# Open Pencil — AI-Native Open Source Design Editor

> An open-source AI-native design editor built as a Figma alternative, featuring real-time collaboration, Skia-based rendering, and AI-powered design assistance.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# Open Pencil — AI-Native Open Source Design Editor

## Quick Use
```bash
# Clone and run locally
git clone https://github.com/open-pencil/open-pencil
cd open-pencil
pnpm install && pnpm dev

# Or use the hosted version at the project website
```

## Introduction
Open Pencil is an open-source design editor built as an alternative to Figma, with AI capabilities integrated from the ground up. It supports real-time collaboration, high-performance rendering via Skia and WebGPU, and AI-assisted design operations like layout generation and component suggestions.

## What Open Pencil Does
- Provides a full vector design editor with layers, components, and constraints
- Supports real-time multi-user collaboration on design files
- Integrates AI assistance for generating layouts and suggesting designs
- Renders at high performance using Skia and WebGPU acceleration
- Exports designs to SVG, PNG, and development-ready code

## Architecture Overview
Open Pencil is built with Vue and Tauri for a lightweight cross-platform desktop experience. The rendering pipeline uses Skia for precise vector graphics with WebGPU acceleration where available. Real-time collaboration is handled through CRDT-based conflict resolution. The AI layer connects to LLM providers for design generation and iteration.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Run the desktop app via Tauri (macOS, Windows, Linux)
- Deploy the collaboration server for team real-time editing
- Configure AI provider credentials for design assistance features
- Set up asset storage for shared design libraries
- Customize export formats and code generation targets

## Key Features
- Full vector design tool with component system and auto-layout
- AI-powered design generation from text descriptions
- Real-time collaboration with multiplayer cursors and presence
- High-performance Skia rendering with WebGPU acceleration
- Open-source and self-hostable with no vendor lock-in

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Figma** — industry standard but proprietary, subscription-based
- **Penpot** — open-source design tool but without AI features
- **Excalidraw** — whiteboard-focused, not a full design editor
- **Canva** — template-driven, less precise for UI/UX design work
- **Lunacy** — free but closed-source, Windows-primary

## FAQ
**Q: Can I import Figma files?**
A: Check the project documentation for current import/export compatibility status.

**Q: Does the AI feature require an API key?**
A: Yes. AI design assistance requires configuring an LLM provider API key.

**Q: Is real-time collaboration included in the open-source version?**
A: Yes. The collaboration server is fully open-source and self-hostable.

**Q: What platforms are supported?**
A: macOS, Windows, and Linux via the Tauri desktop application.

## Sources
- https://github.com/open-pencil/open-pencil

---
Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/open-pencil-ai-native-open-source-design-editor-a11a5780
Author: AI Open Source