The world's most comprehensive free accounting software for desktop with optional high-performance cloud hosting.
Manager.io is a high-performance, cross-platform accounting engine designed for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that prioritize data sovereignty and modularity. Unlike modern SaaS-only alternatives, Manager.io utilizes a localized, single-file SQLite database architecture, allowing users to run the full application offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux for free. For 2026, it remains a market leader for businesses requiring complex financial capabilities—such as multi-currency handling, batch processing, and custom Liquid-based reporting—without the recurring subscription overhead of competitors like Xero or QuickBooks. The software's technical brilliance lies in its 'Tabs' system, which allows users to toggle specific modules (Inventory, Payroll, Fixed Assets) to maintain a lean UI. Data portability is a core pillar; users can move a single '.manager' file between Desktop, Cloud, and Server editions without any data transformation. Its localization engine, powered by a global community, provides automated tax reporting for over 100 jurisdictions, making it a globally viable solution for diverse regulatory environments.
Uses Liquid syntax to allow users to build highly customized HTML/CSS templates for invoices and quotes.
Verified feedback from the global deployment network.
Post queries, share implementation strategies, and help other users.
Supports 'Batch Create', 'Batch Update', and 'Batch Delete' via clipboard interaction with Excel/Google Sheets.
A community-driven JSON-based framework for generating regional tax reports and localized terminology.
Allows for the bundling of inventory items for sale without pre-assembling them in stock.
Full tracking of profitability on a per-project basis including time-billing and expense allocation.
The Desktop version can run from a USB drive as it is a self-contained environment.
Add fields to any document type that can be mapped to custom reports or external systems.
Managing multiple currencies and inventory across different tax jurisdictions.
Registry Updated:2/7/2026
Maintaining accurate financial records without reliable internet access.
Tracking billable hours and expenses against specific client projects.