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pen.dev (formerly pencil.dev) is a vector design tool built to work alongside a development environment. It lets developers and product teams edit interface designs in a canvas, keep the design file in a code workspace, and use AI-assisted workflows to move between designs and implementation. It is most relevant if you want design and code iteration close together—not necessarily if your main need is large-scale, cross-role design-system collaboration.
What is pen.dev?
pen.dev combines an editable design canvas with developer-oriented tools. Its documentation describes it as “a powerful vector design tool that integrates directly into your development environment.” You can work through a desktop app, an IDE extension, or a headless command-line interface, and save designs as .pen files in a project workspace.
Keeping a .pen file beside source code means a repository can track design and implementation together. The product also connects supported AI clients to an open design document, allowing an agent-assisted workflow in either direction: from design toward code, or from an existing component toward a canvas recreation. Those workflows still require human review; generated output should not be treated as production-ready without checking it.
Which way can you use it: desktop, IDE, or CLI?
| Option | Best fit | Documented details |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop app | Working directly on the canvas or importing a web page | Available for macOS, Windows, and Linux, according to the installation documentation. |
| IDE extension | Keeping design work near an existing coding workflow | Extensions are available for VS Code and Cursor; supported integrations depend on the installed version. Check Settings → MCP in the app or extension. |
| CLI | Headless or command-line workflows | Installed through npm. The documented prerequisite is Node.js 22.19 or later. |
The documentation’s supported AI-client list can vary by release. MCP connects an external client to a .pen document open in the desktop app or IDE extension, but support for a particular client should be verified in that installed version rather than assumed.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How do you turn a pen.dev design into code?
- Put the design in the project workspace. Save the
.pendocument alongside the code the implementation will use. - Open the document and connect the workflow. Use pen.dev’s AI chat or a supported IDE client connected through MCP.
- Ask for a specific implementation. The documentation gives examples such as a React component, TypeScript types, or a Next.js page. State the target framework and relevant project conventions in your request.
- Review and refine the result. Check the generated code against the design and the surrounding application before adopting it.
The guide names React (JavaScript or TypeScript), Next.js, Vue, Svelte, and plain HTML/CSS as examples. It also mentions styling approaches including Tailwind CSS, CSS Modules, Styled Components, and plain CSS. These are examples of the workflow, not a guarantee that every project configuration will be handled without adjustment.
Can pen.dev turn existing code into a design?
Yes. The documented reverse workflow is to ask an agent to read an existing component and recreate it on the canvas. For that to work, the .pen file and component need to be in the same workspace, and the agent needs access to both. Review the resulting design and the original code after each request; a canvas recreation is a useful starting point, not proof that every implementation detail or interaction has been captured.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Can pen.dev import Figma designs and web pages?
Figma files and layers
The documentation describes importing a complete Figma file or individual layers. Imported work can provide a starting point for editing in the pen.dev canvas; inspect the result rather than assuming every design detail transfers exactly.
Images, SVGs, and icons
Supported image imports include PNG, JPEG, and SVG. SVGs become editable canvas layers, while PNG and JPEG files are placed as image layers. Built-in icon libraries include Material Symbols, Lucide, Feather, and Phosphor.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Web pages
The desktop app can import a web page or a selected element as editable layers. The imported layers do not retain the page’s JavaScript interactions, so the result is not a working copy of the original site. Check layout, fonts, and effects against the source page after importing.
What can you export?
HTML export offers Tailwind or CSS. You can also export selected layers as PNG, JPEG, WEBP, or PDF; raster exports support 1×, 2×, and 3× scale options. These exports serve different handoff needs: HTML for a code-oriented starting point, and image or PDF files for sharing or documentation.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Is pen.dev a good fit compared with Figma?
Choose based on how your team works, not on a blanket ranking. pen.dev’s repository-based design files and IDE/CLI options may suit developers or small product teams that want design iteration close to source code and AI-agent workflows. Import and export support also matters if you need to fit an existing handoff pipeline.
For a different perspective, Thoughtworks’ April 2026 Technology Radar assessment describes Pencil as developer-centric and repository-oriented, while noting: “For large-scale and complex design systems, Figma remains the standard for collaboration across roles.” That is an industry assessment, not a comprehensive head-to-head benchmark; the relevant distinction is workflow and collaboration scale.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
What is the other Pencil product?
The name is ambiguous. This article covers pen.dev, which used the pencil.dev address. A separate product at trypencil.com also uses the Pencil name and has its own creative workflow and plugin information. Its product details should not be attributed to pen.dev.
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