In short
Open Design is an open-source (Apache-2.0) design workspace that runs on the coding-agent CLI you already have, such as Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini CLI or OpenCode, with your own keys. It makes prototypes, landing pages, dashboards, slides and video as HTML, exported as HTML, PDF, PPTX or video, with no paid tier.
vDesign is a design canvas for anyone, not only developers. An agent on any model, through
your assistant or built into the app, writes the design as a .vd file onto a canvas where you
drag, resize and retype it by hand.
Where each one wins
Choose Open Design if you want open-source code you can run and change, your designs as HTML in your own repository, and everything driven by the coding agent you already use.
Choose vDesign if you want a real canvas for direct editing; if the people making designs are not developers; if the work is print, brand and video as well as web; or if you want an open format that is the design itself, not generated code.
Side by side
| vDesign | Open Design | |
|---|---|---|
| What is open | The .vd format (CC BY 4.0) |
The code (Apache-2.0) |
| The design is | A .vd file, readable and patchable by any model |
HTML artifacts |
| Who drives it | Any model: your assistant, a coding agent, or vDesign AI in the app | Your coding-agent CLI |
| Editing by hand | A full canvas | Preview editing and tweaks |
| Setup | Open it in the browser, or download for Mac or Windows | Install and run locally |
| Cost | Free for individuals | Free |