Questions and answers

What is FreedomBooks?

A free, open-source accounting app for very small businesses. It runs on your own computer, works offline, and covers everyday bookkeeping: invoices, bills, checks, deposits, bank reconciliation, sales tax and reports.

Who is it for?

The person who runs the whole business: one person, one bank account, personal and business money mixed together, and no bookkeeper.

Can I download it now?

Not yet. FreedomBooks is still being built. Windows, macOS and Linux versions are planned. The Get it page lists every place it will be offered, and the roadmap shows where things stand.

How much does it cost?

FreedomBooks is free. There is no subscription.

Do I need an internet connection?

No. FreedomBooks works offline. The internet is only used by the optional plugins (bank feeds, invoice email and receipt reading), and only when you turn them on.

Where are my books kept?

In one encrypted file on your own computer. You don't need a cloud account. See Privacy and your data.

How does the AI help work?

AI help is optional. The receipt-reading plugin uses your own ChatGPT account ("Sign in with ChatGPT") to turn a receipt into a draft bill. AI suggestions stay drafts until you check them and save them yourself.

Can it bring in my bank transactions?

Yes, with the optional bank feeds plugin, which works through SimpleFIN using your own SimpleFIN account.

Can I email invoices?

Yes, with the optional email plugin. It sends through Gmail, Microsoft 365 or any SMTP mail server.

Is it really open source?

Yes. The source code will be published on GitHub. It is not public yet; you can follow on GitHub to see when it opens.