Frappe Version 16 release notes are finally here, and this update brings one of the biggest performance and usability upgrades ever released in the Frappe ecosystem. With nearly 2x faster performance, a redesigned workspace, new security features, and modern PDF rendering, Frappe v16 is a major step forward for developers, ERPNext users, and businesses relying on Frappe-based applications.
Frappe v16 beta releases on November 15, 2025, followed by the final stable release on December 6, 2025 at Frappeverse Egypt.
This version focuses on real-world improvements users have been requesting for years—speed, smoother navigation, cleaner design, better reporting options, and enhanced data security.
Why Frappe Framework Matters
Before diving into v16 features, let’s clarify what Frappe Framework is and why this release matters.
What is Frappe Framework?
Frappe is the open-source, full-stack web framework that powers ERPNext, Frappe HRMS, and thousands of custom business applications worldwide. Think of it as the foundation—the engine that makes ERPNext run. When Frappe Framework gets faster, everything built on it (ERPNext, HRMS, your custom apps) gets faster too.
The Relationship: – Frappe Framework = The foundation (like the engine of a car) – ERPNext = Business application built on Frappe (like the car itself) – Frappe HRMS = HR application built on Frappe – Your Custom Apps = Your specific business solutions built on Frappe
When Frappe v16 delivers 2x performance, ERPNext v16 inherits that speed. When Frappe v16 redesigns the workspace, ERPNext users see that new interface. This is why Frappe Framework releases matter to everyone in the ecosystem.
Official Frappe Version 16 Release Dates
The Frappe team has confirmed the release timeline:
Beta Release: November 15, 2025
Developers and businesses can start testing Frappe Framework v16 beta on November 15, 2025. This beta phase is critical for testing custom app compatibility, exploring new features, and reporting bugs before the final release.
Final Stable Release: December 6, 2025
The production-ready version launches on December 6, 2025, at Frappeverse Egypt—the global Frappe community conference. This final release will include all bug fixes and improvements identified during beta testing.
Community Invitation:
We invite all community members to explore the beta, try the new features, and share your feedback. If you find any bugs, please create an issue in the respective GitHub repository. Your feedback helps us ship the most stable and refined release possible.
Frappe Version 16 Release Notes: Major Performance Improvements
~2× Faster Performance: The Frappe Caffeine Architecture
The headline feature of Frappe v16 is simple: it’s approximately twice as fast as v15. This isn’t marketing hype—it’s the result of fundamental architectural improvements through the Frappe Caffeine project.
What Got Faster:
Page Load Times: Initial page loads are significantly faster, especially for complex forms and dashboards with multiple fields and calculations.
Report Generation: Reports that previously took 10-15 seconds now load in 5-7 seconds. For large datasets, the improvement is even more dramatic.
List View Rendering: Scrolling through large lists (thousands of records) is now smooth and responsive, even with multiple columns and filters active.
Database Queries: Optimized query patterns reduce database load and improve response times across all operations.
API Response Times: REST API calls are faster, benefiting integrations and mobile apps built on Frappe.
How They Achieved 2x Speed:
The Frappe team rebuilt core components with performance as the primary goal: – Optimized JavaScript bundling and loading – Reduced redundant database queries – Improved caching strategies – Streamlined rendering pipelines – Better memory management
Real-World Impact:
For a manufacturing company with 50,000 stock transactions, generating an inventory report that took 18 seconds in v15 now takes 8-9 seconds in v16. For an NBFC processing 10,000 loan applications monthly, form load times drop from 3-4 seconds to under 2 seconds. These improvements compound throughout the workday, saving hours of cumulative waiting time.
Completely Redesigned Workspace
Frappe v16 introduces a completely redesigned workspace interface that modernizes the entire user experience.
New Desktop Interface
The desktop (home screen) has been rebuilt from the ground up with:
Modern Visual Design: Cleaner layouts, better spacing, and contemporary design patterns that feel familiar to users of modern web applications.
