We have evaluated Penpot (self-hosted) and compared its features and user experience with Figma. Figma has been used in our organization for several years.
Penpot isn’t quite there yet in terms of functionality and performance for us to consider switching to the tool within the next few years. However, we still see value in keeping it as a “backup.”
Performance
Files render very slowly.
When zooming in and out on the canvas, only placeholder images are displayed, even when there are only a few components on the page.
When multiple people work in the same file simultaneously, updates are not reflected in real time. For example, if one person edits a sticky note, the change isn’t visible until they’ve “left” the note, which makes collaboration more difficult.
Functionality
Lacks features available in Figma, such as certain types of variable handling in components.
No native whiteboard tool.
Is it possible to install fonts in a container image for Penpot so that all users have access to them?
Are there any plans to run Penpot locally on your own computer?
Conclusion
There are, of course, positive aspects as well—for example, Penpot has much better handling of design tokens than Figma.
We will continue testing Penpot; it’s always interesting to explore and try other design tools. We are especially looking forward to the new rendering engine—if they solve the performance issues, the overall experience of working in the tool will improve significantly.
We had a small “philosophical” discussion about what would happen if our UX design tool goes down (maybe unlikely, but it can happen), and how you could save files locally and get started locally—something that isn’t possible since it is web-based and we don’t have a client on the computer.
But when it comes to Penpot, it’s more a matter of preference whether you want a desktop client or to run it in the browser, since we host it ourselves anyway.
Your point of view is interesting, and I agree with most of your points. You are right to keep Penpot as a backup solution.
As the design universe is evolving very fast, we must keep an eye on which direction Figma will take, because they are so reactive to the market.
It’s quite hard to envision what’s going next. I’m sure this is more valuable for easing communication between humans, regardless of their role.
A last point of view from me, regarding the cost of the provided value: life has been more expensive in recent years, and Figma would be inaccessible at scale in some regions.
Really interesting evaluation. Exactly the kind of honest, detailed feedback that helps understand where Penpot stands today and where it needs to grow.
One thing you might not be aware of that could be useful in your case: we develop and maintain the official Figma-to-Penpot exporter plugin. It lets you migrate files directly from Figma, preserving layers, components, and styles, which can make the transition a lot smoother if you ever decide to take the leap, or simply to test Penpot with your own real designs instead of starting from scratch.
We’d love for you to give it a try, and if you have any feedback we’d be happy to hear it! Your setup (self-hosted, team with years of Figma experience) is the kind of use case we’re most interested in improving for.
