Penpot review

Penpot is the strongest free option for interface design. It is open source, runs in the browser, and can be installed on your own servers, which matters for agencies and public bodies that cannot put client work on a third-party cloud. Its layout engine uses CSS Grid and Flex, so the rules a designer sets map directly to the CSS a developer writes, and the inspect panel exposes CSS, HTML and SVG. Native design tokens, components and shared libraries cover design system work, and an open MCP server lets AI agents read and edit files. The hosted Professional plan costs $0 and Penpot says it has no missing tools. The Unlimited plan adds storage, longer version history and early features for $7 per editor per month, with the bill capped at $175 a month whatever the team size, and Enterprise at $25 per member adds SSO and region choice. The plugin catalog and community templates are smaller than Figma's, and switching teams will need time to adjust.

Who it is for

teams that want a free, open-source tool they can self-host

Price

Free cloud Professional plan; Unlimited $7 per editor per month, capped at $175 per month; self-hosting is free.

Capped at $175 per month, no matter your team size.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Responsive layouts built on CSS Grid and Flex
• Native design tokens, components and shared libraries
• Interactive prototypes and wireframes
• Code inspection in CSS, HTML and SVG with an open file format
• Open MCP server so AI agents can work in Penpot files

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free cloud plan that Penpot describes as fully featured with no missing tools
• Strength: Can be self-hosted, which keeps design files on your own servers
• Strength: Unlimited plan is capped at $175 per month regardless of team size
• Weakness: Smaller plugin and template library than Figma
• Weakness: Single sign-on and hosting region choice require Enterprise at $25 per member per month
• Weakness: Teams moving from Figma have to rebuild habits and some files

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes, Professional plan at $0
• Paid from: $7 per editor per month (Unlimited)
• Self-host: Yes, open source
• Layouts: CSS Grid and Flex

Where it ranks

Penpot is No. 2 in our Best UI Design Tools verdict.