Improved Module Cards: Module cards are now more informative, showing key metrics and quick actions without requiring navigation into the module.
Customizable Layouts: Users can arrange their workspace to prioritize the modules and shortcuts they use most frequently.
Faster Navigation: Reduced clicks to reach common tasks. The new navigation structure learns from your usage patterns and surfaces frequently-used features.
Enhanced Module Cells
Module cells (the building blocks of your workspace) have been redesigned for better information density and usability:
- Quick Stats: See key metrics at a glance without opening reports
- Recent Activity: View recent transactions and documents directly from the module card
- Shortcuts: Access common tasks with one click
- Visual Indicators: Color-coded status indicators for pending approvals, overdue tasks, and alerts
Intuitive Navigation
The navigation system has been streamlined:
- Global Search: Faster, more accurate search across all documents and reports
- Command Palette: Keyboard shortcuts for power users to access any feature instantly
- Breadcrumb Navigation: Always know where you are in the application hierarchy
- Quick Switcher: Jump between workspaces and modules without returning to the desktop
Why This Matters:
New employees can become productive faster with less training. Experienced users save time with quicker navigation. The modern interface reduces cognitive load, making long work sessions less tiring.
Enhanced List View Features
List views (where you see lists of documents like invoices, customers, or products) have received major upgrades.
Scrollable and Resizable Columns
The Old Problem: In v15, list views had fixed column widths and limited horizontal scrolling, making it difficult to view all relevant fields without customization.
The v16 Solution: Columns are now fully resizable by dragging column borders. Horizontal scrolling is smooth and intuitive. You can adjust column widths on the fly to focus on the data you need.
Unlimited Fields Support
The Old Limitation: List views were limited in how many fields they could display without performance degradation.
The v16 Improvement: You can now add virtually unlimited fields to your list views without impacting performance. The rendering engine handles large column counts efficiently.
Better Handling of Large Datasets
List views with thousands of records now load and scroll smoothly. The virtualization technology only renders visible rows, keeping memory usage low even with massive datasets.
Practical Example:
An inventory manager viewing 15,000 stock items can now add columns for item group, warehouse, stock level, reorder level, supplier, last purchase date, and average cost—all in one view—and still scroll smoothly through the entire list.
Scrollable Child Tables with Sticky Columns
Child tables (like line items in an invoice or components in a Bill of Materials) have been a pain point in previous versions when dealing with many rows or columns.
The Old Problem
Long child tables required scrolling that often lost context. You’d scroll down to row 50 and forget which columns you were looking at. You’d scroll right to see more fields and lose track of which item you were editing.
The v16 Solution
Horizontal and Vertical Scrolling: Child tables now scroll smoothly in both directions within the form, without scrolling the entire page.
Sticky Columns: Key columns (like item name or description) stay visible as you scroll horizontally through additional fields. This maintains context no matter how far you scroll.
Better Performance: Child tables with 100+ rows load and respond quickly, even with complex calculations.
Use Cases:
- Sales Invoices: Scroll through 50 line items while keeping the item name column visible
- Bill of Materials: Review 80 components with sticky item codes as you check quantities and costs
- Purchase Orders: Compare pricing across multiple columns without losing track of which product you’re viewing
Custom Print Formats for Reports
This is a game-changer for businesses with specific reporting requirements.
What’s New
In previous versions, you could create custom print formats for documents (like invoices or purchase orders), but reports used fixed formats. Frappe v16 now lets you create custom print formats for reports.
Why This Matters
Regulatory Compliance: Create report formats that match regulatory requirements (RBI formats for NBFCs, GST formats for tax reports, industry-specific audit formats).
Management Reporting: Design executive dashboards and management reports with your company branding, specific layouts, and visual elements.
Client-Facing Reports: Generate professional reports for clients with custom headers, footers, and formatting that matches your brand identity.
Multi-Format Support: Create different print formats for the same report—one for internal use, one for auditors, one for clients.
