Lunacy

What is Lunacy?

Lunacy is a free graphic design application developed by Icons8, positioned as a powerful alternative to Sketch that works natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Originally launched in 2017 as a viewer for Sketch files on Windows, Lunacy has evolved into a fully-featured design tool capable of creating user interfaces, websites, illustrations, and graphics from scratch. The software provides professional-grade vector editing, prototyping capabilities, and an extensive built-in asset library, all without requiring any payment or subscription.

What distinguishes Lunacy from other design tools is its combination of Sketch file compatibility, cross-platform availability, and completely free access to professional features. Unlike Sketch which runs only on macOS, Lunacy brings similar functionality to Windows and Linux users. The software includes built-in access to Icons8’s vast library of icons, photos, and illustrations, eliminating the need to source assets externally. AI-powered features like background removal and image upscaling add capabilities that typically require separate tools or subscriptions.

Lunacy has gained popularity among UI/UX designers, particularly those working on Windows who previously lacked native access to Sketch-like tools. The software’s free pricing makes it attractive for freelancers, students, and organizations seeking professional design capabilities without software costs. With continued development adding features like real-time collaboration and AI enhancements, Lunacy has established itself as a serious competitor in the design tool space.

Key Features

• Sketch Compatibility: Open, edit, and save Sketch files natively, enabling collaboration with macOS users and access to existing design resources.
• Cross-Platform: Works natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux with consistent functionality, eliminating platform restrictions for design teams.
• Built-in Assets: Access to millions of icons, photos, and illustrations from Icons8 directly within the application without separate subscriptions.
• Vector Editing: Professional vector tools including pen, pencil, shapes, boolean operations, and path editing for precise graphic design.
• Prototyping: Create interactive prototypes with transitions, animations, and clickable hotspots to demonstrate user flows and interactions.
• Auto Layout: Responsive design components that adapt to content changes, simplifying interface design for multiple screen sizes.
• AI Tools: Background removal, image upscaling, text generation, and other AI-powered features enhance productivity without external tools.
• Components and Styles: Reusable design elements and style systems enable consistent design language throughout projects.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple designers can work on the same file simultaneously with live updates and presence indicators.
• Export Options: Export to PNG, SVG, PDF, and CSS/XAML code with control over resolution and optimization settings.

What’s New

Lunacy continues rapid development with regular updates adding professional features and enhanced AI capabilities for modern design workflows.

• Enhanced Collaboration: Improved real-time collaboration with better synchronization, comments, and team workspace features.
• AI Improvements: More powerful AI tools including improved background removal, smarter image generation, and enhanced text capabilities.
• Auto Layout Updates: More flexible responsive design capabilities with better handling of complex component structures.
• Performance Optimization: Faster file handling, smoother canvas interactions, and improved memory management for large projects.
• New Asset Library: Expanded built-in asset collection with more icons, illustrations, and photos available without leaving the app.
• Component Improvements: Enhanced component system with better variant support and more intuitive override handling.
• Export Enhancements: Additional export options and better code generation for handoff to developers.
• User Interface Updates: Refined interface with improved tool organization and better customization options.

System Requirements

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
• Storage: 500 MB for installation
• Graphics: DirectX 10 compatible
• Display: 1280 x 800 minimum resolution

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.14 or later
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
• Storage: 500 MB for installation

Linux

• Distribution: Ubuntu 18.04+, Debian, Fedora, or compatible
• Processor: 64-bit processor
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
• Storage: 500 MB for installation

How to Install Lunacy

Windows Installation

1. Visit icons8.com/lunacy and click Download
2. Choose Windows version to download installer
3. Run the downloaded installer
4. Follow installation wizard prompts
5. Launch from Start menu or desktop
6. Create free account for cloud features

# Using Chocolatey
choco install lunacy

# Using Winget
winget install Icons8.Lunacy

# Or download from icons8.com/lunacy

# Launch
lunacy

macOS Installation

1. Download from icons8.com/lunacy or Mac App Store
2. Open the downloaded DMG file
3. Drag Lunacy to Applications folder
4. Launch from Applications
5. Approve security prompt if needed

# Using Homebrew
brew install --cask lunacy

# Verify installation
ls /Applications | grep -i lunacy

# Launch
open -a "Lunacy"

Linux Installation

# Download from icons8.com/lunacy
# Choose DEB, RPM, or AppImage

# Debian/Ubuntu (DEB)
sudo dpkg -i lunacy-*.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

# Fedora/RHEL (RPM)
sudo rpm -i lunacy-*.rpm

# Using Snap
sudo snap install lunacy

# Launch
lunacy

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Completely Free: Full professional functionality without cost, subscriptions, or feature limitations for personal and commercial use.
• Sketch Compatibility: Native .sketch file support enables collaboration with macOS designers and access to vast Sketch resource ecosystem.
• Cross-Platform: Windows, macOS, and Linux support means teams can use consistent tools regardless of operating system preferences.
• Built-in Assets: Millions of icons, photos, and illustrations from Icons8 available directly within the application for faster design.
• AI Features: Background removal, upscaling, and other AI tools included free that typically require separate paid services.
• Fast Performance: Optimized native application provides responsive editing even with complex designs on modest hardware.
• Active Development: Frequent updates add features and improvements, demonstrating commitment to continued advancement.

