Penpot
An open-source design and prototyping platform, and a self-hostable alternative to Figma and Sketch. Penpot runs in the browser, stores files as open SVG, and lets designers and developers work in one tool with real-time collaboration, interactive prototypes, Flex/Grid layouts, design tokens, and a free code-inspect panel.
Overview
Description
Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping platform, and a self-hostable alternative to Figma and Sketch. It runs entirely in the browser, stores design files in open web standards (SVG), and is built for designers and developers to work in the same tool. Teams can self-host it with Docker for full control over their design assets, or use the free hosted version at penpot.app.
Features
- Design and prototype: Vector editing, components, boards, and interactive prototypes with animation curves.
- Real-time collaboration: Multiplayer editing, comments, and shareable view links.
- Built for handoff: Free Inspect panel exposes CSS, measurements, and assets without a paid tier.
- Layout systems: Flexbox and Grid layout that map directly to how the web renders.
- Design tokens: Native token support for colors, spacing, and typography across files.
- Open format: Files are SVG-based and portable, with SVG/PNG/PDF export.
Technology Stack
- Clojure and ClojureScript
- PostgreSQL database
- Redis
- Docker / Docker Compose for self-hosting
Requirements
- Docker and Docker Compose
- PostgreSQL and Redis (bundled in the official compose file)
- An SMTP server for email invitations (optional; email verification is off by default)
Categories
Topics
Learning resources
Get started with Penpot in under 5 minutes
The official quick-start: navigating the workspace, drawing and arranging elements, working with boards, and inviting collaborators.
By Penpot · Invalid Date
ArticleHow to build your own self-hosted Figma alternative with Penpot
A hands-on guide to deploying Penpot with Docker Compose, creating an account, and running your first collaborative design project on your own server.
By XDA Developers · Invalid Date