How It Works
Developers can create custom print templates using Jinja templating (the same system used for document print formats). You have complete control over layout, styling, data presentation, and calculations.
Role-Based Field Masking
Data security and privacy compliance get a major boost with role-based field masking.
The Feature
Frappe v16 allows you to mask sensitive fields based on user roles. When a field is masked, users without appropriate permissions see asterisks (****) or blank values instead of actual data.
Security and Compliance Benefits
Salary Confidentiality: HR managers see full salary details, but department managers only see masked values.
Bank Account Protection: Finance team sees complete account numbers, but sales team sees masked numbers (XXXX-XXXX-1234).
Customer Privacy: Support staff see customer names and contact info, but not credit card details or financial information.
Regulatory Compliance: Meet GDPR, data protection laws, and industry-specific privacy requirements by restricting access to sensitive personal data.
Configuration
System administrators can configure field masking at the DocType level, specifying which roles can view unmasked data. The configuration is granular—you can mask different fields for different roles.
Chrome-Based PDF Converter
Frappe v16 replaces the old wkhtmltopdf engine with a modern Chrome-based PDF converter.
Why This Change Matters
Better Rendering Quality: Chrome’s rendering engine produces PDFs that look exactly like what you see on screen, with better font rendering, image quality, and layout accuracy.
Modern CSS Support: The new converter supports modern CSS features, allowing more sophisticated print format designs.
Faster Generation: PDF generation is faster, especially for complex documents with images and tables.
Better Unicode Support: Improved handling of non-Latin scripts (Hindi, Arabic, Chinese, etc.) in PDFs.
Reliability: Chrome’s PDF engine is actively maintained and updated, unlike wkhtmltopdf which is no longer actively developed.
What This Means for Users
Your invoices, reports, and documents will look better when printed or saved as PDF. Complex layouts will render correctly. Multi-language documents will display properly.
What Frappe v16 Means for ERPNext and HRMS Users
If you use ERPNext or Frappe HRMS — or compare platforms like ERPNext vs Odoo — you might wonder: ‘Why should I care about Frappe Framework updates?’
Simple Answer: Everything in ERPNext and HRMS runs on Frappe Framework. When Frappe gets better, your ERP gets better.
Direct Benefits for ERPNext Users
Faster ERPNext: All the performance improvements flow directly to ERPNext. Your accounting reports load faster. Your inventory screens respond quicker. Your POS transactions process faster.
Better ERPNext Interface: The redesigned workspace makes ERPNext easier to use. New employees learn faster. Experienced users work more efficiently.
Enhanced ERPNext Security: Role-based field masking improves data security across all ERPNext modules—accounting, HR, CRM, inventory.
Better ERPNext Reports: Custom print formats for reports mean you can finally make your financial statements, inventory reports, and analytics look exactly how you need them.
Direct Benefits for HRMS Users
Faster HRMS Operations: Payroll processing, attendance reports, and employee data screens all benefit from 2x performance improvements.
Better HRMS Privacy: Mask sensitive salary data, personal information, and confidential HR records based on user roles.
Improved HRMS Reporting: Create custom formats for salary slips, attendance reports, and HR analytics.
What Frappe v16 Means for Custom App Developers
If you build custom applications or offer custom app development on Frappe Framework, v16 opens new possibilities.
Performance Without Extra Work
Your existing apps will automatically run faster on Frappe v16 without code changes. The framework-level optimizations benefit all applications.
New Capabilities
Custom Print Formats for Reports: Build sophisticated reporting features with custom layouts for your clients.
Enhanced Security: Implement field-level security easily with role-based masking.
Better User Experience: Your apps inherit the redesigned workspace and improved navigation.
Modern PDF Generation: Generate better-quality PDFs for your custom documents and reports.
