Best Open Source Alternatives for Figma
As a software engineer, product manager, or product designer, you must have heard of Figma. View and design are essential parts of any software product, and Figma has become a leading tool for UI/UX design and prototyping.
While Figma is known for its real-time collaboration and cloud-based approach, it comes with limitations. Subscription costs can be a burden for freelancers and small teams. Offline work is restricted, making it unreliable in low-connectivity environments. Data privacy is another concern, as designs are stored on Figma’s servers with no option for self-hosting. Additionally, Linux users are left out with no native application.
If you need more freedom, flexibility, and control, open-source alternatives are worth considering. Whether it’s cost savings, offline access, or complete ownership of your designs, these tools offer powerful features without restrictions. Explore the best open-source design tools today and design on your own terms. Below are the tools that you should consider for your needs. I like penpot and thats why I am placing it at top of the list.
List Of Alternatives To Figma
Penpot
Penpot is an open-source design tool built for UI/UX designers, developers, and product teams who need more freedom and control over their work. Unlike Figma, which is cloud-dependent and proprietary, Penpot offers self-hosting, giving teams full ownership of their designs without relying on external servers.
For teams concerned about data privacy or working in restricted environments, Penpot is a game-changer. It is completely free, making it ideal for startups, freelancers, and enterprises looking for a cost-effective design solution. Unlike Figma, which lacks Linux support, Penpot works seamlessly across all platforms.
Built on open web standards (SVG-based), Penpot ensures better compatibility with other tools and workflows. It also supports real-time collaboration, making it a strong alternative to Figma without the restrictions of paid plans or cloud dependency.
If you are looking for a powerful, privacy-focused, and cost-effective design tool, Penpot is one of the best choices available today.
Akira
Akira is a fast, open-source UI/UX design tool built for Linux users who need a lightweight and efficient alternative to proprietary design software. Unlike web-based tools, Akira is designed for performance, speed, and full offline access without limitations.
Developed using Vala and GTK, it provides native Linux support with a smooth and responsive experience. It is tailored for modern interface design, making it a great fit for developers and designers who want a streamlined workflow with full control over their projects.
For those seeking a Linux-first, open-source design tool that prioritizes speed and efficiency, Akira is a strong choice that eliminates unnecessary dependencies and keeps your workflow optimized.
Inkscape
Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor built for designers who need complete control over their work. It is a powerful alternative for UI/UX design, icon creation, and technical illustrations, offering a feature-rich, offline-first experience without the constraints of cloud-based tools.
Unlike web-based design platforms, Inkscape runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring better performance and full access to your files without internet dependency. It supports SVG as its native format, making it highly compatible with other design tools. With advanced path editing, customizable extensions, and a strong community, it is a solid choice for those who need precision and flexibility in their design workflow.
For designers looking for a powerful, free, and highly customizable vector tool, Inkscape is one of the best options available today.
We also have added some MS Office Alternatives
Excalidraw
Excalidraw is an open-source whiteboard tool designed for quick wireframing and brainstorming. It provides a hand-drawn style, making sketches feel more natural and informal. Unlike traditional design tools, Excalidraw focuses on speed and simplicity, allowing users to create rough concepts without getting lost in complex features.
It runs directly in the browser, requiring no installation or account signup. It also supports real-time collaboration, making it ideal for teams working remotely. Users can save files locally, ensuring full control over their data. With its minimal interface and offline support, Excalidraw is a great choice for those who need a lightweight, no-frills alternative to structured design tools.
For developers and designers who prefer quick sketching over pixel-perfect precision, Excalidraw makes the process effortless. It lets you drag, drop, and adjust elements on the go, without worrying about layers or rigid constraints. If you need a fast, flexible, and distraction-free way to visualize ideas, Excalidraw is one of the best tools to try.
Figma-Linux
Figma-Linux is an unofficial open-source wrapper that allows Linux users to run Figma as a standalone desktop app. While Figma itself does not offer a native Linux version, this project provides a more integrated experience, making it easier to use Figma without relying on a web browser.
It offers better system integration, allowing users to work with native window controls, keyboard shortcuts, and file handling like any other desktop application. Unlike the browser version, it provides better focus and workflow continuity, reducing distractions caused by multiple tabs.
