advent calendar or another online promotion): in your soft Xpansion account (for details, please refer to the information provided as part of the promotion, e.g. in the magazine or on a dedicated promotion web page). How do I activate the program offline by e-mail?To activate Perfect PDF 12 offline by e-mail, follow these steps: 1. Make sure you have your product key (8-digit number) at hand. 2. Send an e-mail to soft Xpansion support (support@soft-xpansion.com) stating your product key and hardware code. Your hardware code is displayed in the Perfect PDF 12 activation dialog. 3. Support will send you an activation file that you can load in the dialog. 4. Open the activation dialog in Perfect PDF 12 and load the file you received to activate the software. Also enter your product key there. These steps only need to be carried out once. After purchasing an upgrade, how do I activate Perfect PDF 12 with the newly purchased features?1. Start Perfect PDF 12. 2. In the "File" menu, click "Product" and then the "Manage product activation" link. 3. In the activation dialog, select the "Activate or renew" option. 4. Then click "Renew activation". Is there a free upgrade from Perfect PDF 10 or older versions to version 12?A free upgrade from Perfect PDF 10 or older versions to version 12 is not offered. If you would like to update to the latest version, please purchase a new license for Perfect PDF 12. Where do I look for updates for my Perfect PDF 12?There are two options: 1. Start the program, open the "File" menu, click the "Product" menu item and follow the instructions in the "Program update" section. 2. Log in to your soft Xpansion account, click "Perfect PDF 12" on the left and check the "Available product updates" section. I did not receive a confirmation e-mail after purchasing in the webshop.Please check the spam/junk folder of your e-mail program. The e-mail may have been misclassified and moved there. Are there invoice templates for Perfect E-Rechnung 12 available for download?Free invoice templates in various styles for visualizing your e-invoice can be found in your customer account. There are complete templates with a letterhead, templates without a letterhead for your own corporate design, and pure visualization templates. Does soft Xpansion provide sample files for e-invoices?Various sample files are available for free download on the Perfect PDF 12 e-invoicing page, for example: XRechnung 3.0 as CII XML, XRechnung 3.0 as UBL XML, an XRechnung extension example, ZUGFeRD/FACTUR-X as an XML file, ZUGFeRD/FACTUR-X as a PDF/A-3 file, and an outgoing invoice with a PAdES signature. These files are intended for testing and as a reference. Which e-invoicing formats does Perfect PDF 12 support?Perfect PDF 12 supports ZUGFeRD (all versions), XRechnung (UBL and CII syntax), XRechnung Extension and FACTUR-X. Existing electronic invoices can be converted between all supported formats, versions and syntaxes. Can I view and edit incoming e-invoices in Perfect PDF 12?Yes. Perfect PDF 12 can extract the XML part from incoming PDF/A invoices (FACTUR-X or ZUGFeRD) and display the data in human-readable form or as the original XML structure. Incoming invoices can also be converted into other formats. Editing existing invoices is possible as well, but you must observe the accounting and commercial regulations that apply to modifying invoices that have already been issued.

I have not received an invoiceIn principle, all commercial customers get an invoice automatically sent from our system directly after the purchase. It is possible that this can be found in the spam folder. Please check the spam folder first and if it is not there, please contact us. Private customers who need an invoice, please contact our support team. Can I also buy the program by bank transfer?Of course. Please send us your program request (edition and quantity) and we will create an invoice for you. After payment is received, the purchased product key and a download link will be sent to you. What payment methods are available?The payments in the store are made by our partner Verifone. All common payment methods, such as DIRECTebanking, by credit card, Paypal, Klarna, direct debit, Giropay, Instant bank payment, WebMonex, Skrill Wallet and Neteller are accepted in our webshop. Are there discount promotions? Can I participate in them?There are always times newsletters with discount offers. To receive a newsletter please go to your customer account and there to "Manage account", click on "Newsletter" at the top - There you will see if you are signed up for the newsletter. To receive the "Newsletter soft Xpansion applications" click on "Change". Furthermore, for account owners there are promotions in the account. There under "Vouchers and promotions" you can find more offers. How do I cancel my subscription?A cancellation letter is not necessary. Just go into the account to your product key and to "Manage product". There is a button "Disable automatic subscription renewal". Please disable the automatic billing. After the subscription expires, your account will no longer be charged and Perfect PDF 12 can only be used as a PDF reader. How much does the upgrade from Perfect PDF 11 Premium to 12 cost?The discounted price for upgrading from Perfect PDF 11 Premium to version 12 can be found on the Perfect PDF 12 product page and in your customer account under "Vouchers and promotions" after you have entered the product key of your version 11. Which purchase or subscription models are available?You decide whether to purchase the software with a one-time payment or with an annual subscription payment.

