Penpot vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Penpot | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free cloud (unlimited seats); Self-hosted free; Enterprise custom pricing | Free tier with watermarked exports; Pro $24.99/mo; Business $79.99/mo |
| Primary Use | UI/UX design and prototyping with AI workflows | 3D scanning and reality capture (objects, spaces, floors, drones) |
| AI Integration | AI workflows via MCP server – integrate any LLM/agent | AI-assisted photogrammetry and AI 3D model generator (beta) |
| Open Source | Yes (fully open source, self-hostable) | No |
| 3D Modeling | Not applicable | Native 3D scanning, Gaussian splatting, floor plans, point clouds |
| Collaboration | Real-time collaborative editing, version history, file branching | Sync captures across devices, shared viewer links |
Polycam and Penpot serve completely different needs. Choose Polycam if your work involves capturing real-world 3D spaces or objects for AEC, forensics, or media. Choose Penpot if you need a free, open-source UI/UX design tool with AI agent integration and no per-seat licensing. They are not directly competitive.
Open-source design platform for teams that need scalable collaboration—free, with AI workflows, design tokens, and self-hosting options.
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AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.
Visit WebsiteWho should pick which
- Architect needing on-site floor plansPick: Polycam
Polycam's LiDAR scanning and automatic floor plan generation with measurements directly support architectural as-built documentation.
- UI/UX design team with budget constraintsPick: Penpot
Penpot is free and open-source, with no per-seat costs, making it ideal for teams that want to avoid vendor lock-in and pay nothing for design tools.
- Forensics team capturing accident scenesPick: Polycam
Polycam enables fast, accurate 3D scene documentation using any device, with measurement exports for analysis.
- Design team integrating AI agents into design-to-codePick: Penpot
Penpot's MCP server allows direct integration of LLMs/agents into design workflows, enabling AI-powered design generation and code export.
- Game developer scanning propsPick: Polycam
Polycam exports to Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, and other 3D tools, and now supports Gaussian splats for real-time rendering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Penpot vs Polycam: which should you choose?
Polycam and Penpot serve completely different needs. Choose Polycam if your work involves capturing real-world 3D spaces or objects for AEC, forensics, or media. Choose Penpot if you need a free, open-source UI/UX design tool with AI agent integration and no per-seat licensing. They are not directly competitive.
Can Penpot replace Figma for UI design?
Penpot offers similar core features (wireframing, prototyping, design tokens, shared libraries) but has a smaller plugin ecosystem and simpler animations. It's a strong alternative for teams prioritizing open-source and zero cost.
Does Polycam require LiDAR?
No. Polycam works with any iPhone/iPad (photo-based photogrammetry) and Android devices with ARCore. LiDAR improves scanning quality but is optional.
Can I use Penpot for 3D design?
No. Penpot is a 2D UI/UX design tool. It does not handle 3D modeling or scanning.
What file formats does Polycam export?
Polycam exports OBJ, FBX, GLTF, STL, USDZ, PLY, LAS, LAZ, DXF, and more for models, point clouds, and floor plans.
Is Penpot really free?
Yes. The cloud version is free with unlimited seats and projects. Self-hosting is also free. Enterprise plans with extra support are available but optional.
Can I integrate AI agents with Polycam?
Polycam has an AI 3D model generator (beta) and AI-assisted scanning, but does not support third-party AI agent integration like Penpot's MCP server.
Which tool is better for collaboration?
Penpot offers real-time collaborative editing, version history, and branching. Polycam syncs captures across devices but does not have multi-user real-time editing of designs.
Can I self-host Penpot?
Yes. Penpot is open source and can be self-hosted on your infrastructure. This is ideal for organizations with data sovereignty requirements.
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Last reviewed: June 1, 2026