Open-source is ingrained in the developer tool industry. The fundamental idea behind the free and open web is the availability of open, free programming languages, frameworks, and even code editors that anybody may contribute to.
It has, however, always been a quite different tale with the design tools. Most of us use a selection of commercial, paid tools for our design processes; most of these tools were either developed by or subsequently purchased by large tech firms.
Thankfully, we are beginning to see some options in this area as well.
Penpot, an open-source design software that has been gaining popularity lately, is one such substitute.
Penpot has already established a reputation for itself with over 300k signups and 25k GitHub ratings, and it’s becoming a strong substitute for other design tools out there.
Let’s now understand more about Penpot and why it is better than other open-source software.
What is Penpot?
Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping tool that permits developers and designers to work together more quickly in product teams.
Penpot is a part of Kaleidos, a company started in 2011 by 14 people. The first initial name was Ars Code; fortunately, it was changed to Penpot as we know it today.
Penpot was launched in November 2019, but the initial history of Penpot is that the Penpot team spent the first two years of development, from 2017 to 2019, honing the platform’s features, UI, and general operation. During this period, the team received financing from groups that promote open-source projects.
In December 2020, the Penpot team released the alpha version, offering it as a strong open-source design and prototyping tool for cross-functional teams. In 2021, the team worked to develop the alpha based on user feedback, and the project acquired popularity and respect in the design world as an open-source alternative to conventional design tools.
Penpot made the decision to switch to an all open-source solution in 2021 later on Penpot raised $8 million in investment in the same year.
80,000 teams are using it as of 2024, including Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Mozilla. It just raised $12 million in February 2023.
You may work on your wireframes, mockups, and web, app, UX, and UI designs using it. By speaking the coding language, Penpot circumvents the bottleneck caused by the structural hand-off between design and code. You are facilitating smooth designer-developer communication.
It runs on several platforms. If you want more control, it may be self-hosted or used through a web browser.
To prevent vendor lock-in, you may convert your drawings into SVG files that work with the majority of vectorial programs.
How Design Layout is Done Efficiently by Penpot
Designing layouts efficiently is crucial in web development, and Flexbox has become a fundamental tool for this purpose. Nearly every modern website relies on Flexbox for positioning elements in rows and columns and managing their alignment and distribution.
However, translating static layouts from design tools to code can be a time-consuming process and often leads to discrepancies between design and development teams. Developers typically recreate layouts from scratch based on static mockups, which may not accurately reflect the designer’s intentions.
Penpot’s Flex Layout addresses this challenge by providing a visual interface for designers to create layouts directly within the tool. These layouts are automatically translated into production-ready code, stopping the need for manual coding and reducing the risk of errors during the hand-off process.
By using Penpot’s Flex Layout, developers save time and effort as they receive code that aligns with their understanding of web technologies. Designers benefit from greater control over the final output and gain a deeper understanding of how their designs translate into code. Ultimately, this streamlined process benefits all stakeholders involved and contributes to overall efficiency and productivity without imposing additional burdens on designers.
5 Reasons Penpot Is Better Than Other Open Source
To give a better understanding of reasoning, I’m going to compare Penpot with Figma because then they will have the same level of design, engineering, tools, and features for comparison.
- Enhanced Security
Security concerns extend beyond external threats; internal intrusions are also significant. While using Figma, users operate within Figma’s environment, not their preferred space.
This lack of control over data usage can be worrisome, especially considering the current ambiguity surrounding data privacy.
In contrast, Pen-pot offers users the flexibility to choose between using the tool via Pen-pot’s server or opting for a self-hosted installation, providing greater control over data management and security.
- Community-driven Open Source Approach
Unlike traditional competitors like Figma, Penpot focuses on fostering a community-centric approach rather than direct competition.
Built on open-source principles, Pen-pot aims to cultivate a robust user community, akin to Figma’s growth through community engagement.
However, Penpot’s open-source foundation promises greater autonomy and transparency, attracting users from diverse backgrounds, including those in developing countries.
This community-driven ethos positions Pen-pot as an inclusive design tool, fostering collaboration between designers and developers.
- Free Accessibility
Penpot’s foundation in open source allows for unrestricted access, catering to students, individuals, small groups, and businesses alike. While many open-source projects offer free usage, Pen-pot distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive feature set without imposing costs.
However, sustaining an open-source model entails considerable expenses, including labor costs, prompting thoughts on future revenue streams.
Despite potential challenges, Pen-pot remains committed to offering free access to all users, aligning with its open-source philosophy.
- Desktop Offline Mode
Addressing a common drawback of SaaS tools, Penpot is developing a desktop offline mode feature. This feature mitigates dependency on server availability, allowing users to continue working seamlessly, even in offline scenarios. By providing uninterrupted access to design capabilities, Pen-pot enhances productivity and reliability, ensuring users can meet their deadlines irrespective of server status.
- Developer-friendly Interface
Penpot’s interface adopts a developer-friendly approach, simplifying the design process for individuals unfamiliar with tools like Figma. Leveraging concepts familiar to developers, such as flexbox structures, Pen-pot streamlines collaboration between designers and developers.
The integration of features like Grid Layout further bridges the opening between design and development, empowering designers with tools utilized by front-end developers. In contrast, Figma’s Dev mode, while appreciated by developers, incurs additional costs, potentially straining budgets for smaller companies.
Final Thing
Penpot emerges as a formidable contender in the realm of open-source design tools, offering a comprehensive solution for designers and developers alike. With its robust features, community-driven approach, and commitment to accessibility and security, Pen-pot stands out as a superior choice for those seeking an alternative to traditional design software. By prioritizing user needs and fostering collaboration through its developer-friendly interface, Pen-pot paves the way for a more inclusive and innovative design ecosystem. As the landscape of design tools continues to evolve, Pen-pot remains at the forefront, empowering users to unleash their creativity without limitations.
FAQs on Penpot
How does Penpot differ from other open-source design tools?
Penpot distinguishes itself through its focus on security, community-driven approach, free accessibility, desktop offline mode, and developer-friendly interface. These features set Pen-pot apart from other open-source design tools, offering users a comprehensive and intuitive platform for their design needs.
Why is Penpot considered better than other open-source design tools?
There are several reasons why Pen-pot is considered superior to other open-source design tools. Firstly, its emphasis on security ensures user data remains protected. Additionally, its community-driven approach fosters collaboration and innovation. The tool’s free accessibility, desktop offline mode, and developer-friendly interface further enhance its appeal, making it a preferred choice for designers and developers.
How can I get started with Penpot?
Getting started with Pen-pot is easy. Users can access the tool through the web or opt for a self-hosted installation. Simply visit the Pen-pot website to create an account or download the software for self-hosted use. Once logged in, users can analyze the various features and start creating designs.
Can Penpot be used for commercial purposes?
Yes, Pen-pot is open-source and free to use for commercial purposes. Whether you’re a student, individual, small group, or business, you can leverage Penpot’s features without any cost constraints. This makes it an ideal option for a wide range of users looking for a comprehensive design solution.
