Figma vs Penpot – Best Design Tool in this Year

Published: 16 Jul 2025

In the world of UI/UX design, the tools you use can greatly influence your workflow, creativity, and team collaboration. Two standout platforms in the design space today are Figma, a widely adopted cloud-based design tool, and Penpot, a rising open-source alternative focused on design freedom and team flexibility. Both are powerful, but they serve different kinds of users—from enterprise teams to open-source advocates. Figma is known for its intuitive interface, real-time collaboration, and massive plugin ecosystem, while Penpot offers a privacy-first, self-hostable approach perfect for developers and designers working together.

As the demand for collaborative design grows, choosing between Figma vs Penpot depends on your project needs, budget, and platform preferences. Let’s explore how these tools compare in every key aspect.

Table of Content

📊 Quick Comparison Table: Figma vs Penpot
Key Differences between Figma and Penpot
🏆 Which is Better: Figma or Penpot?
1. ✅ Why Figma Might Be Better for You:
2. ✅ Why Penpot Might Be Better for You:
🔚 Conclusion
❓FAQs About Figma vs Penpot

📊 Quick Comparison Table: Figma vs Penpot

Here’s a quick comparison table of Figma and Penpot:

Feature	Figma	Penpot
Platform Type	Cloud-based, proprietary	Open-source, self-hosted or cloud
Collaboration	Real-time multi-user editing	Real-time editing, team-based project sharing
Offline Access	Limited (desktop app required)	Available via self-hosted deployment
Pricing	Freemium with paid tiers	Completely free and open-source
Design Tools	Rich vector tools, auto layout, prototyping	Advanced vector tools, grid systems, code inspection
Plugins & Integrations	Extensive plugin library	Limited plugin support, growing integration ecosystem
User Interface	Intuitive, beginner-friendly	Developer-friendly with flexible customization
Best For	Designers, product teams, startups, agencies	Privacy-conscious teams, open-source lovers, dev teams

Key Differences between Figma and Penpot

Let’s discuss all the key Differences between Penpot and Figma one-by-one:

🧭 1. Definition and Purpose

When comparing Figma and Penpot, it’s essential to understand their core purpose and design philosophy. While both are powerful tools for UI/UX design and prototyping, they cater to slightly different audiences with unique goals and approaches to open collaboration.

✅ Definition and Purpose of Figma

Let’s understand what Figma is and why it exists.

Cloud-based collaborative design platform focused on interface and user experience design.
Developed to provide real-time collaboration, allowing multiple designers to work on the same file simultaneously.
Offers vector editing tools, prototyping features, and interactive components.
Works across platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux via browser).
Primarily aimed at product teams, startups, and design professionals.
Seamless integration with developer handoff tools like Inspect.
Widely used in design systems creation and cross-functional teamwork.
Provides free tier access with premium features for larger teams.

✅ Definition and Purpose of Penpot

Now let’s understand the core value and purpose of Penpot.

Open-source design and prototyping tool that runs in the browser or can be self-hosted.
Built for both designers and developers with a focus on open standards and collaboration.
Promotes design freedom with complete access to the platform’s code.
Supports SVG-based design with flexible layout controls.
Encourages community contributions and plugin development.
Ideal for organizations that value data privacy and self-hosted solutions.
Provides design-first workflows with developer-friendly inspection tools.
Offers complete feature access for free with no hidden paywalls.

🎨 2. User Interface & Learning Curve

Figma and Penpot both offer intuitive design environments, but their user experiences and learning curves cater to different types of users. Figma feels sleek and refined with a familiar interface, while Penpot offers more control for those comfortable with open-source tools and web technologies.

✅ User Interface & Learning Curve in Figma

Let’s explore how Figma performs in terms of usability and design experience.

Polished and minimal UI designed for modern product designers.
Familiar interface for users coming from Sketch or Adobe XD.
Smooth onboarding with guided tours, tutorials, and design templates.
Tools are logically grouped—easy to navigate even for beginners.
Offers drag-and-drop components, grids, and auto-layout features
Collaboration tools like comments and multiplayer editing are seamlessly integrated.
Web-based access means no installation required—just log in and start designing.
Quick to pick up for both individuals and design teams.

✅ User Interface & Learning Curve in Penpot

Let’s see how Penpot stands when it comes to interface and usability.

Clean and simple UI but feels more developer-oriented at first glance.
May have a steeper learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with open-source tools.
Offers high flexibility with customizable settings and layout preferences.
SVG-based editing systems provide more precision but require more familiarity.
The interface resembles Figma’s structure, helping users transition smoothly.
No installation needed—runs in the browser or can be self-hosted.
Supports advanced user workflows with developer-friendly features.
Best suited for users comfortable exploring and configuring options manually.

