Canva launches its first in-house AI image model
Design platform Canva released Canva Craft, its first image model built in-house, TechCrunch and The Verge reported. The model plans a design before it makes an image, which Canva says helps with clear text and exact layouts. It is free to try for all users through the Dream Lab tool.
Design platform Canva has released its first AI image model, called Canva Craft, according to TechCrunch and The Verge.
The model takes on image tools from OpenAI and Google, the outlets reported. TechCrunch said Canva's own research team built it.
Canva Craft works in two steps, TechCrunch and The Verge reported. First, it reads a user's prompt and makes a plan. The plan covers where things go, how big they are and what text to show, TechCrunch said. Then it makes the image.
Canva says this helps the model show legible text and place objects with care, the outlets reported. Users can also change one part of an image without changing the rest, TechCrunch said.
The model can make images at up to 2K resolution in about 30 shapes and sizes, TechCrunch and The Verge reported.
Canva trained the model on designs instead of photos, TechCrunch reported. It used templates made by people from Canva's library, such as posters, menus and slides. The Verge said Canva cited "millions of human-made templates."
Canva Craft ranks fourth on Design Arena's public board of AI image models, The Verge reported. It sits behind three models from OpenAI.
The model is open to all users now through Canva's Dream Lab, the outlets reported. Canva also plans to let AI agents and chatbots such as ChatGPT use it, TechCrunch and The Verge said. Faster, cheaper versions called Craft-fast and Craft-ultrafast are coming, the outlets reported.
Researchers from Leonardo.ai, which Canva bought in 2024, helped build the model, TechCrunch said. TechCrunch added that the model may help Canva cut what it pays for outside image tools.
What we know: Canva Craft is live for all Canva users.
What we don't: How it will compare with rivals on cost and quality over time.
Where outlets agree TechCrunch and The Verge report that Canva released Canva Craft, a two-stage image model trained on its own design templates and open to all users now.
Where they differ The cited reports agree on the key facts so far.