Penpot is the open-source free design software that connects designers and developers with no handoff drama. Prototyping, UI design and code - all in one app.

Penpot: The Design Tool for Design & Code Collaboration

Good question. I've not actually used it. Still under the thumb of big fig. Seems like they've been making solid progress though.

I'm thinking about learning ProtoPie for advanced prototyping, but the learning curve seems tough

Figma is becoming a control tool for admins. Not a design tool anymore. What tool should I switch to to just make designs and avoid paying to keep my files private? Is this a new sketch era?

Curious to hear more about what privacy & control issues you’re running into!

Penpot is pretty interesting and would be my pick re: alternative. 

I don't think empowering functions like design ops / admins is a bad thing nor do I think Figma has abandoned IC's, but there's absolutely a degraded experience rn for solo designers & free users

Yeah, Protopie is definitely at another level when setting a prototype. You have all those unique interactions and even connectivity with custom hardware.

It's like upgrading the basic experience.

Ahhhh penpot is so painful to use. Still quite buggy or at least it was a few months ago when I last touched it. Also drives me nuts that I can’t zoom into the canvas using the usual keyboard shortcuts, such a deal breaker for me 🙈😬

However, it's more about advanced prototyping, so I guess Figma is still more useful for making screens or lo-fi prototypes as it requires fewer settings

At least that is what they say: protopie.io/blog/protopie-vs-figma

https://penpot.app is the closest thing to Figma without being Figma.

I’m still observing it from afar (and we try to use it in the open source communities I mentor / am active in) but I think it will be hard to get wide adoption, still has a massive OSS feel about it

I agree with you, it's crazy how companies are becoming so hungry, yet earning millions.. 

It's not anymore about users, how it used to be awhile back where it was a one time payment, even subscription modal is not enough nowadays.

I'd say maybe Sketch? They evolved a lot too..

+1 to PenPot. I’ve used it a few times and it’s getting closer to being a one for one Figma alternative.

It seems if some passionate designers started using it and delivering feedback to the team, they’d get there more quickly.

I use Protopie a lot. It’s definitely not a Figma replacement or even a peer. Maybe that’s why you are finding it tough? I find it to be one of the most intuitive and robust prototyping tools available.

Sketch is great , I never stopped using it

In all seriousness though, fuck greed, and design companies that purposefully employ dark patterns.

Penpop for something Figma like but yes you can't generally go wrong with Sketch. It's just good. Do check their 100th release notes 👀

Thanks for the insights. Yeah, that would be quite the workflow killer.

I’d love to know more about how the admin controling plays out irl

Sketch has continued being awesome. It’s hasn’t tried to do all the things Figma does. And that’s OK.

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