🤝 3. Collaboration & Team Features

Both Figma and Penpot offer real-time collaboration, but they differ in their approaches. Figma is known for seamless multiplayer design with cloud-based workflows, while Penpot brings collaboration to open-source environments with a focus on team ownership and transparency.

✅ Collaboration & Team Features in Figma

Let’s examine how Figma supports real-time collaboration and teamwork.

Real-time multiplayer editing with cursor tracking for all collaborators.
Enables live commenting directly on design elements for easy feedback.
Teams can work together from different locations without syncing delays.
Version history and branching tools help manage design iterations.
Permission controls allow you to set roles like viewer, editor, or admin.
Integration with Slack, Jira, and Notion enhances team productivity.
Shared team libraries enable consistency and reuse across projects.
Cloud-based access means no file transfers—everything updates instantly.

✅ Collaboration & Team Features in Penpot

Let’s explore how Penpot facilitates team collaboration in an open-source environment.

Offers collaborative editing through browser access with live updates.
Allows teams to host their own server for full control and privacy.
Open-source foundation encourages transparency and customization.
Team management tools include roles, permissions, and project sharing.
Design files can be shared via links or exported in common formats.
Community-driven improvements allow teams to suggest and implement changes.
Best suited for tech-savvy teams who prefer open standards and self-hosting.
Ideal for organizations focused on sovereignty and data ownership.

🧪 4. Prototyping & Interactivity

Figma and Penpot both allow users to design interactive prototypes, but Figma stands out with advanced transition controls and seamless linking. Penpot, while improving, provides essential prototyping features in a flexible open-source package.

✅ Prototyping & Interactivity in Figma

Let’s look into how Figma empowers designers to bring their static designs to life.

Allows interactive linking between frames with a simple drag-and-drop interface.
Offers multiple transition types like dissolve, smart animate, and instant.
Enables clickable prototypes for user testing and stakeholder previews.
Supports overlays, scrolling, and hover states for advanced interactions.
Preview your prototype directly in the browser or via mobile app.
Dev handoff includes specs for interactions, easing, and durations.
Facilitates user journey flows with intuitive connections between pages.
Great for designers building detailed, dynamic user experiences.

✅ Prototyping & Interactivity in Penpot

Let’s explore how Penpot handles interactive design within its open-source structure.

Provides basic prototyping with clickable links between pages or artboards.
Offers essential transitions like fades and slides to demonstrate flow.
Designs can be previewed directly within the app or exported for testing.
Open-source nature allows developers to contribute and improve interactivity tools.
Less complex than Figma but suitable for creating simple user journeys.
Prototypes can be easily shared via URL with team members.
Focused on usability rather than complex animations at this stage.
Ideal for early-stage concepts and collaborative wireframing.

📶 5. Platform Support & Accessibility

Figma is known for its cloud-based approach, offering wide accessibility across platforms. Penpot, while also browser-based, emphasizes open-source flexibility and self-hosting, which gives teams control over deployment and access.

✅ Platform Support & Accessibility in Figma

Let’s explore how Figma performs across different platforms and environments.

Fully cloud-based, accessible from any modern browser without installation.
Offers native desktop apps for both macOS and Windows.
Provides mobile apps for iOS and Android to preview and review designs.
Enables real-time collaboration and commenting with no OS restrictions.
Stores projects in the cloud, so users can switch devices easily.
Requires continuous internet for full functionality; limited offline mode.
Optimized for Chromebooks and low-spec machines due to lightweight browser interface.
Great for remote teams, educational setups, and cross-platform workflows.

✅ Platform Support & Accessibility in Penpot

Let’s examine Penpot’s approach to accessibility and system compatibility.

100% web-based and runs on any browser, no specific OS required.
Offers a self-hosting option for teams wanting full control and local deployment.
Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows through browser usage.
Works without proprietary restrictions—perfect for open-source environments.
Still developing mobile viewing capabilities; not as optimized for mobile previews.
No official mobile app yet, but browser access is responsive on tablets.
More suitable for organizations focused on open, decentralized access.
Ideal for tech-savvy teams who value customization and ownership.

🔌 6. Integrations & Plugins

Figma shines with its vast ecosystem of third-party plugins and integrations, making it a favorite among professional designers. Penpot, while still maturing, is gaining traction in the open-source space with community-driven integration capabilities.

✅ Integrations & Plugins in Figma

Let’s explore how Figma connects with tools and extends its functionality.

Offers hundreds of plugins for icons, illustrations, charts, and more.
Integrates with productivity tools like Slack, Jira, Notion, and Trello.
Seamlessly connects to design systems like Zeplin and Zeroheight.
Allows developers to use APIs and create custom plugins.
Real-time collaboration features integrate well with feedback platforms.
Supports exporting assets directly to development platforms like GitHub.
Plugins can be installed from the community with just one click.
Great for teams that rely on an extended design-development workflow.

