One of the most common questions new users ask is how quickly they can get started with Orkely. The short answer is: immediately. Orkely is a Windows desktop application — there is no hosting server to configure, no cloud account to sign up for, and no technical setup required.
This guide walks through everything you need to do after installing Orkely, from initial setup to running your first project and generating local documents.
1. Run the installer
Install Orkely Free or Orkely Pro directly from the Microsoft Store, then open the app to run first-time setup. It sets up in under a minute, creating a fully self-contained local workspace database directly on your PC.
Because there are no logins or cloud registration steps, the app boots straight into your local workspace.
2. Set up your company profile
Go to Settings → Company Settings. This is where you configure your company name, logo, branding colors, contact information, and default invoice terms. Getting this right from the start ensures everything you create — invoices, proposals, reports — reflects your brand.
You can also configure SMTP settings here if you wish to email invoices and proposals directly from the app using your own email address.
3. Configure custom branding
Go to Settings → Invoice Template to customize how your branded PDFs look, selecting themes, colors, and layout configurations. All PDFs are generated locally on your machine using our embedded layout engine.
If you have questions about pricing, the pricing page has all the details — Orkely Free is free forever for core features, and Orkely Pro is a single one-time purchase.
4. Create your first client and project
Once your settings are configured, start by adding your first client from the Clients section. Then create a project under that client. Orkely links clients, projects, tasks, invoices, and files together — so a project automatically connects to its client, and invoices can be generated directly from project work.
This structured approach eliminates the spreadsheet chaos many freelancers deal with. If that sounds familiar, read the signs your business has outgrown spreadsheets.
5. Manage your tasks and time
Use the Tasks section to log milestones and checklist subtasks. You can assign priorities, track deadlines, and log hours worked directly against your tasks to build an accurate historical record of your client work.
6. Start invoicing and tracking finances
With your clients and projects in place, you can start creating invoices directly from the Invoices section. Invoices can be linked to projects and exported as branded PDFs. The Finance section tracks both income and expenses, giving you a clear picture of your business finances in one place.
Every feature is available locally from day one. There are no locked features, no upgrade prompts, and no internet connection required for day-to-day use.