Baking in AI
Although there has been significant pushback from artists regarding the proliferation of AI design tools and the content used to train generative models, the companies making the software for creative work are nevertheless building AI into their toolkits. It’s a signal of just how quickly AI has gained importance — regardless of what their customers say, graphic design software makers clearly seem to think they cannot survive without implementing some form of AI.
The latest to double down on that strategy is Canva. The company on Thursday said it is adding a suite of new AI features to its platform, including an AI assistant, the ability to create apps with prompts, support for spreadsheets, and AI-powered editing tools.
Called Canva AI, the company’s AI assistant can perform a host of tasks, from creating images according to your instructions, to coming up with design ideas — say, collateral for social media or mock-ups for printing. It can even write copy and create documents.
And by tapping into a new tool dubbed Canva Code, the assistant can also be prompted to create mini-apps, like interactive maps or custom calculators, that can then be integrated in designs. Canva has partnered with Anthropic for this feature, the Australian design company’s co-founder and chief product officer Cameron Adams told TechCrunch.
For the Enterprise
Last year, Canva launched an enterprise-focused product to better serve larger teams with features like single sign-on and access management tools. Now it’s adding spreadsheets to the mix with Canva Sheets.
Canva Sheets comes with a tool called Magic Insights, which, as it says on the tin, surfaces insights gleaned from data on the sheet. There’s also a feature called Magic Charts, which converts raw numbers into charts automatically, complete with brand-specific graphics and logos.
The company said Canva Sheets supports integrations with HubSpot, Statista, Google Analytics, and more to let users import data easily.
The Artist vs. AI Dilemma
Companies like Adobe, Canva, and Pixlr may be looking to add more value to their offerings, but the fact remains that bringing AI into design tools is causing some tension. Not only are artists worried about their work being used to train AI models without permission, but there’s also a real threat to creative design jobs.
Still, Adams doesn’t see this as a clash between AI and creativity; rather, he sees this as a moment of growth and opportunity in the field.
“I think all our jobs will change as AI comes, as different tools are integrated across every specialty, whether it be design, product management, engineering, marketing, or sales,” he said. “I think each job is going to change and adapt to the help they will get from AI tools. We just see a massive opportunity,” Adams said.
Those changes, it seems, will be here sooner than most expect. Earlier this month, the company laid off some technical writing staff, nine months after its co-founders reportedly asked employees to use AI apps wherever they could. Adams, however, said that these layoffs were not related to AI tools the company is building, but were an effect of restructuring.
Conclusion
Canva’s latest move is a significant development in the world of graphic design and creative software. As AI continues to gain importance, it’s clear that companies like Canva are looking to integrate these tools into their offerings. While this may cause some tension in the creative community, it’s also an opportunity for growth and evolution.
FAQs
Q: What is Canva’s AI assistant called?
A: Canva’s AI assistant is called Canva AI.
Q: What can Canva AI do?
A: Canva AI can perform a host of tasks, from creating images according to your instructions, to coming up with design ideas, writing copy, and creating documents.
Q: What is Canva Code?
A: Canva Code is a new tool that allows users to create mini-apps, like interactive maps or custom calculators, that can be integrated in designs.
Q: What is Canva Sheets?
A: Canva Sheets is a new feature that adds spreadsheets to Canva’s platform, complete with tools like Magic Insights and Magic Charts.