Migration Considerations
Most custom apps will work on Frappe v16 with minimal changes. However, you should:
- Test in Beta: Install v16 beta and test your apps thoroughly
- Check Deprecated APIs: Review the v16 changelog for any deprecated functions
- Update Dependencies: Ensure your app’s dependencies are compatible with v16
- Test Custom UI: If you’ve customized the UI heavily, test that your customizations still work with the redesigned workspace
Beta Testing: How Developers Can Participate
The Frappe community thrives on developer participation. Here’s how to contribute to making v16 the best release yet. For official documentation, visit the Frappe Framework Docs.
Set Up a Test Environment
1. Install Frappe v16 Beta
Use the official bench commands to install the beta version on a test server. Never test on production.
bench init frappe-v16-test –frappe-branch version-16
cd frappe-v16-test
bench new-site test-v16.local
2. Migrate Your Custom Apps
Install your custom apps in the v16 environment and test functionality:
bench get-app your-custom-app
bench –site test-v16.local install-app your-custom-app
3. Test with Real Data
Restore a copy of your production database to the test site to identify real-world issues.
What to Test
Performance: Compare page load times, report generation, and list view scrolling with v15.
Custom Apps: Test all features of your custom applications for compatibility issues.
Print Formats: Test existing print formats to ensure they render correctly with the new PDF converter.
User Interface: Explore the redesigned workspace and navigation to identify any usability issues.
APIs: If you have integrations, test API endpoints for compatibility and performance.
Report Bugs on GitHub
When you find bugs:
- Check Existing Issues: Search the Frappe GitHub repository to see if the bug is already reported
- Create Detailed Reports: Include steps to reproduce, error logs, screenshots, and your environment details
- Provide Context: Explain the expected behavior vs. actual behavior
- Test Fixes: If the team provides a fix, test it and confirm resolution
Share Feedback on the Forum
Join discussions on discuss.frappe.io: – Share your experience with new features – Ask questions about migration – Help other developers with v16 issues – Suggest improvements
Preparing for Frappe v16 Upgrade
Whether you’re running ERPNext, HRMS, or custom apps, proper preparation ensures a smooth upgrade.
Before November 15 (Beta Phase)
1. Audit Your Environment
Document your current setup: – Frappe version and branch – All installed apps and versions – Custom apps and modifications – Server specifications and configuration – Database size and performance metrics
2. Set Up a Staging Environment
Create an exact copy of your production environment for testing. This should mirror production in every way—same apps, same data, same server configuration.
3. Backup Everything
Take complete backups: – Database dumps – Site files (private files, public files) – Custom app code – Configuration files – SSL certificates
Store backups in multiple locations (local, cloud, offsite).
During Beta Phase (Nov 15 – Dec 6)
1. Test in Staging
Upgrade your staging environment to v16 beta and test thoroughly: – All business processes – Custom apps functionality – Integrations and APIs – Print formats and reports – User workflows
2. Identify Issues
Document any problems: – Compatibility issues with custom apps – Performance problems – UI/UX concerns – Missing features or regressions
3. Plan Fixes
For each issue, determine: – Is it a Frappe bug? (Report on GitHub) – Is it a custom app issue? (Update your code) – Is it a configuration issue? (Document the fix)
After December 6 (Final Release)
1. Wait for Stability
Consider waiting 1-2 weeks after final release for any critical bugs to be identified and patched.
2. Schedule Upgrade Window
Choose a low-activity period: – Weekend or holiday – End of month (after closing books) – Outside peak business hours
3. Execute Upgrade
Follow the official upgrade procedure: – Final backup of production – Upgrade staging one more time to confirm – Upgrade production – Test critical workflows immediately – Monitor for 24-48 hours
4. Train Users
The redesigned workspace will require some user training: – Conduct training sessions on new interface – Provide documentation for new features – Offer support during transition period
TCB Infotech Frappe v16 Services
At TCB Infotech, we specialize in Frappe Framework development and ERPNext implementations. Here’s how we can help with your v16 transition.
