About Penpot
Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping platform that really tries to put collaboration and user privacy at the forefront of the creative process. In practice, it offers a suite of tools that allow designers and stakeholders to work together in real time, which is a massive plus for teams that value immediate feedback. You can create mockups, wireframes, and even interactive prototypes without the fear that your data is being sold off to the highest bidder. This is particularly refreshing in a space where many platforms are notorious for their data policies. The emphasis on maintaining design systems ensures that consistency is a breeze, which is something I found particularly valuable when juggling multiple projects at once.
The user interface of Penpot is mostly intuitive, making it accessible for both seasoned designers and newcomers alike. You won't need a PhD in design software to get started, which is a big relief. However, while the core features are commendable, I did notice that some advanced functionalities can feel a bit clunky compared to industry giants like Figma or Sketch. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it can slow you down, especially if you’re accustomed to more polished tools. The zero-cost pricing model is a huge draw, especially for freelancers and small teams; who wouldn't want a powerful design tool that doesn’t come with a monthly bill?
One thing to note is that, while Penpot is free, the open-source model means that you might encounter some issues that require you to dig into forums or GitHub to find solutions. This could be daunting for less tech-savvy users. On the flip side, the community around the tool is quite passionate and helpful, so you're not entirely on your own. If you’re a designer who thrives in an environment where you can tweak and customise your tools, you’ll likely appreciate Penpot's flexibility. However, it might not be the best fit for larger organisations with strict protocols looking for a fully supported solution.
In essence, Penpot is a solid choice for teams that prioritise privacy, collaboration, and cost-effectiveness. If you're willing to trade a bit of polish for a more ethical approach to design and prototyping, this platform deserves a look. Just be prepared to invest some time into learning the quirks that come with an open-source platform. If you're coming from tools like Figma, it might feel like a step down in some areas, but it offers its unique advantages that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
When I first stumbled across Penpot, I was intrigued by the idea of an open-source design tool that doesn't just talk the talk about privacy but actually walks the walk. In a world where data is often treated like a commodity, the thought of using a platform that prioritises privacy was refreshing. As someone who has spent countless hours wrestling with Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, I was excited to see how Penpot would stack up.
Diving right in, I found the real-time collaboration feature to be a standout. I could invite team members to work on a design together, and we could make adjustments simultaneously. This is a massive boon for anyone who’s ever been stuck waiting for feedback via email or chat. I could literally see my colleague’s cursor moving around the canvas, which added a level of engagement and immediacy that’s hard to replicate. The design systems feature also impressed me; it kept things tidy and consistent, which is something I always try to achieve but often fail at when juggling multiple projects.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While the platform is free, I did encounter some hiccups. Certain advanced features felt a bit clunky compared to the likes of Figma, which made me question whether I was missing something. Exporting designs also proved to be a bit limiting; I found myself wishing for more options, especially when I needed to hand off designs to developers who prefer specific formats. And let’s be real, if you’re coming from a polished tool, the rough edges can be distracting.
In terms of competition, while Figma is the go-to for many teams due to its extensive library of plugins and integrations, Penpot carves out its own niche by being a cost-effective alternative that doesn’t skimp on essential features. If you’re part of a large team that relies heavily on integrations, you might find Figma more to your liking.
So, who is Penpot perfect for? If you’re a freelancer, small team, or someone who values both privacy and collaboration, this tool could be a fantastic fit. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve and some quirks that come with an open-source platform. For those who need a more polished experience or have specific exporting needs, it might be wise to look elsewhere. Overall, I’d say Penpot is worth a try, especially given its price tag (free!). Just keep your expectations in check, and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by what this tool can do.
Getting started with Penpot
In this guide, you'll learn how to create designs and prototypes using Penpot, an open-source platform prioritising collaboration and privacy. By the end, you'll be able to set up your account, create your first design, and share it with your team for feedback.
Step 1: Sign up and set up
Step 2: Your first design
Step 3: Get better results
Pro tip
Take advantage of the "Version History" feature located under the "File" menu. This allows you to revert to previous versions of your design, saving time if you need to undo changes.
Common mistake to avoid
Avoid neglecting to set up your project’s permissions. Before sharing your design, ensure you adjust the sharing settings by clicking on the "Share" button and selecting the appropriate access levels for collaborators.
The Verdict
Penpot is a solid choice for freelancers and small design teams seeking a free, privacy-focused tool for collaboration and prototyping. If you can tolerate some rough edges and a few missing features, you'll likely appreciate its unique offerings. However, larger organisations or those needing a highly polished experience should probably look at more established alternatives.
Best For
- Freelance designers looking for a free design tool with solid collaborative features.
- Small teams that require real-time collaboration without the financial burden of expensive software.
- Privacy-conscious organisations wanting control over their design processes.
- Students or newbies in the design world who need an approachable platform to learn and create.
- Creative agencies that value transparency and data privacy in their workflow.
At a Glance
Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping platform that prioritises privacy and collaboration, making it ideal for teams of all sizes. With real-time editing and a user-friendly interface, it enables seamless teamwork while ensuring full control over your data. Perfect for those who appreciate transparency and flexibility in their design process.
Strengths
- +The platform is completely free, which is a massive advantage for freelancers and small teams who want powerful design tools without the financial burden.
- +Real-time collaboration features allow multiple users to work on designs simultaneously, making it easy to gather instant feedback and streamline the design process.
- +Its focus on design systems helps maintain consistency across projects, which is essential for teams working on larger or interconnected designs.
- +Being open-source means users have the freedom to customise and adapt the tool to their specific needs, fostering a sense of ownership over the design process.
- +The user interface is relatively intuitive, making it accessible for beginners who might feel overwhelmed by more complex design software.
- +A supportive community exists around Penpot, offering resources, tutorials, and help, which is especially beneficial for troubleshooting common issues.
Limitations
- -Some advanced features feel less polished compared to established competitors like Figma or Sketch, potentially slowing down those used to a more refined experience.
- -As an open-source platform, users may need to depend on community support for troubleshooting, which could be a hurdle for less tech-savvy individuals.
- -The lack of comprehensive documentation can leave users scratching their heads when trying to figure out how to use certain features effectively.
- -Export options can be limited compared to more established platforms, which may frustrate users looking for specific file formats or integrations.
- -While the platform is designed for collaboration, I found that performance can lag with multiple users online, which could disrupt the workflow during busy periods.
Use Cases
- -Freelance designers who need a cost-effective solution for creating mockups and prototypes without sacrificing quality.
- -Small design teams looking for a collaborative space to work on projects together in real time, especially when working remotely.
- -Agencies that prioritise client data privacy and want a tool that aligns with their values while delivering high-quality design output.
- -Students or budding designers who are just starting out and need an intuitive platform that won’t break the bank.
- -Organisations that want to maintain control over their design processes without the risk of vendor lock-in or data misuse.
