Migration Guides → FreshBooks

FreshBooks → HELIX

Difficulty: easy Time: 1 hour Portability: 8/10

Migration Summary

Switch from FreshBooks to Helix in about 1 hour. Export your data as CSV, import into Helix, set up your services. Run both in parallel for a week, then cancel FreshBooks. $33/month → $279 once.

What Transfers

Transfers Fully

✓ Client contact information

✓ Invoice history with line items

✓ Expense records

✓ Payment history

Transfers Partially

~ Project details (basic export)

~ Time entries (separate export)

Needs Rebuilding

✗ Recurring invoice templates

✗ Automated late payment reminders

✗ Proposal templates

✗ Dashboard customizations

Step 1: Export from FreshBooks

1

Export Clients

Settings → Export Data → Select 'Clients' → Download CSV.

3 minutes ⚠ FreshBooks exports are clean and straightforward
2

Export Invoices

Settings → Export Data → Select 'Invoices' → Include all date ranges.

3 minutes ⚠ Line item details included in export
3

Export Time Entries (if used)

Settings → Export Data → Select 'Time Entries.' Useful for service-based pricing reference.

3 minutes ⚠ Good data for understanding your actual time per service type
4

Screenshot Recurring Templates

Go to Recurring Templates and screenshot any active recurring invoices. You'll rebuild these as Bookings in Helix.

5 minutes ⚠ Note the frequency, amount, and next send date

Step 2: Import into Helix

1

Import Clients to Connect

Helix Connect → Import → Upload FreshBooks client CSV. Standard mapping process.

10 minutes
2

Recreate Services

Based on your invoice line items, create Helix Services. Bundle where it makes sense.

15 minutes
3

Set Up Recurring in Bookings

For any recurring clients from FreshBooks, create recurring Bookings in Helix with matching frequencies.

15 minutes

First Week Checklist

All checked? Cancel your FreshBooks subscription. Download a final backup first.

FreshBooks users often chose it for the clean, friendly interface. Helix has a different aesthetic — dark, focused, professional — but the operational workflow is tighter. You'll spend less time in software and more time working. That's the trade.

Common Questions

Is Helix as 'pretty' as FreshBooks?

FreshBooks is known for beautiful invoices. Helix invoices are professional but simpler. Most customers care about clarity and payment ease, not design awards.

What about FreshBooks proposals?

Helix doesn't have a proposal feature. For simple proposals, use Invoices with 'Estimate' status. For complex proposals, consider a free tool like Canva or stick with simple email.

Does Helix track expenses?

Helix focuses on income-generating activities. For expense tracking, use a simple spreadsheet or keep FreshBooks/Wave just for expense categorization if tax complexity requires it.

Get Helix — $279 Once

30-day money-back guarantee. Cancel FreshBooks after your first week with Helix.