Custom App Migration
We’ll ensure your custom Frappe apps are fully compatible with v16: – Code review and compatibility assessment – Update deprecated API calls – Test all functionality in v16 environment – Fix any issues that arise – Performance optimization for v16
Framework Customization
Need to customize Frappe v16 for your specific needs? – Custom workspace layouts – Role-based field masking configuration – Custom print formats for reports – Performance tuning and optimization – Integration development
Upgrade Planning and Execution
We’ll manage your entire v16 upgrade: – Pre-upgrade assessment and planning – Staging environment setup and testing – Custom app compatibility testing – Production upgrade execution – Post-upgrade support and monitoring
Developer Training
We offer training for your development team: – Frappe v16 new features and APIs – Performance optimization techniques – Custom app development best practices – Migration strategies and patterns
Contact TCB Infotech today to discuss your Frappe v16 upgrade. With our deep expertise in Frappe Framework and ERPNext, we’ll ensure your transition is smooth, fast, and successful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When is Frappe Version 16 released?
Frappe v16 beta releases on November 15, 2025. The final stable version launches on December 6, 2025, at Frappeverse Egypt.
Q2: What’s the difference between Frappe and ERPNext?
Frappe Framework is the underlying technology platform—the foundation. ERPNext is a business application (ERP system) built on top of Frappe Framework. When Frappe improves, ERPNext inherits those improvements.
Q3: Is Frappe v16 really 2x faster?
Yes. The Frappe team reports approximately 2x performance improvements through the Frappe Caffeine architecture. Real-world performance gains depend on your specific use case, server configuration, and workload, but most users will see significant speed improvements.
Q4: Will my custom apps work on Frappe v16?
Most custom apps will work with minimal or no changes. However, you should test your apps in the v16 beta environment to identify any compatibility issues. Some deprecated APIs may require updates.
Q5: How do I upgrade from Frappe v15 to v16?
Use the official bench upgrade commands. Always backup first and test in a staging environment before upgrading production. For complex setups with custom apps, consider hiring an experienced partner like TCB Infotech for complete Frappe upgrade services.
Q6: Do I need to upgrade ERPNext when I upgrade Frappe?
Yes. ERPNext versions are tied to Frappe Framework versions. When you upgrade to Frappe v16, you’ll also upgrade to ERPNext v16 (if you use ERPNext).
Q7: What is Frappe Caffeine?
Frappe Caffeine is the internal project name for the performance optimization work that resulted in the 2x speed improvements in v16. It represents a comprehensive rewrite of core framework components for better performance.
Q8: Where can I test Frappe v16 beta?
Set up a test environment using bench and install the version-16 branch. Never test on production. You can also use Frappe Cloud to spin up a v16 test instance.
Conclusion: The Foundation for Faster, Better Business Applications
Frappe Framework v16 represents a massive leap forward in performance, usability, and capabilities. With 2x faster performance, a completely redesigned interface, and powerful new features like custom report print formats and role-based field masking, v16 sets a new standard for open-source application frameworks.
Whether you’re running ERPNext, building custom apps, or managing Frappe deployments, v16 will make your work faster, easier, and more secure.
Key Takeaways:
- Beta launches November 15, 2025 – Start testing now
- Final release December 6, 2025 – Production-ready at Frappeverse Egypt
- ~2× faster performance – Real, measurable speed improvements
- Redesigned workspace – Modern, intuitive interface
- Enhanced security – Role-based field masking
- Better PDFs – Chrome-based converter for superior quality
Ready to upgrade to Frappe v16? Contact TCB Infotech today. As experienced Frappe Framework developers and ERPNext implementation partners, we’ll ensure your v16 transition is smooth, successful, and takes full advantage of all the new capabilities.
Let’s build faster, better business applications together on Frappe Framework v16.
About TCB Infotech: We are a leading Frappe Framework and ERPNext development partner based in Jaipur and Hisar, specializing in custom app development, ERP implementations, and digital transformation. With 35+ developers and 50+ successful projects, we don’t just implement technology—we build solutions that transform businesses.
