Free Illustrator Credit Note Template
Generate credit notes for illustration project refunds, licence reversals, and billing corrections. Free PDF download.
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About Illustrator credit notes
Illustrators issue credit notes when a book publisher cancels a commission after an advance payment is made, when a client requests fewer illustrations than originally contracted, or when a usage licence is downgraded from commercial to personal after the invoice has been settled. Getting this in writing protects both parties.
The credit note documents the original invoice reference, the specific items being reversed, and the total amount credited. It becomes part of your financial records and the client's accounts, keeping everything reconciled.
When to issue a credit note
Use a credit note when a children's book project is cut from 20 spreads to 12 after you invoice for the full amount. Issue one when a client pays for an exclusive commercial licence but later only needs a limited-run print licence at a lower rate. It also applies when a project is cancelled after the sketch phase and you return the portion of the fee not yet earned.
Frequently asked questions
If a publisher cancels after I have completed half the illustrations, how do I handle the credit note?
Issue a credit note only for the portion you are returning. If you agreed to keep 50% as a kill fee, the credit note covers the other 50%. List the number of completed versus total illustrations as context in the description line. This documents the settlement clearly.
Can I issue a credit note in a foreign currency if my client is overseas?
Yes. Issue it in the same currency as the original invoice. If you invoiced in USD but your base currency is EUR, the credit note should also be in USD. Note the exchange rate used if your accounting software requires it for conversion into your reporting currency.
Does issuing a credit note cancel the original invoice?
Not necessarily. A credit note reduces the balance owed or credits an overpayment, but it does not void the original invoice. If the credit exactly matches the invoice total and the work was not done, you can mark both documents as cancelled in your records. If it is a partial credit, the original invoice remains active with a reduced outstanding balance.