Canva launches AI design model that creates editable layers, not flat images

Canva launched its own foundational design model on Thursday that generates editable designs with distinct layers and objects rather than flat images. The model works across multiple formats including social media posts, presentations, and websites, marking a significant shift from traditional AI image generation that produces static outputs requiring extensive prompting to achieve desired results.

What you should know: Canva’s proprietary model represents a departure from conventional diffusion models by creating designs with manipulable elements instead of flat imagery.

• The model was trained on Canva’s existing design elements and understands different layers and formats across the platform’s various creative tools.
• Users can start with a prompt to generate initial designs but then directly iterate and modify elements without additional prompting.
• “What we’ve found is that where people want to be is the ability to really marry this idea of starting with a prompt and getting far, but also being able to iterate directly themselves,” said Robert Kawalsky, Canva’s global head of product.

Enhanced AI assistant capabilities: Canva AI, the platform’s chat-based assistant, is now integrated across all screens and design tabs.

• Users can mention the AI bot in comments to receive text or media suggestions during collaborative projects.
• The assistant can now generate 3D objects and copy art styles from existing designs.
• The tool connects with Canva’s spreadsheet product to create data-driven widgets for repeatable insights.

New marketing platform launch: Canva introduced Canva Grow, a comprehensive marketing solution combining creative tools with analytics capabilities.

• The platform leverages MagicBrief, an ad analytics company Canva acquired earlier this year, to provide measurement tools alongside asset creation.
• Marketers can publish advertisements directly to platforms like Meta through the integrated system.
• The solution uses AI for both creative generation and performance analytics.

Product expansions and integrations: Several new features expand Canva’s ecosystem beyond traditional design tools.

• Form creation capabilities now allow users to collect client input without relying on external tools like Google Forms.
• Email design functionality enables branded template creation for marketing and transactional communications.
• Affinity, the professional design tool Canva acquired last year, is now permanently free for all users.

Affinity integration details: The professional design tool is being tightly integrated with Canva’s main platform through interface redesigns and workflow connections.

• Affinity’s interface is being redesigned to merge vector, pixel, and layout capabilities under one unified system.
• Designers can create objects in Affinity and seamlessly transfer them to Canva’s platform.
• Canva AI functionality is being embedded within Affinity, allowing users to generate images and designs directly in the professional tool.