The project is freely available on GitHub here: https://github.com/hql287/Manta
The main reason I decided to build this is because I need a simple tool to create good looking invoices, estimates, and receipts but couldn't find one that suits my needs. I don't do invoicing for a living but I do need it occasionally so 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.
I believe there are many people such as freelance designers, developers, photographers or writers... also have such need. However, most (if not all) products I found have these these problems:
Complexity
Most invoicing products nowadays is web-based, which means you’ll need to maintain a new account (possible a monthly fee, too) just to create an invoice.
Sure, there some open-source products that can be self-hosted, but that will introduce a new layer of complexity to your workflow. Who will setup the product? Who will maintain the server? Who will cover the cost? ...
You will always need internet connection to be able to create your invoices. It can be slow sometimes.
Privacy
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
With that in mind, I know that Manta would need to satisfy these criteria:
- 🚀 Fast!!!
- 👍 Friendly UI & UX
- 🎉 Has nice looking templates
- 🔒 Does not touch user’s data
- 💰 Free! :)
Main Features
- 📢Support multiple languages.
- 🎚 Flexible form with lots of custom fields.
- 🏗 Drag & drop for reordering items. This makes editing easier.
- 📐 Use SVGs for logo for better printing.
- 🎨 Custom designed & highly customizable templates.
- 🏷 Custom statuses for invoices.
- 📊 Export PDF for print or email.
- 🔒Complete Privacy. You financial data stays where it belongs.
- 💯 Totally Free.
Technology Stack
Roadmap
I don't have a concrete roadmap for Manta yet. However, the project is still under active development on GitHub so all bug reports, feature requests, ideas and suggestions are welcome!
How to contribute?
I've written a detailed guide on how to contribute to Manta. Feel free to take a look
Posted on Utopian.io - Rewarding Open Source Contributors