Canva is introducing a broad range of AI-powered features aimed at enhancing its design platform for both individuals and businesses. Despite ongoing concerns from artists about the growing influence of AI in creative fields, companies like Canva continue to adopt these technologies, believing they are essential for staying competitive. The Australian design platform announced it is adding tools such as AI-generated images, interactive app creation, smart spreadsheets, and advanced photo editing.
At the center of this update is Canva AI, an assistant that can generate images, suggest design concepts, write content, and create documents. A standout addition is Canva Code, which allows users to build simple, interactive apps like maps or calculators directly within their designs using text prompts. This feature was developed in partnership with AI company Anthropic and is aimed at making design more dynamic and functional.
Canva’s new photo editing tools also reflect its push into more advanced territory. These include a background generator that adapts to lighting and layout and a tool that lets users modify objects in photos with a simple click. These enhancements position Canva as a competitor to industry leaders like Adobe and Pixelmator.
On the enterprise side, Canva has launched Canva Sheets, a spreadsheet tool enhanced with AI features such as Magic Insights, which analyzes data to surface key information, and Magic Charts, which turns data into branded visualizations. Canva Sheets integrates with services like HubSpot, Statista, and Google Analytics, making it easier to pull in external data.
While these AI upgrades bring efficiency, they have also sparked concerns within the creative community. Artists worry about unauthorized use of their work in AI training, and some fear job displacement. Canva co-founder Cameron Adams views the shift as a natural evolution, emphasizing that AI will change but not replace roles across industries. The company recently underwent layoffs, but Adams stated these were part of a broader restructuring, not directly linked to AI developments.