Cons

• Asset Library Limitations: Some premium Icons8 assets require separate subscription despite free software access.
• Less Mature Ecosystem: Fewer plugins, templates, and third-party resources compared to established tools like Figma.
• Learning Different: Users familiar with Figma or other tools need adjustment time for Lunacy’s specific interface conventions.
• Collaboration Features: Real-time collaboration is newer and less proven than Figma’s industry-leading collaboration tools.
• Industry Adoption: Less widespread use means fewer designers know Lunacy, potentially affecting team collaboration and hiring.

Lunacy vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Lunacy?

Lunacy is ideal for:

• Windows Designers: UI/UX designers on Windows gain access to Sketch-like functionality without switching platforms or using virtual machines.
• Budget-Conscious Designers: Freelancers and independent designers get professional tools without subscription costs eating into project profits.
• Students: Design students can learn industry-relevant skills with capable software without financial burden during education.
• Sketch Collaborators: Windows and Linux users who need to work with Sketch files from macOS colleagues can edit natively.
• Asset Seekers: Designers who frequently need icons, photos, and illustrations benefit from built-in Icons8 library access.
• Linux Users: Designers on Linux gain professional UI design capability typically unavailable from major design tool vendors.

Lunacy may not be ideal for:

• Enterprise Teams: Large organizations may need the proven collaboration and administrative features of established tools like Figma.
• Figma-Centric Workflows: Teams already invested in Figma’s ecosystem may find switching costs outweigh Lunacy’s price savings.
• Plugin-Heavy Users: Those relying on extensive plugin ecosystems find fewer options in Lunacy’s smaller marketplace.
• Industry Standardization: When clients or employers specifically require Figma or other tools, Lunacy compatibility may be insufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lunacy really completely free?

Yes, Lunacy is free for personal and commercial use with no time limits, watermarks, or feature restrictions. The software is monetized through Icons8’s asset libraries, where some premium icons, photos, and illustrations require separate subscription. However, the design tool itself and substantial free asset collection remain completely free. There are no hidden costs for core functionality.

Can Lunacy replace Figma?

Lunacy can perform many of the same functions as Figma, including vector design, prototyping, and collaboration. However, Figma’s browser-based access, extensive plugin ecosystem, and industry-leading collaboration features make it preferred for many teams. Lunacy excels for individual designers, budget-conscious users, and those needing offline work. Consider your specific needs regarding collaboration, plugins, and team requirements when choosing.

How well does Lunacy handle Sketch files?

Lunacy provides native .sketch file support, meaning you can open, edit, and save Sketch files directly without conversion. Most Sketch features translate well, including symbols, text styles, and layer effects. Some advanced Sketch plugins may not have equivalents, but standard designs transfer accurately. This makes Lunacy valuable for Windows and Linux users collaborating with macOS designers using Sketch.

Does Lunacy work offline?

Yes, Lunacy works fully offline as a native desktop application. You can design, edit, and save files locally without internet connection. Some features like cloud sync, collaboration, and certain AI tools require connectivity, but core design functionality remains available offline. This distinguishes Lunacy from primarily web-based tools that require constant internet access.

What are Lunacy’s AI features?

Lunacy includes several AI-powered tools: background removal automatically extracts subjects from images, image upscaling increases resolution without quality loss, text generation creates placeholder content, and avatar generation creates profile pictures. These features are included free within Lunacy, eliminating need for separate AI tools or subscriptions that typically charge per-use or monthly fees.

Final Verdict

Lunacy has evolved from a simple Sketch file viewer into a genuinely capable design tool that competes effectively with established paid alternatives. The combination of professional vector editing, prototyping capabilities, Sketch compatibility, cross-platform availability, and completely free pricing creates exceptional value for designers who need capable tools without software costs. Icons8’s continued investment in development ensures Lunacy keeps improving.

The software’s greatest strengths are accessibility and value. Windows and Linux users gain access to Sketch-like functionality previously unavailable on their platforms. The built-in asset library accelerates design work without sourcing external resources. AI features included free would typically cost extra elsewhere. For freelancers, students, and cost-conscious teams, Lunacy provides professional capability without financial barriers.

Lunacy is recommended for Windows and Linux designers, budget-conscious professionals, students, and anyone needing capable design tools without subscription costs. Those requiring extensive plugins, enterprise-grade collaboration, or industry-standard tools for client requirements should evaluate alternatives like Figma. For its target audience, Lunacy delivers remarkable value as a professional design tool that proves capable software need not require expensive subscriptions.