Penpot: Bridge Designers & Developers with Web-Based, Open-Source Design Magic
Introduction
Penpot is the first open-source design tool built for seamless collaboration between designers and developers. With CSS/SVG/HTML natively integrated, it eliminates handoff headaches, empowers real-time teamwork, and lets teams ship pixel-perfect products faster.
What is Penpot?
Penpot is a web-based design platform that unites designers and developers through code-native workflows. Unlike closed tools like Figma/Sketch, it offers flexible layouts, prototyping, and code inspection in an open-source environment. Designers create interfaces that translate directly to code, while developers access specs and assets without friction.
Features
- Code-Native Design: Export designs as CSS, SVG, or HTML for zero-loss handoff.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Co-edit with designers, devs, and stakeholders in one workspace.
- Open Source & Self-Host: Own your data and workflows (free for teams of any size).
- Flexible Layouts: Auto-layouts mirror CSS Flexbox for developer-friendly designs.
- Prototyping Tools: Build interactive flows with transitions and animations.
- Integrations & API: Connect to your dev stack via webhooks and plugins.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free Forever: No paywalls for core features.
- Developer-Friendly: Code inspection reduces back-and-forth by 70% (user-reported).
- Self-Host Option: Full control over data and infrastructure.
Cons:
- Smaller plugin ecosystem vs. Figma.
- Requires adjustment for teams used to proprietary tools.
How It Works?
- Sign Up Free: Start instantly at Penpot.app (no credit card).
- Design: Use intuitive tools mirroring CSS logic (flexbox, grids).
- Collaborate: Share prototypes and gather feedback in real time.
- Handoff: Developers inspect code specs and export assets instantly.
- Integrate: Self-host or connect to GitLab, Jira, etc., via API.
Stop wrestling with design-to-code handoffs. Try Penpot Free and join 50k+ teams shipping better products, together.
Open Source Code on Github:
https://github.com/penpot/penpot
Conclusion
Penpot redefines collaboration by treating design as code. Open-source, accessible, and loved by designers/devs alike, it’s the future-proof choice for teams tired of siloed workflows.
FAQs
Is Penpot really free?
Yes! Free forever for unlimited users and projects.
Does it work offline?
Web-based, but self-hosted instances can run offline.
Can I import Figma files?
Yes, Penpot supports Figma file conversion.
What makes Penpot unique?
Native CSS/SVG output and open-source flexibility.
Is there enterprise support?
Paid support plans for self-hosted enterprise users.