Open Source Figma Alternatives: 7 Tools on GitHub
Looking for an open-source alternative to Figma?
Figma is widely used for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration, but it isn't the only option for creating digital designs. Several open-source projects offer different approaches, from traditional design editors to AI-powered workflows and rapid prototyping tools.
What if your design tool was open source, and you could inspect its code, contribute features, or adapt it to your workflow?
That's what makes open-source design software worth exploring. From full UI design platforms to experimental AI-powered editors, these projects offer different approaches to creating digital products.
1. Open Design
GitHub: https://github.com/nexu-io/open-design
Open Design is an open-source, AI-powered design workspace that uses coding agents to create visual assets and interactive experiences.
Rather than relying entirely on a traditional canvas-based editor, it lets AI agents generate designs such as landing pages, dashboards, presentations, and prototypes.
Key features:
AI-assisted design workflows
Integration with coding agents
Local-first workflow
Export options for generated designs
Open Design is worth exploring if you're interested in combining AI-assisted development with visual design. However, its workflow differs significantly from Figma's conventional editor.
2. Penpot
GitHub: https://github.com/penpot/penpot
Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping platform built for designers and developers. It's one of the closest alternatives to Figma for teams working on websites, mobile applications, and design systems.
Unlike many graphic design tools, Penpot focuses on the entire UI design workflow, from creating layouts to building interactive prototypes and handing designs over to developers.
Key features:
Vector-based design tools
Interactive prototyping
Components and design systems
Real-time collaboration
Developer handoff with CSS and SVG
Penpot is a strong starting point if you're looking for an open-source tool to replace Figma in a professional UI/UX workflow.
3. Graphite
GitHub: https://github.com/GraphiteEditor/Graphite
Graphite is an open-source graphics editor built around a node-based, procedural workflow. It aims to bring vector graphics, raster editing, and motion graphics into a unified application.
Its approach is different from traditional design editors. Instead of relying exclusively on layers and conventional tools, Graphite uses a node graph to build and modify visual content.
Key features:
Vector and raster graphics
Node-based procedural editing
Non-destructive workflows
Browser-based development and desktop-oriented ambitions
Graphite is worth considering for visual design and creative workflows, although it isn't a direct replacement for Figma's collaboration and prototyping features.
4. Pencil Project
GitHub: https://github.com/evolus/pencil
Pencil Project is a free, open-source tool for creating diagrams, wireframes, and GUI prototypes.
It has been around for years and provides a more traditional approach to interface planning. You can use it to sketch application screens, map out layouts, and communicate ideas before implementation.
Key features:
GUI wireframing and prototyping
Diagram creation
Reusable interface elements
Desktop application workflow
Pencil Project is particularly useful when you need to plan an interface before writing code. Its primary focus is wireframing and mockups rather than modern, collaborative UI design.
5. Open Pencil
GitHub: https://github.com/open-pencil/open-pencil
Open Pencil is an open-source, AI-native design editor positioned as a Figma alternative. It combines visual design workflows with AI-assisted capabilities.
The project is especially interesting for developers and designers exploring how AI can fit into the design process rather than treating design and implementation as entirely separate activities.
Key features:
AI-assisted design workflows
Visual design editing
Support for
.figand.penfiles, according to the projectAn open-source codebase for community contributions
Open Pencil is worth watching if you're interested in emerging design tools. Before adopting it for production work, check its current feature coverage and compatibility with your existing design files.
6. Akira
GitHub: https://github.com/akiraux/Akira
Akira is an open-source UI and UX design application developed with Linux users in mind.
Its goal is to provide a native design tool rather than relying entirely on a web-based application. The project focuses on interface design, vector editing, and workflows for creating digital products.
Key features:
Native Linux application approach
UI and UX design
Vector-based editing
Open-source development
Akira is an interesting project for Linux users who want a dedicated design application. However, check its current development status and usability before choosing it for a production workflow.
7. Quant-UX
GitHub: https://github.com/KlausSchaefers/quant-ux
Quant-UX is an open-source tool for prototyping, user testing, and learning from user interactions.
Its emphasis is on testing how people interact with a design, rather than simply producing static mockups. This makes it particularly relevant to UX designers who want to validate ideas before building the final product.
Key features:
Interactive prototypes
User testing
Collection of interaction data
Self-hosting options
Quant-UX can complement a design workflow when usability testing is a priority. It's not a complete replacement for Figma's general-purpose design editor, but it covers an important part of the product design process.
Which Open-Source Figma Alternative Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
| Tool | Best for |
|---|---|
| Open Design | AI-assisted visual design |
| Penpot | UI/UX design and prototyping |
| Graphite | Vector and raster graphics |
| Pencil Project | Wireframes and GUI mockups |
| Open Pencil | AI-assisted design editing |
| Akira | Native Linux UI design |
| Quant-UX | Prototyping and usability testing |
If you want the closest alternative to Figma for designing websites and applications, start with Penpot.
If you're interested in AI-assisted workflows, explore Open Design and Open Pencil. For wireframing, Pencil Project is another option, while Quant-UX is worth considering for interactive prototypes and user testing.
Explore the Projects on GitHub
One advantage of open-source design software is that you can inspect the source code, follow development activity, report issues, and contribute improvements.
GitHub stars can help you gauge a project's visibility, but they don't necessarily indicate product quality, maintenance, or feature completeness. Check recent commits, releases, open issues, and documentation before committing to a tool.
Have you tried any of these projects? Which open-source design tool would you recommend to someone looking for an alternative to Figma?