# Open-source alternatives to Sketch

> We track 3 open-source alternatives to Sketch, but none currently has confirmed commercial use, local running and no paid services together. Penpot covers all 4 Sketch jobs.

Sketch: Sketch sells interface design, prototyping and collaboration tools. These alternatives cover selected design jobs, with different file compatibility and developer workflows. Pricing: See pricing page (checked 2026-10-16). 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 |
| [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) |

## Common questions

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

Yes. Penpot, OpenPencil and Pencil Project are free to download and run on your own computer without paid API keys. Penpot covers every job we list for Sketch; the others cover only part of it, so check which job you need.

### Can I do interface design locally without a Sketch 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 interactive prototypes locally without a Sketch subscription?

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

### Which Sketch alternatives can I use commercially?

Confirmed: OpenPencil. With conditions: Pencil Project and Penpot. This is not legal advice; read each licence.

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

Penpot covers every job we list for Sketch.

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