Alternatives

ConnectWise Invoice Template 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.

Why MSPs look for alternatives

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 Built-in Templates

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

  • + Free — included with ConnectWise Manage
  • + No setup required
  • + Fast PDF generation (3–4 seconds)

Cons

  • – Limited layout, font, and color control
  • – Limited branding options
  • – No custom fields or conditional logic

Best for: MSPs that only need basic invoice formatting and are satisfied with the default look.

Option 2

ConnectWise Report Writer

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

  • + Full layout control
  • + No additional cost
  • + Access to ConnectWise database views

Cons

  • – Requires SQL and Report Writer knowledge
  • – 20–40 second PDF generation
  • – Contradictory documentation

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 Professional Services

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

  • + Official ConnectWise solution
  • + Built by the Report Writer team

Cons

  • – Pricing not publicly available
  • – Still uses Report Writer (same speed/reliability issues)
  • – Limited public information on scope and turnaround

Best for: MSPs who want an official ConnectWise solution and prefer working directly with the vendor.

Option 4

NexNow

NexNow is a consulting firm that builds custom ConnectWise invoice templates. They offer Report Writer-based templates (one-time build starting at $1,750) and an API-hosted solution ($750 setup + $59/month). Optional add-ons include combined invoices, grouped additions, and product images at $999 each.

Pros

  • + Done-for-you service
  • + Combined/master invoices
  • + Deep ConnectWise expertise

Cons

  • – $1,750+ upfront cost
  • – Self-editing requires Report Writer skills
  • – Most changes require NexNow engagement in practice

Best for: MSPs who need combined invoices today. Detailed NexNow comparison →

Option 5

Better Invoice

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

  • + Free tier (30 invoices/month)
  • + Self-service with live preview
  • + Sub-second PDF generation
  • + Code editor with version history (Custom plan)
  • + External API data sources (Custom plan)

Cons

  • – No combined invoices yet (planned)
  • – Newer product

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.

All options compared

Built-in Report Writer CW Pro Services NexNow Better Invoice
Cost Free Free Contact CW $1,750+ 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 ($999) No
External data sources No No No Unknown Yes (Custom)

*NexNow's hosted solution bypasses Report Writer but combined invoices may still be slow with high line item counts per their FAQ.

How to choose

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 need combined invoices or want someone to build the template for you, NexNow is the established choice — but budget $2,000+ upfront.

If you want self-service control with no developer skills required, fast rendering, live preview, and a free tier to try before you buy, Better Invoice is the modern alternative. Start free and upgrade when you're ready.

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