# Convert an invoice photo or scan to UBL

SnelUBL can convert an invoice photo or scan to UBL 2.1 or UBL 2.3. Submit the file as PNG, JPEG, HEIF/HEIC, WebP or PDF, review the recognized data, and correct it before exporting the validated UBL output.

## How it works

1. Take a readable photo or scan of the complete invoice.
2. Upload the file in Quick Mode or place it in a workflow.
3. Allow about one minute on average for conversion.
4. Review the invoice number, date, supplier, customer, currency, lines, totals and VAT.
5. Correct inaccurate or missing data.
6. Export to SnelStart or download the UBL file for another supported package.

## Which source formats are supported?

| Format | Supported as source |
|---|---|
| PNG | Yes |
| JPEG | Yes |
| HEIF/HEIC | Yes |
| WebP | Yes |
| Scanned PDF | Yes |
| DOCX | Yes |

A photo or scan is visual input. The UBL output is structured XML. User review therefore remains important, especially when text is hard to read, edges are missing or the photo does not show the complete invoice.

## Recurring scans and photos

Use Quick Mode for individual receipts or photos. For recurring submissions, use a workflow with a dedicated inbox. Attachments are detected automatically and a workflow can send status emails. Cloud folders on Dropbox, OneDrive/SharePoint and Google Drive are also supported.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I use a photo from my phone?

Yes, when it is submitted as JPEG, HEIF/HEIC, PNG or WebP. Make sure the complete invoice is visible and readable.

### Does a scan automatically become a PDF?

The source is used to recognize invoice data and create UBL XML. This page focuses on UBL output; check the application for the downloads available for your conversion.

### Should I review the recognized data?

Yes. You can review and correct the data before export.

### Which UBL version will I receive?

Choose UBL 2.1 or UBL 2.3 based on what your accounting package supports.

### Can I process multiple photos at once?

SnelUBL supports batch processing. Prefer one invoice per file so the source and UBL output remain clearly connected.

### How is my invoice data processed?

SnelUBL is a Dutch company. Invoices are processed encrypted and are not used for other purposes.

Read next: [PDF to UBL](/en/pdf-to-ubl.html), [check UBL](/en/ubl-validator.html) and [What is UBL?](/en/ubl.html).

Last updated: 2 October 2026.