Figma vs Penpot
Figma is browser-based collaborative design tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and design systems, while Penpot is open-source, browser-based design and prototyping platform. Self-hostable. The biggest difference up front: Penpot is free, while Figma starts at $12/editor/mo. Figma is built for design teams that need real-time collaboration, whereas Penpot targets teams that want a free, open-source figma alternative.
| Feature | Figma | Penpot |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Auto Layout | ✓ | — |
| Components | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dev Mode | ✓ | — |
| Open Source | — | ✓ |
| Prototyping | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-Time Collab | ✓ | — |
| SVG Native | — | ✓ |
| Self-Hosted | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Penpot is completely free, which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. Figma starts at $12/editor/mo, but 3 projects, 3 pages per project. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.
Feature gaps: Figma offers Auto Layout, Dev Mode and Real-Time Collab that Penpot lacks. Penpot brings Open Source, SVG Native and Self-Hosted that Figma does not have. Both share Components and Prototyping.
Team fit: Figma is geared toward any size teams, while Penpot is aimed at small teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: Penpot is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Figma is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: Figma's biggest strengths are: real-time collaboration — multiple designers, one file. browser-based, works on any os. Penpot's biggest strengths are: 100% free and open source. self-hostable for data sovereignty.
Watch out for: With Figma, users commonly note that per-editor pricing gets expensive for large teams. With Penpot, the main complaint is that less mature than figma — fewer features.
choose Figma if
- You need a tool built for design teams that need real-time collaboration
- You specifically need Auto Layout and Dev Mode
- You care about browser-based, works on any os
- Your team size fits the any size profile Figma is designed for
- The free tier works for you: 3 projects, 3 pages per project
choose Penpot if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams that want a free, open-source figma alternative
- Budget is a hard constraint — Penpot is free, Figma is not
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Open Source and SVG Native
- You care about self-hostable for data sovereignty
frequently asked
What is the difference between Figma and Penpot?
Figma is browser-based collaborative design tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and design systems, while Penpot is open-source, browser-based design and prototyping platform. Self-hostable. The biggest difference up front: Penpot is free, while Figma starts at $12/editor/mo. Figma is built for design teams that need real-time collaboration, whereas Penpot targets teams that want a free, open-source figma alternative.
Should I use Figma or Penpot?
Penpot is the free option; Figma charges $12/editor/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose Figma over Penpot?
Choose Figma if You need a tool built for design teams that need real-time collaboration; You specifically need Auto Layout and Dev Mode; You care about browser-based, works on any os; Your team size fits the any size profile Figma is designed for; The free tier works for you: 3 projects, 3 pages per project.
When should I choose Penpot over Figma?
Choose Penpot if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams that want a free, open-source figma alternative; Budget is a hard constraint — Penpot is free, Figma is not; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Open Source and SVG Native; You care about self-hostable for data sovereignty.
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