Getting Started with Manifest

Last updated: April 2026

Welcome to Manifest! This guide will help you set up and start using Manifest to track your freelance work effectively.

Requirements

  • iOS 26.0 or later
  • iPhone or iPad
  • Apple ID for App Store download

Download Manifest

Manifest is coming soon to the App Store. It will be free during the beta period. Check the landing page for the latest updates on our launch.

Add Your First Client

Once Manifest is installed, adding your first client takes about 30 seconds:

  1. Open Manifest
  2. Tap the Clients tab
  3. Tap the + button
  4. Enter client name
  5. Enter their email (for invoices)
  6. Set their hourly rate and currency
  7. Choose a color tag for easy identification
  8. Tap Save Client
Tip: Set different rates and currencies for different clients. Manifest remembers each client's configuration separately.

Start Tracking Time

There are two ways to track time in Manifest:

Manual Tracking

  1. Go to the Time tab
  2. Tap Start
  3. Select a client from the list
  4. The timer begins immediately
  5. Tap Stop when done

Auto-Detection

Manifest can detect work sessions from your calendar. Grant calendar access when prompted, and Manifest will:

  • Detect meetings with client names
  • Auto-suggest time entries
  • Link sessions to correct clients

Generate Your First Invoice

  1. Go to Invoices tab
  2. Tap +
  3. Select a client
  4. Manifest shows unbilled sessions
  5. Tap Create Invoice
  6. Edit details if needed
  7. Send as PDF or save as draft

Permissions Manifest Needs

Manifest requests these permissions for full functionality:

  • Calendar - Auto-detect work sessions and import events
  • Location - Focus Filters by location
  • Notifications - Timer alerts and time reminders
Privacy First: All your data stays on your device. Manifest never uploads or shares your data.

Next Steps

Now that you're set up, explore Manifest's full feature set: