# Open-source alternatives to Figma

> Open-source alternatives to Figma that run locally, allow commercial use and need no paid API include Excalidraw (whiteboarding (FigJam); MIT). None of the 7 projects we track covers all 4 Figma jobs, so most people combine two or more.

Figma: Collaborative browser and desktop design tool for UI design, interactive prototypes, design systems and developer handoff, with FigJam for whiteboarding; paid seats unlock full editing and Dev Mode. Pricing: See pricing page (checked 2026-10-15). Facts checked 2026-10-15.

## Projects

| Project | Jobs | Runs locally | Commercial use | Paid services | Hardware |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Penpot](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/penpot) | ui-design, interactive-prototyping, design-handoff, real-time-collaboration | Self-hosted (Docker, Kubernetes) or Penpot SaaS; browser client | Yes, under MPL-2.0 (modified Penpot source files must stay MPL); your designs are unrestricted | None required; optional paid Enterprise plan for SSO and admin | Server with 4 CPUs and 16 GB RAM serves thousands of users; 50-100 GB database to start; powerful client machines and Chrome recommended |
| [Excalidraw](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/excalidraw) | whiteboarding, real-time-collaboration | Self-hosted client via Docker, offline PWA, or hosted excalidraw.com | Yes, MIT | None required | Not documented |
| [Pencil Project](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/pencil-project) | ui-design, interactive-prototyping | Yes, desktop app | Yes, under GPL-2.0 conditions; your mock-ups are unrestricted | None required | Not documented |
| [OpenPencil](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/open-pencil) | ui-design, design-handoff, real-time-collaboration | Yes, desktop app or offline-capable web app | Yes, MIT | None required; AI chat and vectorisation use optional paid provider APIs | Not documented (only OS and browser versions) |
| [WBO (Whitebophir)](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/wbo) | whiteboarding, real-time-collaboration | Self-hosted server (Docker or Node.js); public demo server | Yes, under AGPL-3.0 conditions (share source of modified network deployments) | None required | Not documented |
| [Grida](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/grida) | ui-design, social-graphics, slide-design | Yes, desktop app; projects stay in your own folders | Yes, Apache-2.0 | None required; AI features use optional paid provider keys or free local Ollama models | Not documented |
| [Quant-UX](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/quant-ux) | interactive-prototyping | Self-hosted with Docker (front end, back end and MongoDB), or hosted at quant-ux.com | Yes, under GPL-3.0 conditions | None required when self-hosted (needs your own SMTP server for mail) | Not documented |

## Common questions

### Is there a free, open-source alternative to Figma?

Yes. Penpot, Pencil Project, OpenPencil, Excalidraw and WBO (Whitebophir) are free to download and run on your own computer without paid API keys. Each covers only part of what Figma does, so check which job you need.

### Can I do UI and product design with components and auto layout locally without a Figma subscription?

Yes, with Penpot (MPL-2.0), Pencil Project (GPL-2.0) and OpenPencil (MIT). Check the hardware notes and licence conditions on each page before you start.

### Can I do clickable prototypes and user flows locally without a Figma subscription?

Yes, with Penpot (MPL-2.0), Pencil Project (GPL-2.0) and Quant-UX (GPL-3.0). Check the hardware notes and licence conditions on each page before you start.

### Which Figma alternatives can I use commercially?

Confirmed: Excalidraw, Grida and OpenPencil. With conditions: Pencil Project, Penpot, Quant-UX and WBO (Whitebophir). This is not legal advice; read each licence.

### Does any open-source project replace all of Figma?

Not as of 2026-10-15. UI and product design with components and auto layout, clickable prototypes and user flows, developer handoff (inspect and whiteboarding (FigJam) are covered by different projects.

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Source: RepoQuarry (https://repoquarry.dev/alternatives/figma). Data licence: CC BY 4.0. Quotes are from project documentation and belong to their authors.