For Linux users who rely on Figma but prefer a dedicated app experience, Figma-Linux is a simple and effective solution. It eliminates the need to keep Figma open in a browser and provides a more fluid, native-like feel without changing the core functionality.
Pencil Project
Pencil Project is a free, open-source wireframing and prototyping tool built for designers and developers who need a quick and lightweight way to create UI mockups. It comes with pre-built UI elements, flowchart tools, and interactive linking, making it easy to design app screens, website layouts, and process diagrams without complex software.
Unlike cloud-based tools, Pencil Project runs entirely offline, giving users full control over their work without requiring an account or internet connection. It supports exporting designs in multiple formats, including PNG, PDF, and even OpenOffice documents, making it flexible for different workflows.
For anyone looking for a simple, no-fuss alternative to heavyweight design software, Pencil Project is a solid choice. It is ideal for quick wireframes, concept testing, and low-fidelity UI design, helping teams visualize ideas without unnecessary complexity.
Lorien
Lorien is an open-source infinite canvas tool built for sketching, mind mapping, and wireframing. It is designed to be minimal, fast, and distraction-free, making it perfect for designers, developers, and note-takers who prefer a freehand approach to brainstorming and concept design.
Unlike complex design tools, Lorien focuses on simplicity and responsiveness. It runs entirely offline, has low system requirements, and is optimized for pen input, making it a great choice for stylus users and touchscreen devices. Whether you are sketching out an app idea, mapping user flows, or simply jotting down quick notes, Lorien provides an intuitive and lightweight workspace.
For those who need a flexible and unrestricted drawing environment, Lorien offers a fast, fluid, and open-source alternative without unnecessary features slowing things down.
sK1 Project
sK1 Project is an open-source vector graphics editor built for professional print design. Unlike typical UI/UX design tools, sK1 is optimized for CMYK workflow, multi-page layouts, and advanced color management, making it a strong alternative for designers working in publishing, branding, and prepress production.
It supports high-quality PDF output, ICC color profiles, and Pantone colors, ensuring precise color accuracy for print materials. With a clean interface and responsive performance, it provides a lightweight yet powerful experience for graphic designers who need full control over their print projects.
For those looking for a free and open-source solution tailored to print design, sK1 Project is one of the best options available. It eliminates subscription fees and restrictive file formats, giving designers more freedom and flexibility in their workflow.
Graphite
Graphite is an open-source vector graphics editor that introduces non-destructive editing and procedural design, setting it apart from traditional design tools. It is built for UI/UX designers, digital illustrators, and graphic artists who want more control and flexibility in their workflow.
Unlike standard vector tools, Graphite allows users to edit shapes and effects dynamically without permanently altering the original design. It supports layered editing, procedural workflows, and parametric adjustments, making it a powerful option for those who work with complex designs and reusable assets.
Though still in early development, Graphite has the potential to become a game-changer in open-source design. For designers looking for a next-generation vector editor with non-destructive workflows, Graphite is worth keeping an eye on.
Dotgrid
Dotgrid is a minimalist vector drawing tool designed for creating precise geometric designs and icons. It is built for designers who prefer a lightweight and efficient workflow without the clutter of traditional design software.
With a grid-based approach, Dotgrid makes it easy to create sharp, symmetrical, and structured designs. It focuses on precision rather than freehand drawing, making it an excellent choice for logos, symbols, and pixel-perfect vector art. The interface is simple and distraction-free, allowing users to focus on the design itself without unnecessary tools getting in the way.
For those who need a fast, no-frills vector editor that prioritizes clean and structured design, Dotgrid is a great alternative. It is open-source, runs offline, and is perfect for designers who prefer a direct and efficient approach to vector illustration.
Conclusion
We have explored some open source alternatives to Figma. No doubt Figma is feature rich tool but the tools we explored above have also their unique strengths. Choose the tool or multiple that must fulfil your needs. If you do not want to use or give a try to all but specific, I will ask you to give a try to Penpot and Excalidraw.
If you know some tools, that I have missed, tell me I will exxplore and add here. Write me if you need any open source solution for your specific business need, I will give you the information that I have, with research and analysis.