Manager Desktop
A full desktop ledger with invoices, expenses and billable time; collaboration is the part you do not get.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-11
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Free tier / Free tool)
- License
- proprietary, free
- Hosting Model
- Local (on your machine)
- Platforms
- desktopone-click install
- Installation
- Native desktop installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux
- Where Your Data Lives
- Each business is stored in a local .manager file backed by SQLite, including its accounting records and attached documents; the user chooses and backs up that file.
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Manager Desktop keeps the business in a local file and lacks FreshBooks' easy online collaboration, client portal, managed payment collection, mobile expense capture, and hosted convenience.
Replaces 5 paid apps
up to $106/mo ($1,272/yr) in subscriptions
Manager Desktop FAQ
Common questions
Is Manager Desktop free and open source?+
Manager Desktop is a free tool that runs on local. A full desktop ledger with invoices, expenses and billable time; collaboration is the part you do not get.
What paid software does Manager Desktop replace?+
Manager Desktop serves as a free replacement for 5 paid SaaS applications: FreshBooks, QuickBooks Online, Sage Accounting, Xero, Zoho Books, saving up to $106/month ($1,272/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Manager Desktop?+
Installation: Native desktop installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
What is the catch or trade-off with Manager Desktop?+
Manager Desktop keeps the business in a local file and lacks FreshBooks' easy online collaboration, client portal, managed payment collection, mobile expense capture, and hosted convenience.