Alternatives
ConnectWise Manage ships with basic invoice templates that most MSPs outgrow quickly. Here are your options for customizing how your invoices look, from free built-in tools to third-party solutions.
ConnectWise Manage's default invoices are functional but generic. Every MSP using them sends the same invoice. You can't control the layout, fonts, colors, or branding. The built-in templates give you basic column visibility and time entry detail levels, but nothing beyond that.
Report Writer is ConnectWise's answer to deeper customization, but it requires SQL and Report Writer knowledge. Custom templates take 20 to 40 seconds to generate.
Invoice Groups solve one specific problem — too many line items — but don't change the look of the invoice. They only apply to agreement additions.
Option 1
ConnectWise Manage includes a handful of default invoice templates. In Setup Tables > Billing > Invoice Templates, you can assign a template to each invoice type, control time entry detail level, and toggle basic column visibility.
Pros
Cons
Best for: MSPs that only need basic invoice formatting and are satisfied with the default look.
Option 2
Report Writer is ConnectWise Manage's built-in tool for fully custom invoice templates. It gives you complete control over layout and data, but it requires SQL and Report Writer knowledge. Templates are edited in a small textarea with no preview. Read why MSPs are moving on from Report Writer for the full breakdown.
Pros
Cons
Best for: MSPs with developer resources who want full control at no extra cost and are willing to invest the time. Detailed Report Writer limitations →
Option 3
ConnectWise offers custom invoice templates through their Professional Services team, available on the ConnectWise Marketplace. They build custom HTML forms (invoices, purchase orders, sales orders) using Report Writer with your desired data and design.
Pros
Cons
Best for: MSPs who want an official ConnectWise solution and prefer working directly with the vendor.
Option 4
Several consulting firms build custom ConnectWise invoice templates for you. Most use Report Writer and charge a one-time build fee (typically $1,500 or more), and some offer an API-hosted option with a monthly fee. Add-ons like combined invoices, grouped additions, or product images are usually priced separately.
Pros
Cons
Best for: MSPs who want a done-for-you build and need combined invoices today.
Option 5
Better Invoice replaces ConnectWise Report Writer entirely. You configure your invoice through a visual interface with 150+ settings — no HTML, no CSS, no SQL. Every change appears instantly in a live preview. The Custom plan adds a browser-based code editor with syntax highlighting, version history, and one-click restore for complete control.
Pros
Cons
Best for: MSPs who want control over their invoices without developer skills or large upfront costs. Done-for-you template builds available on the Custom plan.
| Built-in | Report Writer | CW Pro Services | Consultants | Better Invoice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free | Contact CW | $1,500+ | Free / $29 / $99 mo |
| Developer skills | No | Yes | No (done for you) | No (done for you) | No |
| Full branding | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-service editing | Limited | Yes (code) | No | No | Yes (visual + code) |
| PDF speed | 3–4 sec | 20–40 sec | 20–40 sec | 20–40 sec* | <1 sec |
| Live preview | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Combined invoices | No | DIY | Unknown | Yes | No |
| External data sources | No | No | No | Unknown | Yes (Custom) |
*Consultant-built templates typically run on Report Writer, so PDF generation is subject to the same 20 to 40 second render times. API-hosted options can be faster but combined invoices may still slow down with high line item counts.
If you just need basic template selection with no branding, built-in templates are fine. If you have developer resources and want full control at no extra cost, Report Writer is an option, but expect slow generation and reliability issues.
If you want someone to build it for you and you need combined invoices today, a third-party consultant is the established route — but budget $1,500+ upfront and expect to go back to them for changes. ConnectWise Professional Services offers a similar build directly through the vendor.
If you want control over your invoices without developer skills — fast rendering, live preview, and a free tier to try before you buy — Better Invoice is the modern alternative. Configure it yourself, or hand it off: the Custom plan includes a done-for-you build. Start free and upgrade when you're ready.
Try Better Invoice free. No credit card, no sales call.
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