Why do I need an account?A customer account is not strictly necessary to use the software, but is strongly recommended. Updates, for example, can only be retrieved using a customer account. License administration and support requests are best handled via the account. It also provides additional information about the product key (license type, subscription expiry, etc.), the current update version, and the option to cancel a subscription. How do I link my purchased product with my customer account?Existing accounts can be linked via the program. Under product you will find a link "Link product to account or change account" in the first third of the window. There you can enter the mail address that you also use for your customer account. I want to delete my accountIf the customer account should be irrevocably deleted, the deletion can be performed under "Manage account", "Delete account". If a newsletter subscription exists, you will be asked separately whether the subscription should continue. If not desired, the deletion of the newsletter subscription can also be removed under "Manage account". What are the advantages of the customer account?In the account you can find, among other things, all download versions of the current programs of soft Xpansion as well as the contact options to the support team. In addition to the above-mentioned benefits of Perfect PDF 12, promotions such as discounts and vouchers for account owners are stored in the account. Moreover, support requests through the account are prioritized. I want to change the password for my account. How do I do that?Go to the login page and click "Forgot password?" to reset your password. How do I reach support or a contact person by phone?You can find the support options on our support page.

Since when has there been a statutory e-invoicing obligation in Germany?Since 1 January 2025, receiving e-invoices has been legally mandatory for B2B transactions between businesses established in Germany. The legal basis is formed by the Growth Opportunities Act (Wachstumschancengesetz), the German VAT Act (UStG) and circulars issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF). From 2028, the entire invoicing process, including the creation of invoices, is to be carried out exclusively electronically.