✅ Integrations & Plugins in Penpot

Let’s see how Penpot handles external tools and extensibility.

Supports basic integrations via third-party APIs and community projects.
Focused on open standards like SVG and CSS for interoperability.
Lacks a native plugin marketplace but encourages developer contributions.
Can be self-hosted and customized using Docker for more control.
Offers Git integration through external workflows.
Emphasis on open-source compatibility rather than proprietary tools.
Still growing its ecosystem, but actively developed by the community.
Best for users who prefer customization over out-of-the-box plugins.

💰 7. Pricing & Licensing

Figma uses a freemium model with tiered pricing based on features and team size, while Penpot is completely open-source and free, appealing to users who prioritize transparency and cost-efficiency.

✅ Pricing & Licensing in Figma

Let’s break down how Figma charges its users and what you get for each plan.

Offers a Free plan with limited projects and collaborators.
Professional plan ($12/editor/month) unlocks unlimited version history and shared libraries.
Organization plan ($45/editor/month) adds design systems, admin tools, and analytics.
Enterprise plan has advanced controls, SSO, and dedicated support.
Cloud-hosted with proprietary licensing—users do not own the software.
You pay per “editor,” not per viewer, which helps in cost scaling.
Ideal for teams needing robust collaboration and security features.
Regular updates and new features are available with paid tiers.

✅ Pricing & Licensing in Penpot

Here’s what to know about how Penpot is priced and licensed.

100% free and open-source under the Mozilla Public License 2.0.
No subscription required—usable by individuals, teams, and enterprises.
Can be self-hosted, giving full control over data and environment.
Community-driven, with no commercial tiers or locked features.
Transparent development and open contributions through GitHub.
Great choice for educational institutions, NGOs, or budget-limited teams.
Appeals to users who prefer avoiding SaaS vendor lock-in.
Long-term sustainability is supported via community and optional donations.

🌍 8. Community & Ecosystem

Figma has built a massive, fast-growing design community with extensive resources, while Penpot is supported by a passionate open-source ecosystem that encourages contribution and customization.

✅ Community & Ecosystem of Figma

Let’s explore the strengths of Figma’s active global user base and third-party ecosystem.

Home to a vast community hub for plugins, templates, and UI kits.
Hosts Figma Community where users share public files, assets, and best practices.
Backed by a large developer and designer network with ongoing workshops and events.
Offers official learning resources, tutorials, and certifications.
Integrates with platforms like Notion, Slack, Jira, Zeplin, and more.
Extensive plugin support with tools for automation, accessibility, and design systems.
Rapid feature rollouts driven by user feedback and competitive market trends.
Supported by enterprise adoption and strong investment from major tech companies.

✅ Community & Ecosystem of Penpot

Let’s understand how Penpot’s open-source nature empowers its ecosystem.

Driven by a dedicated open-source community of designers and developers.
Contributions are managed transparently through GitHub and open forums.
Encourages community-built plugins, themes, and self-hosted extensions.
Has a growing library of resources, but not as mature as Figma’s yet.
Focuses on decentralization, privacy, and user freedom.
Appeals to users who want to avoid vendor lock-in or contribute to tool evolution.
Popular among developers, design educators, and open-source advocates.
Backed by open collaboration, transparency, and ethical development values.

🛡️ 9. Security & Privacy

Figma and Penpot differ significantly in their approach to security, data ownership, and user privacy—primarily due to their proprietary vs. open-source models.

✅ Security & Privacy in Figma

Let’s explore how Figma handles security and user privacy across its platform.

Figma uses cloud-based storage with end-to-end encryption for project files.
Offers SSO (Single Sign-On), 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication), and role-based access control.
Complies with industry standards like SOC 2 Type II for data protection.
Automatically backs up and syncs files to the cloud for seamless recovery.
Hosted on AWS, meaning data is stored in third-party infrastructure.
Limited data control for users—data privacy depends on Figma’s policies.
Ideal for teams that value convenience and trust enterprise-grade cloud security.
Not self-hostable, making it less suitable for organizations with strict data regulations.

✅ Security & Privacy in Penpot

Let’s discuss how Penpot’s open-source model supports better data control and transparency.

Fully self-hostable, allowing complete control over data storage and access.
Users can set up private servers with custom security configurations.
No data is sent to third-party servers when used in self-hosted mode.
Open-source nature allows for code audits, increasing transparency.
Ideal for privacy-focused organizations, governments, and educational institutions.
No enterprise-grade compliance certifications yet (like SOC 2), but improving.
Strong emphasis on user freedom and transparency, avoiding vendor lock-in.
Appeals to users who value digital sovereignty and ethical software practices.

