So after much procrastination 😅, I finally managed to finish this project and would like to share it with you today.
Manta is a flexible invoicing desktop app that allows you to quickly create beautiful invoices without the need of using design software like Photoshop, InDesign or Sketch.
Why?
The main reason I decided to build this is because I needed a simple tool to create good-looking invoices, estimates, and receipts but couldn't find one that suits my needs. I don't create invoices for a living but I do need it from time to time. So for me, an ideal invoicing app just needs to be good at one thing and one thing only, which is making invoices.
I really don't need a full-fledged bookkeeping or accounting software, and I believe there are many people such as freelance designers, developers, photographers or writers... also have such need.
The Problems.
Most (if not all) invoicing products that I found have problems and they come down to 2 things complexity and privacy:
- Most invoicing products now is web-based, which means an Internet connection is required.
- If the connection is not good, it can jeopardize the whole experience
- It doesn't make sense to maintain an account (normally comes with a recurring monthly fee) just to make one to two invoices in a few months.
- Sure, there some open-source products that can be self-hosted, but it begs the questions: Who will setup the product? Who will maintain the server? Who will cover the cost? ...
- When you use a web service, most of the time, you’re giving away your data whether you want it or not. Financial data is sensitive and I believe that no one should know about your data except yourself.
Goals.
So I know that Manta would need to satisfy these criteria:
- 🚀 Fast!!!.
- 👍 Friendly UI & UX.
- 🎉 Has good-looking templates.
- 🔒 Does not touch user’s data.
- 💰 Free! :)
Results.
After a few months of design, development and 2 prototypes, the final Manta comes with these features:
- 🎚 Flexible form. You can toggle fields when necessary.
- 🏗 Drag & drop for reordering items. This makes editing easier.
- 📐 Allow using SVGs for the logo -> better printing.
- 🎨 2 Custom designed & highly customizable templates. Will add more in future versions.
- 📊 Export PDF for print or email.
- 🔒 Privacy. Your data stays where it belongs.
- 💯 Totally Free.
You can go to the website to Download the latest verion and try it out today.
One more thing.
I also decided to open source this project so everyone can make it better and make Manta work the way they want. If you're interested, here's the repo: https://github.com/hql287/Manta
The project has been staying in GitHub trending since yesterday, now it's in top 10 of all languages and top 3 in JavaScript. For someone doesn't do much OSS, I found this very encouraging. So thank you very much for showing the love. It really means the world to me :)
I firmly believe that Manta can save you time and possibly will impress your clients, too.
Please give it a try and I would love to hear what you think. Feedbacks, ideas and suggestions are always welcomed.
Enjoy your weekend! :)
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