Canva updates its AI assistant to create editable designs from prompts

In short: Canva has released a research preview of Canva AI 2.0, an updated assistant that can make editable designs from a text request and use more built-in tools to finish the job.

What happened

Canva says the latest version of its AI assistant can create designs when you describe what you want in plain text, like “make a flyer for a bake sale” or “create an Instagram post for a new menu item.” It then generates a few options that you can edit.

A key part of the update is that the assistant can use different Canva tools for you, instead of only replying with suggestions. It builds designs using layers, which are like stacked sheets of paper, so you can adjust pieces like text, images, and backgrounds without starting over.

Canva is also adding connections to services such as Slack, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Zoom. If a user allows it, the assistant can read relevant emails, chats, files, and meeting details to understand context. Canva says the assistant is also getting a web research feature, meaning it can browse the internet to help complete tasks.

Another addition is scheduling. You can ask the assistant to run repeat tasks in the background, but Canva says it will only create drafts that you review before posting.

Why it matters

For small businesses and teams, design work often means jumping between messages, files, and deadlines. Canva’s update aims to make the assistant more like a helpful coworker who can gather the materials and prepare a first draft, while leaving the final edits and publishing to the person.

Source: TechCrunch AI