Product Introduction
- Silk: Simple Invoicing is a macOS-native software designed exclusively for freelancers to create, manage, and export professional invoices with minimal effort. It operates entirely offline, ensuring 100% data privacy by storing all information locally on the user’s device without cloud dependencies. The software emphasizes customization, allowing users to tailor invoices with logos, colors, fonts, and automated tax calculations.
- The core value of Silk lies in reducing administrative overhead by automating repetitive tasks like VAT calculations, client data entry, and invoice tracking. It prioritizes user ownership of data, eliminating ads, subscriptions, and third-party data sharing to maintain complete control over financial information. By streamlining invoicing workflows, Silk enables freelancers to focus on their core business activities.
Main Features
- Silk operates offline and guarantees 100% data privacy by storing all invoices, client details, and catalogs exclusively on the user’s macOS device, ensuring no external servers or cloud services are involved. It supports macOS 14.5 and newer, leveraging native frameworks for optimized performance and system integration.
- The software automates VAT and quantity calculations per invoice item, allowing flexible tax rates for individual line items and eliminating manual math errors. Users can save frequently billed items as catalog entries for single-click addition to new invoices, reducing repetitive data entry.
- Customizable invoice templates enable users to apply brand-specific logos, colors, fonts, and themes (dark/light mode) while exporting polished PDFs that retain formatting across devices. Automated client information fields and payment status tracking (paid/unpaid) further simplify workflow management.
Problems Solved
- Silk addresses the time-consuming nature of manual invoicing by automating calculations, client data reuse, and catalog-based item insertion, cutting invoice creation time to minutes. It eliminates reliance on internet-dependent or subscription-based tools, which often compromise privacy or functionality.
- The software specifically targets freelancers and solo entrepreneurs who require a straightforward, ad-free invoicing solution without complex accounting features. It caters to users prioritizing data ownership and macOS-native application performance.
- Typical use cases include generating branded invoices with automated VAT calculations, tracking payment statuses for multiple clients offline, and reusing saved catalog items (e.g., hourly rates or project fees) to accelerate recurring billing cycles.
Unique Advantages
- Unlike web-based invoicing tools, Silk requires no subscriptions, ads, or internet connectivity, offering a one-time purchase model with permanent access to all features. Its macOS-native design ensures seamless integration with system APIs for features like Dark Mode and PDF export.
- The software innovates with per-item VAT flexibility, allowing freelancers to apply different tax rates to individual services or products within the same invoice. Catalog templates and client auto-fill reduce repetitive inputs, while offline data storage ensures compliance with strict privacy regulations.
- Competitive advantages include full invoice customization (logos, fonts, colors), automated calculations with audit trails, and a strict no-data-sharing policy that contrasts with cloud-based alternatives. Its focus on freelancers avoids feature bloat common in enterprise accounting software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What macOS versions are supported? Silk requires macOS 14.5 or newer, leveraging native frameworks like SwiftUI and Core Data for performance and reliability. Older macOS versions are unsupported due to dependency on Apple’s latest security and API updates.
- How does Silk ensure data privacy? All data is stored locally on your device, with no cloud sync, third-party servers, or external backups. The software does not collect usage analytics, payment details, or client information, adhering to a strict zero-data-sharing policy.
- Can I customize invoice designs? Yes, Silk supports full customization of invoices, including logos, color schemes, fonts, and theme modes (dark/light). Exported PDFs retain all design elements for professional client delivery.
- Does Silk handle variable VAT rates per item? Yes, users can assign unique VAT percentages to individual invoice line items, and Silk automatically calculates subtotals, taxes, and grand totals. This flexibility accommodates mixed-tax service bundles.
- How do catalogs work? Frequently billed items or services can be saved as catalog entries with predefined descriptions, rates, and VAT settings. These entries are added to new invoices in one click, minimizing manual input for recurring tasks.