What it is
Penpot is an open-source design platform that serves as a free alternative to Figma. It offers vector editing, prototyping, component systems, and real-time collaboration, all running in the browser. Penpot can be self-hosted for complete data ownership or used via their cloud service. It supports SVG as its native format, ensuring portability and avoiding vendor lock-in.
Why we picked this
For creators who want professional design capabilities without subscription fees or vendor dependency, Penpot delivers. The open-source model means no surprise pricing changes, no feature gating, and complete data ownership if you self-host. While it is not yet at Figma's maturity level, it handles 80% of what most creators need: social templates, brand assets, wireframes, and prototypes. The SVG-native approach means everything you create is truly portable.
Key takeaways
- Completely free and open-source with no feature restrictions, eliminating the subscription costs of Figma or Adobe XD.
- SVG as the native format means all designs are fully portable and can be opened, edited, or processed by any SVG-compatible tool.
- Self-hosting option gives complete data sovereignty, important for organizations handling sensitive client work or operating in privacy-focused contexts.