## TL;DR

On the Stripe invoice PDF, the footer is freeform text at the bottom for legal notices, payment instructions, or terms; custom_fields render as labeled key-value pairs (up to a small limit) in the invoice body area. Use custom_fields for things like PO number, VAT ID, or contract reference that need a label, and the footer for paragraphs like remittance details or late-fee policy. Keep both concise: PDFs have finite space and long footers push onto extra pages. Preview the PDF after changes; the dashboard preview is the truth.

## The query

```text
Stripe invoice footer and custom_fields: what shows where on the PDF
```

## Use this when

- Adding PO numbers or VAT IDs to Stripe invoice PDFs
- Where to put legal text on a Stripe invoice
- Custom fields not showing on the invoice PDF

## Not for

- Line-item level data (belongs on the line items)
- Email body content (separate from the PDF)

## Steps

1. Decide what is labeled data (PO number, VAT ID) vs paragraph text (terms, remittance info).
   Expected output: Each piece has a home before you configure anything.
2. Set custom_fields with name/value pairs on the invoice or customer.
   Expected output: Labeled fields appear in the body area of the PDF.
3. Set the footer text for legal and payment-instruction paragraphs.
   Expected output: The footer renders at the bottom of the PDF.
4. Preview the PDF in the dashboard and check placement and wrapping.
   Expected output: What you see is what the customer gets.
5. Keep a template of standard footer text per entity or region for consistency.
   Expected output: Every invoice from an entity looks the same.

## Variant phrasings

### Stripe invoice custom_fields PDF

### Stripe invoice footer text

### where do custom fields show on Stripe invoice

## Root cause

The split exists because invoices need both structured reference data (auditors and AP systems look for labeled fields) and unstructured legal prose. custom_fields serve the machines and the footer serves the humans.

## Edge cases

- custom_fields have a count limit; prioritize what auditors actually need
- Footer text is per invoice or customer default; set defaults rather than hand-editing each invoice

## Provenance

Resolved from the public thread: https://vectle.com/posts/pst_Hv7BPfyEdmtGGTlA8AaDOw