However, transitional rules apply to the issuing of e-invoices in the B2B sector: until the end of 2025, 2026 and 2027, other invoice types are still permitted under certain conditions. Details of the transitional rules for 2025-2027 are set out in Section 27 (38) and (39) UStG. Further information is provided in the online FAQ of the Federal Ministry of Finance. What is the difference between an "other invoice" and an e-invoice?Since 1 January 2025 the following applies: an e-invoice complies with the EU standard EN 16931 and is provided in a structured, machine-readable format (XRechnung, ZUGFeRD 2.x, FACTUR-X). An "other invoice" is, for example, a PDF invoice sent by e-mail or a paper printout – these do not meet the new statutory definition of an e-invoice. What is the difference between an e-invoice and an electronically transmitted invoice?An electronically transmitted invoice (e.g. a PDF sent by e-mail) has not been an e-invoice in the legal sense since the e-invoicing obligation came into force on 1 January 2025. An e-invoice under EN 16931 must be provided in a structured, machine-readable format (XML such as XRechnung) or as a hybrid (PDF/A-3 + XML such as ZUGFeRD). A PDF or Word document sent by e-mail counts as an "other invoice" in the B2B sector from 2025. What is the difference between an e-invoice and a digital invoice?"Digital invoice" is a broad term: any invoice in digital form (PDF, Word, scan) is a digital invoice. "E-invoice" (electronic invoice in the legal sense) is more specific: it must comply with a structured, machine-readable format in accordance with EN 16931 (XRechnung XML, ZUGFeRD hybrid, Peppol BIS). A plain PDF sent by e-mail is a digital invoice, but NOT an e-invoice in the legal sense. Do I have to be able to receive e-invoices as a small business?Yes. The obligation to be able to receive e-invoices applies from 1 January 2025 in principle to all businesses established in Germany – regardless of size or turnover. Small businesses must also be able to accept e-invoices from their suppliers. Exemptions exist for private individuals and for cross-border transactions. Does the e-invoicing obligation also apply to low-value invoices?No. Exemptions from the e-invoicing obligation apply to low-value invoices (Kleinbetragsrechnungen) and travel tickets. The definition of low-value invoices and the exact thresholds and exemption rules are laid down in the German VAT Act (UStG). Is an e-mail inbox enough to receive e-invoices?Yes and no. To fulfil the obligation to be able to receive e-invoices in place since 1 January 2025, a plain e-mail inbox is technically sufficient for the receiving process itself. In practice, however, this is not enough when it comes to XRechnung invoices, since these are pure XML files with no visual representation. To additionally display XRechnung invoices in a human-readable form and make content review easier, all of soft Xpansion's e-invoicing solutions provide an XRechnung Viewer. What does "structured invoice data" mean in the context of the e-invoicing obligation?Structured invoice data is machine-readable data in a standardized XML format in accordance with EN 16931. In contrast to a PDF (which is human-readable but does not contain structured data), structured data enables fully automated processing. What are the 10 essential things you need to know about e-invoices?The 10 most important e-invoicing basics: 1) Since 1 January 2025: all German B2B businesses must be able to receive e-invoices. 2) Mandatory format: XRechnung (XML) or ZUGFeRD (PDF+XML). 3) The basis is EN 16931 (European standard). 4) B2G: XRechnung via ZRE/OZG-RE, Leitweg-ID required. 5) Mandatory fields: all details required by Section 14 UStG must be present. 6) Validation: e.g. for XRechnung, use the validator of the State of Baden-Württemberg (erechnungsvalidator.service-bw.de) before sending; with validators offered by other companies, always check whether they are reliable and trustworthy, and if in doubt, ask your tax advisor. 7) Archiving: GoBD-compliant, 10 years, archive the original XML. 8) Businesses with a 2026 turnover of up to EUR 800,000 are exempt from the obligation to issue e-invoices until 1 January 2028; businesses with a 2026 turnover of more than EUR 800,000 are obliged to issue e-invoices from 1 January 2027. 9) Do not overwrite errors/changes in an e-invoice that has already been sent; instead, correct them with a separate corrective invoice/credit note (GoBD requirement). 10) No e-invoicing obligation for B2C, even from 2028. Where can I find official information about the e-invoicing obligation in Germany?Official sources are the online FAQ on e-invoicing published by the German Federal Ministry of Finance (bundesfinanzministerium.de), XRechnung information from KoSIT (xeinkauf.de) and ZUGFeRD information from the Forum elektronische Rechnung Deutschland (ferd-net.de). Do you also provide an e-invoicing checklist?Yes, you can view, print and download such a checklist on the Perfect E-Rechnung product page. Simply click the "E-invoicing checklist" button there. Can I convert existing PDF invoices into ZUGFeRD or other e-invoices?No, direct conversion is currently not possible with soft Xpansion's solutions, because plain PDF files do not contain structured invoice data that can be read out directly. E-invoices, on the other hand, contain structured invoice data.

What is the difference between XRechnung and ZUGFeRD/Factur-X?XRechnung is a pure XML file (without a PDF part) and the official standard for e-invoices sent to public-sector customers in Germany. ZUGFeRD, a hybrid German standard, combines PDF and XML data in a single file (PDF/A-3), so the invoice is both machine-readable and human-readable. FACTUR-X is the French hybrid standard and is technically identical to ZUGFeRD from ZUGFeRD version 2.1 onwards. What is Peppol BIS Billing and how does it differ from XRechnung/ZUGFeRD?Peppol BIS Billing is a European e-invoicing standard that is exclusively XML-based. Unlike XRechnung and ZUGFeRD, Peppol also specifies the transmission channel: the Peppol network. Peppol is particularly relevant for cross-border European business transactions. What is the difference between CII and UBL syntax for e-invoices?For XML-based e-invoices (XRechnung, Peppol BIS) there are two possible syntaxes: UN/CEFACT CII (Cross Industry Invoice: the preferred format in Germany, technically identical to ZUGFeRD XML) and UBL (Universal Business Language: an international standard by the OASIS organization). Both syntaxes are normatively equivalent under EN 16931. Perfect PDF 12 and the SDK support both syntaxes. What is an XRechnung extension and when is it needed?An XRechnung extension makes it possible to embed information going beyond the EN 16931 standard in an XRechnung – e.g. for specific business requirements of public-sector customers. Extension adds further optional fields to the basic XRechnung. Perfect PDF 12 (Perfect E-Rechnung edition) supports XRechnung Extension. In the PDF Xpansion SDK, support for the Extended profile and the XRechnung Extension can be purchased as an additional option. Why is PDF/A-3 used for e-invoices?PDF/A-3 allows arbitrary files to be embedded in the PDF/A format. This means that both the machine-readable XML invoice data and the PDF representation of the invoice can be stored in a single file. This is the basis for the ZUGFeRD/Factur-X format.

