APEX LEDGER PRO - FREE AND FOUNDER EDITIONS
Version 1.0.0

Apex Ledger Pro is an offline-first accounting and financial management
application for Windows. The same installation starts in Free Edition and can
be upgraded in-app to Founder Edition without reinstalling or moving data.

PACKAGE CONTENTS
----------------
ApexLedgerPro_Free.exe
    The complete Windows application. No Python installation is required.

ApexLedgerPro_How_To_Use.pdf
    Installation, activation, setup, workflow, backup, and troubleshooting
    guide.

ApexLedgerPro_Free.exe.sha256
    Optional integrity checksum for verifying the downloaded EXE.


SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
-------------------
- Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit
- At least 4 GB RAM; 8 GB recommended
- Approximately 250 MB free disk space, plus room for business data/backups
- Internet connection only when activating an optional Founder Edition license
- A PDF reader for exported reports, invoices, and this guide


INSTALLATION
------------
1. Download ApexLedgerPro_Free.exe to a permanent folder.
2. Double-click ApexLedgerPro_Free.exe.
3. If Windows SmartScreen appears, verify that the file came from your
   authorized source. Choose "More info" and "Run anyway" only when you trust
   the download.
4. Complete the company and administrator first-run setup screens.

The first launch can take longer than later launches because the packaged
application is being prepared by Windows.


FREE AND FOUNDER EDITIONS
-------------------------
No license is required for Free Edition. Free Edition includes the dashboard,
customers, invoices, core bookkeeping, core financial reports, search, basic
audit history, local backups, settings, and About.

Founder features remain visible and show an upgrade dialog when selected. To
upgrade, choose Activate License in Settings, About, an upgrade dialog, or a
locked Founder screen, then enter the Gumroad license key. Internet access is
needed only for this user-initiated activation.

The encrypted license is stored locally and tied to the current computer. After
successful activation, Founder Edition unlocks immediately and works offline.
Deactivating removes only the local activation record and returns the same
installation to Free Edition. Accounting data is not removed.

Do not publish, share, or include your license key in screenshots or support
messages.


WHERE DATA IS STORED
--------------------
Primary application data:
%USERPROFILE%\ApexLedgerPro\

Verified backups:
%USERPROFILE%\ApexLedgerPro_Backups\

Encrypted local license:
%APPDATA%\ApexLedgerPro\license.dat

Apex Ledger Pro stores accounting data locally. Removing the EXE does not
automatically remove the database or backups.


RECOMMENDED FIRST STEPS
-----------------------
1. Enter the company profile and create a strong administrator password.
2. Review My Categories & Accounts.
3. Create a verified backup in Settings & Backup.
4. Add customers and projects.
5. Enter opening balances, daily transactions, bills, and expenses carefully.
6. Create invoices and record payments.
7. Review the Trial Balance, Profit & Loss, and Balance Sheet regularly.
8. Create another backup after meaningful accounting work.


CORE AREAS
----------
Dashboard
    Business KPIs, recent invoices, alerts, and high-level insights.

Clients
    Clients & Projects, Bids & Quotes, and Invoices.

Books
    Categories & Accounts, Daily Transactions, General Journal Entries,
    Staff & Payroll, Bills & Expenses, Check Writer, Spending Budgets, and
    Financial Reports.

Assets
    Net Worth Summary, Stocks & Shares, Crypto Wallet, and CDs & Bonds.

Settings
    Security Logs, company settings, users, permissions, licensing, backups,
    restore tools, and system information.

Ask Apex
    A read-only business assistant that explains available local business
    context and suggests navigation. Review all financial guidance before
    making decisions.


BACKUPS
-------
Create a backup before imports, payroll changes, opening-balance work, major
edits, or restoring another database.

Open Settings > Settings & Backup > Create Backup.

Keep additional copies of important backups on an encrypted external drive or
another secure location. A backup that remains only on the same computer does
not protect against drive failure, theft, or total system loss.

Restoring replaces the active database after creating a safety backup. The
application closes after a successful restore and must be reopened.


IMPORTANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
------------------------------
- Verify dates, accounts, customers, vendors, tax treatment, and amounts before
  posting.
- Use reversals or supported void workflows for posted accounting activity.
- Reconcile bank activity and review outstanding invoices regularly.
- Confirm that Assets equal Liabilities plus Equity.
- Review payroll, tax estimates, 1099 information, and financial statements
  with a qualified professional before filing or making material decisions.
- Do not treat Ask Apex output as tax, legal, or professional accounting advice.


TROUBLESHOOTING
---------------
Founder activation fails:
    Confirm the license key exactly matches the Gumroad receipt. Confirm
    internet access and try again. Free Edition and existing data remain
    available.

The application does not open:
    Wait at least 20 seconds after the first double-click. Check whether it is
    already running. Restart Windows and try again.

Windows blocks the download:
    Confirm the file came from the official source. The EXE may be unsigned, so
    Windows can display a reputation warning.

Data appears missing:
    Confirm the correct company database is active. Do not create new data until
    checking Settings & Backup and your backup folder.

Restore fails:
    Use only an Apex Ledger Pro backup with its matching protected key material
    when required. Never rename or alter backup sidecar files.

For purchase or license assistance, use the seller contact information included
with the Gumroad receipt.


LEGAL AND FINANCIAL NOTICE
--------------------------
Apex Ledger Pro is an administrative accounting tool, not a CPA, tax preparer,
attorney, payroll service, or filing service. Users remain responsible for
reviewing records, maintaining backups, and complying with applicable laws.

Use of the software is governed by the included End-User License Agreement and
Terms of Service.
