Welcome to this Manager.io tutorial! Manager.io is a powerful, free accounting software that helps businesses of all sizes manage their finances effectively. In this first lesson, we'll cover how to get started. First, visit the official Manager.io website and download the Desktop Edition for your operating system - Windows, macOS, or Linux. You can also choose the Cloud Edition for web-based access, though it requires a subscription. Once downloaded, install the software and launch it to begin your accounting journey.
Now let's create your first business in Manager.io. When you open the application, you'll see the main interface. Click on "Add Business" to start. A dialog box will appear asking you to create a new business. Select "Create New Business" option. Enter your business name in the text field - this can be your company name or any identifier you prefer. Finally, click "Create New Business" to complete the setup. Your business is now created and ready for configuration!
Now let's configure your business settings and enable the modules you need. First, go to Settings to set up your Business Details including your company address and registration information. Select your Base Currency - this will be your primary currency for all transactions. Set the Start Date, which is when you want to begin recording transactions in Manager.io. Next, you need to enable the modules you'll use. Click Customize to see available modules. Enable Bank Accounts for managing your cash and bank transactions, Customers and Suppliers for managing your contacts, and Sales Invoices and Purchase Invoices for billing. These core modules will handle most basic accounting needs.
Now let's set up your bank accounts and contacts. Go to the Bank Accounts module and click New Bank Account. Enter the account name like Checking Account or Savings Account. Set your opening balance - this is how much money you have in that account when you start using Manager.io. Enter the date for this opening balance. Click Create to save the account. Repeat this for all your bank and cash accounts. Next, add your customers and suppliers by going to the respective modules. Enter their contact details, addresses, and payment terms. This contact information will be used when creating invoices and recording transactions. Having accurate opening balances ensures your financial reports are correct from day one.
Now you're ready to record transactions! Create sales invoices for your customers by going to Sales Invoices, selecting the customer, and entering the items and amounts. When customers pay, record the payment by going to Bank Accounts, clicking Receive Money, and allocating it to the specific invoice. For expenses, create purchase invoices from suppliers and record payments the same way. Manager.io automatically updates your financial reports. Check your Profit and Loss statement to see your income and expenses, and the Balance Sheet to view your assets and liabilities. Remember to backup your data regularly by going to File menu and selecting Backup. This protects your financial data and ensures you can restore it if needed. You now have the foundation to manage your business finances effectively with Manager.io!