Penpot vs Figma
Self-host swap-in for Figma. · Self-host Figma · Penpot on os-alt
Penpot is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Figma — license MPL-2.0, 20min docker-compose to stand up, and $10 vps for a small team — penpot uses postgres + redis + a few worker images. Compare against Figma's Free up to 3 files; $15/editor/mo on Professional below.
| Penpotopen-source | Figmapaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Design / collaborative vector editor | Design / collaborative vector editor |
| License / pricing | MPL-2.0 | Free up to 3 files; $15/editor/mo on Professional |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $15/user/mo |
| GitHub | penpot/penpot | closed source |
| Setup time | 20min docker-compose | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $10 VPS for a small team — Penpot uses Postgres + Redis + a few worker images. | from $15/user/mo (Free up to 3 files; $15/editor/mo on Professional) |
Switching from Figma to Penpot
Figma → Right-click frame → Copy as SVG, paste into Penpot. For full files, use the third-party `figma-to-penpot` exporter (community plugin) which converts a .fig export into Penpot's native format. Components and design tokens come over; auto-layout needs review.
- Good fit for
- Design teams that want full Figma-style multi-user editing on their own infra.
- Weak at
- Plugin ecosystem is much smaller than Figma's.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Figma
In a terminal? npx os-alt figma prints Figma's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Penpot a free alternative to Figma?
Yes — Penpot is open source under MPL-2.0. Self-host cost: $10 VPS for a small team — Penpot uses Postgres + Redis + a few worker images.. Figma starts at $15/user/mo (Free up to 3 files; $15/editor/mo on Professional).
How long does Penpot take to set up vs Figma?
Self-hosting Penpot: 20min docker-compose. Figma is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Penpot good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Design teams that want full Figma-style multi-user editing on their own infra.. Weak at: Plugin ecosystem is much smaller than Figma's..