Documentation

Introduction


BookKeeping is a free, local-first, double-entry accounting system built for small businesses and independents. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with no internet connection required.


Note: This documentation covers the desktop application. For Mini App development, see the Mini Apps section.

Core Concepts


BookKeeping uses standard double-entry bookkeeping principles. Every transaction has at least one debit and one credit, and they must always balance.


  • Entities — separate businesses or clients you manage
  • Accounts — chart of accounts (assets, liabilities, equity, income, expenses)
  • Transactions — journal entries with debits and credits
  • Mini Apps — embedded tools that connect to your data

What's Included


  • Chart of accounts management with sub-types
  • Transaction entry with full double-entry validation
  • Trial balance, balance sheet, and income statement
  • Multiple business entities in one install
  • Built-in App Store for Mini Apps
  • Local SQLite database — your data stays with you