What solutions does soft Xpansion offer to comply with the e-invoicing obligation?soft Xpansion offers the following solutions: 1) "Perfect E-Rechnung" edition: a separate, installable desktop application for end users to create, convert and edit e-invoices (XRechnung, ZUGFeRD, FACTUR-X, Peppol BIS Billing); 2) "E-invoices" feature upgrade for the other Perfect PDF 12 editions; 3) PDF Xpansion SDK: a developer library that allows software developers to integrate e-invoicing functionality for the aforementioned e-invoice formats into their own software. What are the advantages of soft Xpansion's e-invoicing solutions?1. Coverage of widely used e-invoicing formats that comply with the EU standard EN 16931; 2. Creation, editing, visualization and conversion in one application, locally on your own computers rather than on another company's web server; 3. Free templates for invoice visualization available for download; 4. Option to have invoice visualization templates tailored to your own corporate design (for an additional fee). Do I need cloud access to use soft Xpansion's e-invoicing solutions?No. All of soft Xpansion's e-invoicing offerings can be used as on-premise solutions. The e-invoicing features in Perfect PDF 12 and the Perfect E-Rechnung product are installed locally on your computer, and all customer and invoice data is processed on your own system rather than on another company's web server. The solution for software developers (PDF Xpansion SDK) can be deployed either locally or on a Windows server. Do I need a Leitweg-ID for B2B e-invoices?No. A Leitweg-ID is generally not required for e-invoices exchanged between businesses. It is only required when an e-invoice is sent to a government agency or another public-sector contracting authority as the invoice recipient. Can e-invoices be sent by e-mail?Yes. E-invoices can be sent as e-mail attachments – this is also permissible for B2B transactions. Transmission by e-mail is formally allowed if the recipient agrees. For B2G (invoices to public authorities), however, submission via official platforms (ZRE, OZG-RE, Peppol) is mandatory. When sending ZUGFeRD invoices by e-mail, the PDF/A-3 file should also be attached. What happens if an e-invoice is formally invalid?If an e-invoice is formally invalid (i.e. does not comply with the EN 16931 standard), the recipient may reject it. Possible reasons: missing mandatory fields, invalid field values, an incorrect XML structure or totals that do not validate. Perfect PDF 12 validates the XML structure during creation and displays errors. For a complete Schematron validation, soft Xpansion recommends using online validators (e.g. from KoSIT). Which online solutions does soft Xpansion recommend for validating e-invoices?At present, soft Xpansion only recommends the following services for e-invoice validation: for XRechnung, the validator of the State of Baden-Württemberg (erechnungsvalidator.service-bw.de); the KoSIT validator (validator.kosit.de): official Schematron validation for XRechnung and Peppol, although this solution is intended for software developers and IT experts. For all other services and for ZUGFeRD: validation programs and online tools come from private providers or open-source projects. There are currently no other official online services or installable software from federal, state or municipal authorities for validation. Please note: invoices contain business and personal data. Therefore, only upload them to providers whose privacy policies you have read, find acceptable and whom you trust. And consult your tax advisor on the subject of validation as well. Can e-invoices also be issued for B2C transactions?Yes. E-invoices (electronic invoices in the legal sense) can also be issued for B2C (business to consumer, private individuals), but this is not legally required. B2C transactions are exempt from the e-invoicing obligation that applies from 2025. If a company nevertheless issues e-invoices to private individuals, the format should be consumer-friendly: ZUGFeRD offers the advantage that the PDF part can be displayed in human-readable form by any PDF viewer, just like a paper invoice, whereas this is not the case for pure XML data. Private individuals are, however, not obliged to accept e-invoices.

