Essential Tools for Freelancers: Project Management, Invoicing, and Getting Paid
Freelancing offers tons of benefits—flexibility, autonomy, the freedom to choose your clients, and even the ability to get paid in foreign currency. But without proper organization, the freedom of freelancing can quickly turn into chaos. And that’s where the right tools make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll share key tools for freelancers, broken down into three essential categories: project management, invoicing, and international payments. These tools are designed to help you stay efficient, save time, and take control of your freelance business.
Tools for Project and Task Management
If you’re juggling multiple clients or projects at once, mental notes alone won’t cut it. These platforms can help you plan your work, track deadlines, and stay on top of deliverables:
Trello
Perfect if you like visual workflows. Trello uses boards with columns like “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Completed” that you can drag and drop as tasks evolve.
- Free and paid versions available
- Very intuitive interface
- Great for solo use or small teams
- Ideal for simple to medium-sized projects
Notion
More than just a task manager, Notion is an all-in-one workspace. You can combine notes, databases, calendars, task trackers, and documentation in one place.
- Great if you want everything—projects, to-dos, ideas, budgets—in one hub
- Highly customizable to fit any workflow
- Free plan is feature-rich for solo users
Asana
Originally built for teams, Asana also works well for freelancers managing multi-step projects. Assign tasks, set priorities, and track deadlines all in one space.
- Ideal for deadline-driven projects
- Smooth integrations with Google Drive, Slack, and more
- Clear task structure with due dates and comments
Tools for Invoicing
Sending professional invoices is a key part of freelancing. It not only helps you get paid, but also keeps your income organized and documented.
Many platforms let you generate digital invoices in different currencies and languages—perfect if you work with international clients. Some even offer:
- Integration with online payment systems
- Automatic or recurring invoice options
- Income and expense reports to help manage your finances
Most tools have free tiers with basic features—great if you’re just starting out or have a modest client base.
Tools for International Payments
Getting paid by international clients can be a challenge if you don’t have the right setup. Depending on where you live, different platforms will suit you better—but the goal is the same:
- Receive payments in USD or other currencies easily
- Avoid high fees or bad exchange rates
- Access your funds quickly—either in a local or global account
- Generate reports and receipts to keep your records in order
Coming soon: You’ll be able to access new solutions for international payments—manage foreign income and streamline your finances, all from one app. Inter is working on tools designed specifically for freelancers who work across borders.
Other Helpful Tools for Day-to-Day Freelancing
These tools don’t fit neatly into one category but can really boost your workflow:
- Google Calendar – Schedule meetings, deadlines, and deliveries
- Google Drive or Dropbox – Share and store important files with clients
- Clockify – Track how much time you spend on each client or project
- Canva – Design proposals, social posts, or simple visuals—no design skills needed
The Right Tools = A Better Freelance Life
You don’t need to use every tool out there. The key is choosing the ones that match your workflow, your client base, and the level of organization you need. With the right setup, you can professionalize your freelance business, save time, and focus on doing what you do best.
Manage international payments, invest globally, and access exclusive benefits—built for freelancers.
Download the Inter app and be among the first to explore what’s coming.
