Openpencil, developed by Zseven W, is an MCP server tool and an AI-native vector design application. It functions as an open-source Figma alternative, primarily built with Rust for its core and TypeScript/Vue for its frontend editor and UI. Openpencil connects to numerous AI coding assistants and integrates with various Large Language Model providers for its built-in AI capabilities. It also supports real-time collaboration through peer-to-peer sessions.

What does Openpencil connect to?

Openpencil is an open-source, AI-native vector design tool and an MCP server. It connects to AI coding assistants and agents like Claude Code, Codex, and Copilot CLIs. It integrates with LLM providers including OpenRouter, Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google AI for its built-in AI features. For real-time collaboration, Openpencil establishes peer-to-peer sessions, optionally using a public relay and built-in regional hubs, allowing users to work together on designs.

Core features and tools

Openpencil exposes specific callable tools for AI agents, including query_nodes for XPath selectors, get_jsx to view nodes, diff_jsx to compare nodes, describe for semantic analysis, and export_image to render nodes to PNG. Other documented capabilities include open_file, new_document, and export, supporting formats like PowerPoint, HTML, and PDF. It also features a list_available_fonts tool and an SVG import tool. The MCP catalogue has grown from 123 to 129 tools, with the built-in AI assistant having over 75 tools.

Who is it for?

Openpencil serves designers seeking automation, development teams using AI coding agents such as Claude Code, and educators and design students. Its capabilities support AI-driven design and code export workflows. It is suitable for those who need a design tool that integrates deeply with AI for creation and modification, and allows design files to be managed like code. Skip this if you require a design tool without any AI integration or code-like file management.

How to get started

No credentials are required for its built-in AI chat, as users bring their own API keys for LLM providers. For local MCP transport discovery, macOS/Linux systems prefer an owner-only Unix socket, while Windows uses localhost TCP.

Use cases

• AI agents, connected via the MCP server, can generate and modify UI designs on a live canvas using natural language prompts, enabling "Prompt → Canvas" workflows and real-time element manipulation.
• Design files, structured as JSON, can be managed like code, supporting Git commits, diffs, and pull requests, with AI agents directly modifying these files.
• Designs can be exported to various code formats, such as React + Tailwind, HTML + CSS, and Flutter, assisting design-to-code workflows.

Openpencil offers a unique blend of AI-driven design and code-like management for UI creation. Its integration with AI agents and LLM providers positions it for automated design workflows and multi-platform code export. The collaboration features, including peer-to-peer sessions, support team-based design efforts.