Why should developers use a PDF SDK instead of building everything themselves?Using a PDF SDK saves time, ensures compliance with PDF standards and provides robust, tested functionality that would be complex and costly to develop from scratch. How do you choose the best PDF SDK?The best PDF SDK should combine comprehensive functionality, flexible licensing, transparent pricing, platform compatibility, easy upgrades and long-term reliability. It should also offer developer support, continuous development and updates, and rapid adaptation to regulatory changes, e.g. in the areas of electronic invoicing and electronic ordering. What criteria should be considered when evaluating a PDF SDK?When evaluating a PDF SDK, the following aspects should be considered: functionality, supported platforms, development language support, standards compliance, scalability, upgrade options, licensing, developer support and long-term maintenance. Important features include PDF creation and editing, conversion to PDF/A and PDF/UA, digital signatures, viewer integration and support for e-invoicing standards such as ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, XRechnung and Peppol BIS. It is also important to check the availability of APIs for platforms such as C++ and .NET, multithreading support, Unicode compatibility, and whether the licensing model requires no per-developer licenses and is modular so that you only pay for the features you need. Which free tools does soft Xpansion recommend for e-invoices?Recommended tools for working with e-invoices include: KoSIT validator (free, official for XRechnung validation at xeinkauf.de), veraPDF (free, for PDF/A validation) and the Mustang Project (open-source Java library). For commercial use, the PDF Xpansion SDK offers all functions in a single library, including technical support and easy upgrades.

What is the PDF Xpansion SDK?The PDF Xpansion SDK is a developer toolkit for creating, editing, viewing, converting, printing and protecting PDF, PDF/A and PDF/UA documents. It also supports standards for electronic invoicing and ordering such as ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, XRechnung, Order-X and Peppol BIS. Why should developers choose the PDF Xpansion SDK from a licensing perspective?From a licensing perspective, developers choose the PDF Xpansion SDK for its flexible "Pay Only Once" licensing model. The SDK requires no per-developer license fees and no recurring royalty fees, allows an unlimited number of developers within the licensed scope, and enables companies to pay only for the features they need. How do developers integrate the PDF Xpansion SDK into an application?Developers integrate the PDF Xpansion SDK by including its libraries in their project, using the provided APIs and following the documentation for implementation in their preferred programming language. This documentation is included as the PDF Xpansion SDK Reference document in the trial version of the SDK. Can the PDF Xpansion SDK process electronic invoices?Yes. The PDF Xpansion SDK provides comprehensive e-invoice processing functionality. Developers can read, extract, create, validate, visualize, print and digitally sign e-invoices in formats such as ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, XRechnung and Peppol BIS Billing. The SDK supports both pure XML invoices and PDF/A-3-compliant hybrid invoices with embedded XML data. Visualization functions for XML invoices as human-readable PDF documents are also available. Can the PDF Xpansion SDK also create e-invoices in the Peppol BIS Billing format?The PDF Xpansion SDK currently supports the processing of e-invoices in the XRechnung, ZUGFeRD/FACTUR-X and Peppol BIS Billing formats. As the SDK is continuously being developed, you can request up-to-date information by sending an e-mail to support@soft-xpansion.com. Can PDF Xpansion SDK convert machine-readable XML invoices into human-readable PDFs?Yes, the SDK supports the conversion of XML-based e-invoices into human-readable PDF documents using the provided standard display templates, or alternatively the creation of custom renderings at the customer's request. Can the PDF Xpansion SDK convert PDF invoices into XML invoices?No, converting plain PDF files to XML invoices is not possible with the PDF Xpansion SDK. This is due to the potentially erroneous and incomplete extraction of invoice data from a PDF file: the content of PDF files is not structured in the way that XML invoices require, and, for example, the line-item positions of PDF invoices are very likely to vary between invoices from different issuers. In addition, a PDF file does not necessarily contain all fields that are mandatory under the respective XML invoice standard. The PDF Xpansion SDK requires the necessary invoice data in a structured data stream provided by your application or accounting system. Does the PDF Xpansion SDK offer document security features?Yes, the SDK includes security features such as encryption, password protection, redaction, digital signatures to protect sensitive data, and PDF/A functionality. Does the PDF Xpansion SDK support editing and comments in PDF files?Yes, with the PDF Xpansion SDK developers can integrate text editing, highlighting, annotations and other commenting features into their applications. Can the PDF Xpansion SDK be used to create custom PDF viewers?Yes. The SDK includes viewer components for displaying PDF, XPS, text and image files. Developers can integrate features such as zooming, navigation, form filling, annotations, markup tools and interactive editing into their own applications. Can the PDF Xpansion SDK create PDF/A documents?Yes. The PDF Xpansion SDK can create documents for long-term archiving and convert them to PDF/A formats, including PDF/A-1, PDF/A-2, PDF/A-3 and PDF/A-4. The SDK supports the different conformance levels and is particularly suited for compliant e-invoicing workflows with ZUGFeRD and Factur-X, which require PDF/A-3. Can the SDK process PDF/UA files?Yes, documents in the accessible PDF/UA format can be saved and merged directly via the SDK API. The process does, however, require the presence of a logical document structure, tagged content (Tagged PDF) and the fulfilment of certain prerequisites in the source documents. A function for logical document structure and Tagged PDF is also available in the SDK.

