Canva is introducing a new range of generative AI-driven workspace tools, aiming to consolidate the functionalities of Microsoft, Google, and Adobe into a unified platform. The revamped Canva Visual Suite merges design and productivity tools into one interface, also adding features for coding, photo editing, spreadsheets, and AI chatbots.
These enhancements build upon the office suite tools released in 2022, such as Canva Docs and Canva Whiteboards, which serve as Canva’s alternatives to Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and FigJam. Already established as a marketing and design platform, Canva now seeks to expand its user base, aiming to attract office teams and businesses by offering a visually engaging take on classic workspace applications.
The Visual Suite 2.0 update empowers users to create and modify documents, presentations, animations, and websites within a single design, fostering a cohesive environment for teams to collaborate on diverse tasks concurrently. According to Canva’s press release, this update “eliminates the need for separate tools, fragmented workflows, and disconnected files,” enabling entire projects, from planning to delivery, to occur in one integrated space.
Canva Sheets offers a creative twist on conventional spreadsheet applications by integrating text with visual elements. Users can import data from sources like HubSpot, Statista, and Google Analytics, and Canva’s AI-driven “Magic Insights” feature automatically identifies key patterns or takeaways. Additionally, with “Magic Charts,” data can be easily converted into interactive graphs to create infographics, reports, and animated visuals.
Canva Code functions as a generative AI coding assistant, similar to Gemini Code Assist or Microsoft-owned GitHub Copilot. Users can provide text prompts to generate widgets, websites, and other interactive content without needing coding skills or external tools.
Additionally, Canva’s new AI chatbot, known as a “conversational creative partner,” integrates all of Canva’s generative AI tools in one accessible window. Users can employ voice or text prompts to perform tasks such as editing photos, resizing designs, and generating text, slides, and images.
On the creative front, Canva has enhanced its Photo Editor with features similar to those found in Adobe’s professional Photoshop software. Users can now automatically modify or eliminate background objects by selecting them and generate AI-designed backgrounds that consider lighting and layout.
