Overview
Penpot runs in the browser and can be used as a hosted service or self-hosted. For a Figma comparison, the relevant questions are design components, collaboration and how an existing design system moves into a new workspace—not simply whether both products draw rectangles.
What it is for
- Design interfaces and interactive prototypes.
- Work with shared design systems and real-time collaboration.
What to check first
- Validate existing Figma files, component behavior and plug-in dependencies.
- Self-hosting involves maintenance; hosted plans and enterprise features have separate terms.
A useful first test
Rebuild one screen with reusable components, invite a collaborator and test the handoff you need. Evaluate hosting separately from the design workflow.
Cost and hosting
Open-source software; hosted and enterprise plans differ.
Primary sources
This is a review of official documentation and source repositories, not a hands-on certification. Test your own files before migrating.
Related comparisons
Alternative to Figma
Interface design & prototypes
Evaluate team collaboration, reusable components and your design system.
Our take Penpot is an open-source option with hosted and self-hosted deployment.
Established options