Penpot vs Spline
Penpot is open-source, browser-based design and prototyping platform. Self-hostable, while Spline is 3D design tool for the web with real-time collaboration and easy export to web formats. Penpot is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Penpot is built for teams that want a free, open-source figma alternative, whereas Spline targets designers who want 3d on the web.
| Feature | Penpot | Spline |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| 3D Design | — | ✓ |
| Components | ✓ | — |
| Interactions | — | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✓ | — |
| Prototyping | ✓ | — |
| Real-Time Collab | — | ✓ |
| SVG Native | ✓ | — |
| Self-Hosted | ✓ | — |
| Web Export | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both Penpot and Spline are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.
Feature gaps: Penpot offers Components, Open Source and Prototyping that Spline lacks. Spline brings 3D Design, Interactions and Real-Time Collab that Penpot does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target small teams teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Open source: Penpot is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Spline is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: Penpot's biggest strengths are: 100% free and open source. self-hostable for data sovereignty. Spline's biggest strengths are: browser-based 3d design — no heavy software install required. one-click export to web formats (html, react, iframes) for production use.
Watch out for: With Penpot, users commonly note that less mature than figma — fewer features. With Spline, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose Penpot if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams that want a free, open-source figma alternative
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Components and Open Source
- You care about self-hostable for data sovereignty
choose Spline if
- You need a tool built for designers who want 3d on the web
- You specifically need 3D Design and Interactions
- You care about one-click export to web formats (html, react, iframes) for production use
- The free tier works for you: free for 2 projects
frequently asked
What is the difference between Penpot and Spline?
Penpot is open-source, browser-based design and prototyping platform. Self-hostable, while Spline is 3D design tool for the web with real-time collaboration and easy export to web formats. Penpot is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Penpot is built for teams that want a free, open-source figma alternative, whereas Spline targets designers who want 3d on the web.
Should I use Penpot or Spline?
Penpot gives you open source and self-hosting; Spline is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose Penpot over Spline?
Choose Penpot if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams that want a free, open-source figma alternative; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Components and Open Source; You care about self-hostable for data sovereignty.
When should I choose Spline over Penpot?
Choose Spline if You need a tool built for designers who want 3d on the web; You specifically need 3D Design and Interactions; You care about one-click export to web formats (html, react, iframes) for production use; The free tier works for you: free for 2 projects.
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