Crater
Free open-source invoicing app for freelancers and small businesses
About Crater
Crater is a free, open-source web and mobile invoicing application built specifically for freelancers and small businesses. Built with Laravel and Vue.js on the web and React Native for mobile, it handles invoice creation, expense tracking, payment recording, estimates, tax calculations, and detailed financial reporting — all without subscription fees.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100% free with no premium tiers or hidden fees
- Native mobile apps for iOS and Android — rare for open-source invoicing tools
- Purpose-built for freelancers with clean, focused interface
- Built with modern stack (Laravel + Vue.js + React Native)
- Multi-currency support for international clients
- Client portal for professional invoice delivery
Cons
- Self-hosting only — no managed cloud option available
- Requires a server with PHP and MySQL for installation
- Smaller community than Invoice Ninja with less frequent updates
- No built-in online payment gateway integration (manual payment tracking only)
- Limited accounting features — strictly invoicing and expense tracking
Key Features
Professional Invoicing
Create and send professional invoices with customizable templates, line items, discounts, and tax calculations
Estimates & Quotes
Generate estimates for potential work that can be converted to invoices upon client approval
Expense Tracking
Track business expenses by category with receipt attachments and vendor tagging
Recurring Invoices
Set up automated recurring invoices on predefined schedules for retainer clients
Multi-Currency Support
Invoice clients in their local currency for international freelance work
Client Portal
Clients can view invoices, estimates, and track their payment history online
Tax Management
Configure multiple tax types and rates for accurate tax reporting
Financial Reports
Detailed reports on revenue, expenses, profit/loss by client and time period
Mobile Apps
Native iOS and Android apps built with React Native for invoicing on the go
RESTful API
Full API for integrating with other tools and building custom workflows
Pricing
- All features included
- Unlimited invoices
- Unlimited clients
- Mobile apps
- Community support
- Full source code
Best For
Freelancer Billing
Create and send professional invoices to clients from web or mobile with expense tracking
Mobile Invoicing
Generate invoices on the go using the native iOS/Android apps during client meetings or on-site work
International Freelancing
Invoice clients across countries in their local currency with multi-currency support
Self-Hosted Privacy
Keep all financial data on your own server for complete privacy and data ownership
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Featured In
7 Best Open-Source Invoicing & Finance Tools for Freelancers (2026)
Best for mobile invoicing — the native iOS/Android apps make Crater the top choice for freelancers who create invoices away from their desk.
Best Invoicing Tools That Actually Get Freelancers Paid on Time (2026)
Best free mobile invoicing — Crater is ideal for freelancers who need simple, free invoicing with native mobile apps, though the lack of integrated online payments means it's best for clients who pay via bank transfer.
6 Best Accounting Tools for Fast Bank Reconciliation (2026)
Best free option for simple reconciliation — Crater's open-source invoicing platform includes basic reconciliation that's good enough for freelancers and micro-businesses.