Best Open-Source Design Tools in 2026

Here are open-source design tools covering UI libraries, icon generation, and AI-assisted visuals. Jaaz is a local AI design agent for images, posters, and storyboards. Ant Design offers an enterprise-class React UI library, and Photoshot generates personalized AI avatars through a web app. Use this list when you need components, assets, or generative helpers without leaving open source.

The most popular open-source Design tool by GitHub stars is Shadcn UI(112.1k stars), followed by Ant Design(97.7k stars)and System Design 101(75.1k stars). This page lists the top 30 of 65 design tools in the directory, ranked by community adoption.

Quick comparison

Best open-source Design tools in 2026, ranked by GitHub stars
#ToolStarsLanguageLicense
1Shadcn UI

A set of beautifully-designed, accessible components and a code distribution platform that works with your favorite frameworks. Open Source. Open Code.

112.1kTypeScriptMIT License
2Ant Design

An enterprise-class UI design language and React-based UI library for building rich and interactive user interfaces.

97.7kTypeScriptMIT License
3System Design 101

A comprehensive guide to understanding complex system architectures using visuals and simple language, aiding preparation for system design interviews.

75.1kOther
4tldraw

A versatile whiteboard SDK and infinite canvas SDK to build interactive drawing applications.

46.3kTypeScriptOther
5Penpot

The open-source design tool for design and code collaboration, empowering teams to build and share projects seamlessly.

45.3kClojureMozilla Public License 2.0
6System Design

Learn how to design systems at scale and prepare for system design interviews with practical examples and insights.

42.8kOther
7Awesome Design Patterns

A curated list of software and architecture related design patterns, useful for enhancing software development and architecture understanding.

41.8k
8Drawdb

Free, simple, and intuitive online database diagram editor and SQL generator.

37.0kJavaScriptGNU Affero General Public License v3.0
9Carbon

❤️ Create and share beautiful images of your source code with ease, perfect for showcasing on social media and presentations.

36.0kJavaScriptMIT License
10OpenCut

OpenCut is an open-source alternative to CapCut offering a range of video editing tools for creators.

27.6kTypeScriptMIT License

All 30 Design tools

  1. Our Newsletter

    Get new Design tools right in your inbox

    Get short emails with useful design projects, releases, and repos worth watching.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best open-source design tool in 2026?

Shadcn UI leads by GitHub stars(112.1k). A set of beautifully-designed, accessible components and a code distribution platform that works with your favorite frameworks. Open Source. Open Code.

Are these design tools free?

Yes. Every tool on this list is open source and free to use in your own projects. Many can be self-hosted.

How is this list ranked?

Tools are ranked by GitHub star count, a strong proxy for community adoption and active maintenance. Star counts are refreshed regularly.

Stay Updated!

Get notified about new tools and updates to existing ones.