Which development platforms does the PDF Xpansion SDK support?The PDF Xpansion SDK is designed for Windows-based development environments and Windows applications. The technology runs in Windows environments, both client- and server-side, and the SDK interfaces support use via C++, .NET and COM API (for C++Builder, Delphi, VBA, etc.). Which document formats does the PDF Xpansion SDK support?The PDF Xpansion SDK supports PDF, PDF/A, PDF/UA, images, plain text and e-invoicing formats (e.g. ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, XRechnung, Peppol BIS Billing). What types of e-invoicing formats can be processed?The SDK processes both PDF/A-3 invoices with embedded XML and pure XML-based e-invoices, enabling interoperability between hybrid and purely structured invoice formats.

What license types are available?For the PDF Xpansion SDK you can choose between two license types: Business and Corporate. Both are available after a one-time, royalty-free payment. The Business type does not permit, among other things, use of the SDK in highly productive server- or internet-based solutions (processing more than 5,000 documents per month), as part of another SDK or development tool, or for software development and distribution within a worldwide corporate group with multiple legal entities. Details can be found in the Product Guide included in the trial version of the SDK. Is there a price list or individual pricing?soft Xpansion offers a combination of price list and individual pricing: after creating a soft Xpansion account, you can select the features you expect to need and immediately receive an initial price indication. This initial indication is then refined in a personal conversation with a sales representative. A basic price list is also included in the Product Guide in the trial version of the SDK. Is an individual license agreement concluded?Yes, since the features you can purchase are modular and individually tailored to your specific solution requirements, we create an individual license agreement for you. Can additional features be purchased after the initial purchase?Yes, upgrades are straightforward. Contractually, neither an additional license agreement nor a formal contract extension is required for an upgrade – you simply receive an invoice for the additional features. If you have a maintenance contract, its fee will be adjusted to reflect the extended scope of features.

Do you offer after-sales support for the SDK?Yes, after-sales support is available provided you opt for a maintenance contract. Support is provided via an online ticket system. The scope and content of the maintenance services are described in the Product Guide included in the trial version of the SDK. Can the license or maintenance contract be cancelled for specific features?No, you cannot request a refund of the license fee for features you no longer need. The maintenance contract can only be cancelled for all purchased features as a whole.

Is there a trial package or trial version?Yes, you can download the trial version via your online account after creating a soft Xpansion account. Where can I find more detailed technical information about the PDF Xpansion SDK?After downloading and unpacking the trial version, you will find the PDF Xpansion SDK Reference document in the docs folder of the trial package. What is included in the trial package?An overview of the contents of the trial package can be found in the "Contents of SDK package" section of the PDF Xpansion SDK Reference document. What do I need to do to use the trial version?To set up the trial version on your system, please read the "Getting Started" sections in the PDF Xpansion SDK Reference document.

Are there code examples?Yes, sample files are located in the dev-res\samples subfolder of the trial package. For which programming environments are examples provided?Examples are available for .NET and .NET Framework, C++, Embarcadero and Microsoft Office VBA. Which SDK features are illustrated by the examples?The trial version includes examples for e-invoice processing in all supported programming environments. In addition, there are examples for many other features and supported programming environments, such as the PDF viewer, merging and splitting documents, form fields, PDF/A, and file export and import.