Top 5 Open Source Invoice Generators You Need to Know in 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, managing invoices manually is no longer just inefficient—it’s a potential business risk. Whether you're a freelancer, a small business owner, or a startup founder, generating invoices that are timely, accurate, and professional is crucial for cash flow and credibility. That’s where open-source invoice generators shine.

These tools offer cost-free, customizable solutions that give you full control—without being locked into proprietary systems. If you're searching for a feature-rich and flexible invoicing tool, you're in the right place.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 open-source invoice generators that can streamline your billing process in 2025. We’ll also introduce you to CodeHunger’s Invoice Generator, a standout in the open-source community that’s gaining attention on Product Hunt.

Why Go Open Source for Invoicing?

Full Customization

Open-source invoice generators let you tweak the design, currency, tax structure, and even the entire invoice logic to match your unique workflow.

No Licensing Fees

Forget monthly subscriptions. Open-source tools save money while delivering enterprise-grade features—ideal for startups and bootstrapped businesses.

Community Support and Transparency

Popular projects are often backed by a global community of developers, ensuring bugs are quickly squashed, features evolve, and data security remains transparent.

1. Invoice Ninja

Invoice Ninja is one of the most trusted names in open-source invoicing. It’s feature-packed, cloud-ready, and used by over 100,000 businesses worldwide.

Key Features

1. Create and email invoices in seconds
2. Recurring billing & auto-bill functionality
3. Integrates with over 40 payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
4. White-label option if self-hosted
5. Custom invoice templates using HTML/CSS

Ideal For

Freelancers, digital agencies, and developers looking for flexibility.

2. Crater

Crater is a modern open-source invoicing tool built with Laravel and Vue.js. It's beautifully designed and user-friendly for those who may not be technically inclined.

Key Features

1. Multi-currency & multilingual support
2. Invoice and estimate generation
3. Record expenses and payments
4. GST/VAT tax management
5. Works offline with a mobile app

3. InvoicePlane

InvoicePlane is an older but highly reliable PHP-based open-source invoicing platform. It’s self-hosted and ideal for users who prefer simplicity and direct control over their data.

Key Features

1. Customizable invoice templates
2. Supports quotes and converting them into invoices
3. Client management
4. Integrated payment methods
5. Clean and intuitive UI

4. Factur-X / Invoice-X (Hybrid XML + PDF Invoicing)

Factur-X is a unique open-source invoicing solution that combines visual PDFs with embedded machine-readable XML data—perfect for government or B2B e-invoicing compliance in Europe.

Key Features

1. EU-compliant e-invoices
2. Combines human-readable and machine-readable formats
3. Works with ERP systems
4. Supports ZUGFeRD and Factur-X standards

5. CodeHunger's Open Source Invoice Generator

CodeHunger has launched a sleek, easy-to-use, and 100% free invoice generator designed for freelancers, small businesses, and solopreneurs. Built for performance and simplicity, it’s making waves on Product Hunt for its usability and no-login approach.

Key Features

1. No login required – instant access
2. Free and open-source
3. Download as PDF
4. Input and edit client/business details easily
5. Clean, professional layout

How to Choose the Right Invoice Generator

Choosing the best open-source invoice generator depends on a few key factors:

1. Your Business Needs

1. Do you need recurring billing?
2. Do you send international invoices?
3. Will multiple users access the system?

2. Hosting Preference

1. Do you want a self-hosted tool like InvoicePlane?
2. Or a no-setup-required tool like CodeHunger’s generator?

3. Design and Customization

1. Are you okay with generic templates?
2. Or do you need branding and HTML/CSS control?

The Future of Invoicing: Trends to Watch in 2025

Automation is the Norm

Many businesses now expect invoicing software to automatically handle everything—from tax calculations to reminders.

Cross-Platform & Mobile-First

With remote work booming, mobile access to invoicing tools has become essential.

Data-Driven Invoicing

Advanced tools now integrate analytics to show invoice payment trends, client behavior, and cash flow predictions.

Why CodeHunger’s Invoice Generator Deserves Your Attention

Unlike complex platforms that demand signups or installation, CodeHunger’s Invoice Generator is refreshingly simple. It empowers users to:

1. Create invoices in less than a minute
2. Export high-quality PDFs
3. Never worry about logins, data leaks, or hidden fees
4. Enjoy an open-source community for updates and support

Whether you’re an independent creative or running a boutique agency, it’s a lightweight tool that simply gets the job done—beautifully.

Try it out today → https://invoice.codehunger.in/

Check out our Product Hunt page and support the launch → Visit Product Hunt

Conclusion

Open-source invoice generators have come a long way. In 2025, they’re not just alternatives to paid tools—they’re often better. Whether you’re a solo freelancer or a growing business, choosing the right invoicing solution can save you time, money, and frustration.

From feature-rich tools like Invoice Ninja to refreshingly simple ones like CodeHunger’s Invoice Generator, there’s something out there for everyone.

Make the switch today, and take full control of your billing process—without breaking the bank.