🏆 Which is Better: Figma or Penpot?

Figma and Penpot both offer compelling design platforms, but the best choice depends on your priorities—whether it’s industry adoption, privacy, or community-driven development.

✅ Why Figma Might Be Better for You:

Highly polished interface and smooth UX built for professionals and teams.
Rich set of real-time collaboration, prototyping, and handoff features.
Deep integration with tools like Slack, Notion, Zeplin, and code platforms.
Massive design community with countless templates, UI kits, and plugins.
Offers robust enterprise-level security and access management features.
Preferred by startups, product teams, and large-scale enterprises.
Excellent for fast-paced projects needing responsive web-based access.

✅ Why Penpot Might Be Better for You:

Fully open-source and self-hostable, offering total data control.
Great choice for privacy-conscious teams, schools, and public institutions.
Offers near-parity in core design and prototyping features, with steady updates.
Emphasizes open standards like SVG for better interoperability.
Enables custom deployments with flexible server setups and offline use.
Active open-source community fostering transparent and ethical software.
Ideal for those wanting a Figma-like experience without vendor lock-in.

👉 Verdict:
If you’re looking for a battle-tested, feature-rich, and widely adopted design tool—Figma is the go-to. But if privacy, open-source values, and data ownership matter most, Penpot is a rising contender worth embracing.

🔚 Conclusion

When comparing Figma vs Penpot, it’s clear that both platforms serve modern designers but appeal to different user bases. Figma is a top-tier choice for product teams, UX/UI professionals, and agencies looking for seamless collaboration, rapid prototyping, and an unmatched plugin ecosystem. It thrives in fast-paced, cloud-first environments.

Penpot is ideal for open-source supporters, privacy-conscious users, and organizations that prefer full control over their tools and data. While still maturing, it offers an impressive alternative for those avoiding proprietary software or vendor lock-in.

Whether you choose the wide adoption of Figma or the open-source freedom of Penpot, both are powerful tools that can level up your design workflow. Your final decision should depend on your priorities—performance vs privacy, speed vs flexibility, and integration vs independence.

❓FAQs About Figma vs Penpot

Here are some of the most FAQs related to Figma and Penpot:

What is the key difference between Figma and Penpot?

Figma is a commercial, browser-based design tool focused on collaborative UI/UX design for teams. Penpot is a completely open-source alternative that allows self-hosting and customization. Figma offers more polish and plugins, while Penpot prioritizes freedom, privacy, and transparency.

Is Penpot a good alternative to Figma?

Yes, Penpot is a strong alternative for designers who want open-source freedom without vendor lock-in. It covers most essential features like vector design, prototyping, and team collaboration. However, Figma still leads in advanced prototyping, performance, and third-party ecosystem support.

Can I use Figma and Penpot on all platforms?

Figma works on any OS via browsers and offers dedicated desktop apps for Windows and macOS. Penpot is also browser-based, but offers Docker-based self-hosting for full platform flexibility. Both tools are OS-independent, but Penpot gives extra control through offline hosting options.

Which is better for prototyping and interactions?

Figma offers superior prototyping, with interactive flows, transitions, animations, and live previews. Penpot includes basic prototyping, like linking pages and setting transitions between elements. If you need dynamic interactions or motion design, Figma is clearly more advanced right now.

Is Figma free to use?

Yes, Figma has a free plan that includes unlimited personal files, cloud access, and basic sharing. Its paid plans unlock features like shared team libraries, analytics, and admin controls. It’s perfect for small teams starting out and can scale up as collaboration needs grow.

Is Penpot completely free?

Yes, Penpot is 100% free and open-source, with no premium versions or usage limits. You can use their hosted version or deploy it on your own server for complete privacy. It’s great for teams seeking low-cost solutions, data control, or software customization.

Does Figma work offline?

Figma’s desktop app allows some offline editing for recently opened files, but it’s still limited. Real-time collaboration, version control, and sync features require an internet connection. For users in offline workflows or secure environments, Figma may not be the best fit.

Which tool is more beginner-friendly?

Figma is easier for beginners, with clean UI, drag-and-drop tools, and plenty of online tutorials. It also has templates, community files, and design kits to help you learn quickly. Penpot is user-friendly but lacks the same educational ecosystem and onboarding tools.

Can developers use both tools easily?

Figma provides Dev Mode, where developers can inspect code, measure spacing, and export assets. Penpot supports developer handoffs but lacks automated code snippets or integrations like Figma. For smoother collaboration between designers and devs, Figma currently has the upper hand.

Which tool is better overall?

Figma is ideal for professionals needing fast, collaborative, and advanced design tools. Penpot is better for privacy-conscious teams, open-source supporters, and those wanting full control. The best choice depends on your priorities—powerful features and polish vs openness and freedom.