Canva Adds AI for Design, Docs, and Dashboards

Hi AI Futurists,

Canva just rolled out a comprehensive suite of AI-powered features including design generation, photo editing, data visualization, and a no-code app builder. The move places Canva squarely in competition with tools from Adobe and Apple, while also targeting enterprise teams with new data capabilities. Let’s take a look.

Here’s our agenda.

• Canva adds AI features

• Top 3 selected AI tools

• AI in the wild

• Top news on the AI horizon

Best,
Lex

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How AI is Impacting the World

Canva Adds AI for Design, Docs, and Dashboards

Despite ongoing resistance from artists, Canva is going all-in on AI. The design platform just launched a broad slate of new AI features under the banner “Canva AI,” including an assistant that can generate images, copy, and create design layouts on command. It can also spin up mini-apps — think custom calculators or interactive maps — via a new feature called Canva Code, developed in partnership with Anthropic. According to Canva’s CPO Cameron Adams, the idea came from internal teams already using AI for prototypes: “We thought of externalizing it and giving everyone the ability to code easily and create interactive experiences”.

Canva’s AI push also includes enhanced editing tools, like click-based photo artifact removal and a smart background generator. These additions squarely position the company in competition with heavyweights like Adobe and Apple. For enterprise users, Canva is rolling out Canva Sheets, which folds in data integrations and AI tools like Magic Insights and Magic Charts to turn raw data into branded, on-message visuals.

This announcement from Canva is emblematic of a deeper shift in how design work gets done. Adams sees AI not as a threat but as a transformation: “Each job is going to change and adapt to the help they will get from AI tools.” The tools are multiplying, expectations are changing, and the window to stay creative and productive is shrinking.

Key Points

• Canva AI assistant can generate images, documents, social media designs, and written content

• Canva Code allows creation of interactive apps using prompts, powered by Anthropic

• New editing features rival Photoshop: point-and-click photo fixes and smart background generator

• Canva Sheets includes AI tools like Magic Insights and Magic Charts, with integrations to analytics platforms

• Strategic move to serve both SMB and enterprise markets, despite controversy over AI’s impact on artists

What We Think About It

Canva's feature drop is less about novelty and more about owning the full content creation workflow. It’s a bold move to attract business users and edge into low-code territory. The most strategic play might be their focus on interactivity and app creation — blending design with functional utility.

What You Can Do Right Now

• Use the AI Assistant to brainstorm designs. Type what you need — like “Instagram post for a product launch” or “flyer for a yoga class” — and let Canva AI give you instant ideas and layouts to start from.

• Edit photos without any Photoshop skills. Try the point-and-click AI photo editing tools to clean up images, remove unwanted objects, or change backgrounds. No design experience needed.

• Turn numbers into charts automatically. Upload a spreadsheet or connect data from Google Sheets, and use “Magic Charts” to get branded visuals in seconds.

Apply AI Superpowers with Tools

1. Pippit AI

   Video and image creator for marketing success

   

2. Nily AI

   AI assistant for marketers

   

3. SpreadSimple

   No-code website builder that uses just Google Sheets and AI

   

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That’s all for today, folks!

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