Figma, Penpot or Sketch for Teams?
By CodexierPublished 4 min read
For most teams the choice of design tool looks settled: Figma is the default, and many designers have never worked in anything else. But Penpot has matured into a credible open-source alternative you can run on your own servers, and Sketch is still used by Mac-based teams who prefer a native app. The right choice depends on how your team collaborates, how designs reach developers, where your data may live and what you pay per editor. This guide compares the three on those points.
Collaboration and sharing
| Aspect | Figma | Penpot | Sketch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Browser and desktop app, any OS | Browser, any OS | Native macOS app, web app for viewing |
| Real-time co-editing | Yes, mature | Yes | Yes, within the Mac app |
| Comments and sharing | Links with viewer access | Links with viewer access | Web links for viewers and reviewers |
| Plugin ecosystem | Very large | Growing, smaller | Established, smaller than Figma |
| Open source | No | Yes | No |
Developer handoff
Handoff is where the tools differ in ways that affect cost. Figma's Dev Mode gives developers measurements, variables and code hints, but full access is part of paid seats, so developers may need a licence too. Penpot is built on open web standards such as SVG and CSS, and its inspect view shows CSS directly without an extra licence. Sketch offers inspection through its web app, so developers on Windows or Linux can still get specs.
In all three, handoff quality depends more on how the file is built than on the tool: named components, consistent spacing, defined tokens for colours and type, and clear notes for states and edge cases. Our guide to Figma handover to developers lists what a good file contains, and most of it applies to Penpot and Sketch as well.
Hosting and data control
Design files can contain unreleased products, customer data in mockups and internal screens. Figma is a US cloud service, so check its data processing terms and transfer mechanisms against your GDPR requirements and any customer contracts. Penpot can be self-hosted in your own environment, including in Sweden, which gives full control at the price of running and updating it yourself; there is also a hosted version. Sketch stores documents in its cloud workspace or locally on the Mac.
- Never use real customer data in mockups; use realistic fake data instead.
- If a client contract restricts where data may be stored, Penpot self-hosted or local files are the simplest compliance answer.
- Whatever you choose, make sure the company, not a freelancer's personal account, owns the workspace.
Pricing for small teams
Figma and Sketch both charge per editor on subscription, with free options for viewing and limited use. Figma's paid tiers add features such as shared libraries and Dev Mode, and costs rise as more people need edit or developer access. Penpot's core product is free, both self-hosted and in its hosted version, with paid plans for organisations that want support or extra features. Check the vendors' current price pages, since plans change often, and count every person who needs to edit, inspect or comment.
Switching costs
Switching tools is rarely about exporting files. Imports between tools are imperfect: components, variants, auto layout and prototypes often need rebuilding. The real cost is rebuilding your component library, retraining the team and updating processes. For a small team with a modest library that can be a few weeks of work; for a mature design system it is a project in itself.
When not to switch: if your team is productive in its current tool and the licence cost is acceptable, switching rarely pays off. When it does make sense, it is a good moment to rebuild the component library properly. A design system and UI kit can be built in whichever tool you choose; prices are on the pricing page, and a free call is enough to talk through your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Penpot good enough for professional work?
For many teams, yes. It covers components, real-time collaboration, prototyping and inspection. Its plugin ecosystem and some advanced features are less mature than Figma's, so test it on a real project before committing.
Can we import Figma files into Penpot?
Importers exist, but expect to rebuild parts of components, auto layout and prototypes. Plan the move as a rebuild of the library rather than a file conversion.
Do developers need paid Figma seats?
For full Dev Mode access, typically yes under Figma's seat model. Check current plans, since this has changed over time. Viewers can still see and comment on designs without a paid seat.
Is Sketch still worth considering?
For Mac-only design teams who prefer a native app, yes. For mixed teams on Windows and Mac, a browser-based tool is usually more practical.
Choosing a design tool or rebuilding your component library?
Tell us how many people design, who needs to inspect and any data restrictions you have. In fifteen minutes we can recommend a tool and describe what a design system in it would involve.
Book a free 15-minute call