Penpot vs Figma
Is switching from Figma to Penpotworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
Penpot and Figma both serve ui design and ux design, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. Figma costs $15/month ($180/year), while Penpot is completely free. As an open-source tool, Penpot's code is publicly auditable and community-driven. This comparison breaks down exactly what you gain, what you lose, and whether switching makes sense for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Switching to Penpot saves you $180/year — $540 over 3 years
Figma costs
$180/yr
3-year cost
$540
Penpot costs
Free
Best for
- +Open-source advocates
- +Design teams
- +Budget-conscious designers
Not ideal for
- −Users needing mature ecosystem
- −Users needing many plugins
Feature Comparison
| Feature | FigmaSubscription | PenpotAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $15/mo $180/year | Open Source |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop (typical) | WebSelf-hosted |
| Offline Support | Limited (typical) | Requires internet |
| Open Source | No | ✓Open source |
| Ownership | Renting | Full ownership |
| Cloud Dependency | High (typical) | Hybrid |
| Migration | — | Medium |
Pricing
Figma
$15/mo
$180/year
Penpot
Open SourcePlatforms
Figma
Web, Desktop (typical)Penpot
Offline Support
Figma
Limited (typical)Penpot
Requires internetOpen Source
Figma
NoPenpot
✓Open sourceOwnership
Figma
RentingPenpot
Full ownershipCloud Dependency
Figma
High (typical)Penpot
HybridMigration
Figma
—Penpot
MediumSwitching Analysis
+What you gain with Penpot
- +Free and open source
- +Real-time collaboration
- +Web-based
- +Self-hostable
−What you lose
- −Mature ecosystem
- −Plugin ecosystem
- −Performance
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for Penpot
- +Open-source advocates
- +Design teams
- +Budget-conscious designers
✗Should keep using Figma
- −Users needing mature ecosystem
- −Users needing many plugins
Migration Guide
Switching from Figma to Penpot is rated as medium. Here's how to make the move:
Export your data
Go to Figma's settings and export your data in CSV, PDF, or native format. Most tools support bulk export.
Install Penpot
Download Penpot from the official website. It's completely free to use.
Import and configure
Import your exported data into Penpot. Set up your preferences, shortcuts, and workflows to match your existing setup.
Run in parallel
Use both tools side-by-side for a week or two. This lets you verify everything works before fully switching.
Cancel subscription
Once you're confident Penpot meets your needs, cancel your Figma subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penpot a good alternative to Figma?
Yes, Penpot is a solid alternative to Figma. It offers free access with open source code, making it a great choice for users looking to escape subscriptions. Penpot handles the core functionality that most Figma users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from Figma to Penpot?
Switching from Figma ($180/year) to Penpot (Free) can save you approximately $180 per year, or $540 over three years. The savings start immediately with zero upfront cost.
What do I lose by switching from Figma to Penpot?
The main trade-offs include: Mature ecosystem, Plugin ecosystem, Performance. However, Penpot still covers the core functionality most users need. The gaps are typically in advanced features and ecosystem integrations, not daily-use capabilities.
Can I migrate my data from Figma to Penpot?
Yes. Most Figma data can be exported in standard formats (CSV, PDF, or native format) and imported into Penpot. The migration difficulty is rated as medium, so it may take some effort.
Is Penpot really free?
Yes, Penpot is completely free to use and open-source. There are no hidden costs, no premium tiers, and no feature restrictions for core functionality.
Does Penpot work on the same platforms as Figma?
Penpot is available on web, self hosted. Check the official website for the most up-to-date platform support.
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