Graphic Design Software

Adobe Express vs Penpot

Both are graphic design software. The short answer: choose Adobe Express if you are quick social graphics with Adobe fonts and stock; choose Penpot if you are open-source UI design and prototyping.

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Adobe Express logo Adobe ExpressPenpot logo Penpot
Best forQuick social graphics with Adobe fonts and stockOpen-source UI design and prototyping
Free planYesYes
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesGraphic Design Software, Instagram & Creator ToolsGraphic Design Software
Strengths
  • Free plan
  • Adobe Fonts and stock
  • Free and open source
  • Self-hostable
Watch out for
  • Fewer templates than Canva
  • Smaller plugin ecosystem than Figma
Visit Adobe ExpressVisit Penpot

Which should you choose?

Adobe Express: Template-based design app with Firefly AI features.

Penpot: Open-source design and prototyping platform.

The best way to decide is to run the same week of real work through both — most offer a free plan or trial — and compare how long tasks take, what your team prefers, and the total cost for your number of users including renewal pricing.

Not sure either fits? See all graphic design software compared.