Canva launches Visual Suite 2.0, introducing Generative AI-powered coding and data visualisation

Canva said it saw AI as a tool to amplify and not replace human creativity [File] 
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

At the Canva Create event, the multimedia editing platform and company unveiled its improved Visual Suite 2.0 that allows professional users to work better together as they leverage Generative AI to create data reports and code-based projects around the world.

Canva announced a range of new as well as existing features improved with AI. For example, users can now write reports and documents and even build campaigns or websites in one single Canva design, to prevent them from having to move between separate designs.

“We’re thrilled to unveil the Visual Suite 2.0 where creativity meets productivity, the biggest product launch since Canva was founded more than a decade ago. Each year, our community of 230 million people shares millions of ideas, and one we hear time and again is the desire to bring creativity and productivity into a single, seamless flow,” said Melanie Perkins, Canva’s co-founder and CEO.

The company introduced Canva Sheets, which is based on the AI-powered Magic Studio to make it easier for data workers to create spreadsheets, import content, or draw insights from their data. Those in larger teams or serving a huge number of users can further use Canva’s Magic Studio at Scale. Adding on to this, Magic Charts will let users carry out data visualisation with more ease, whether they are turning their numbers into pictures or even animation.

As more tech companies explore the use of chatbots or AI-powered assistants, Canva also introduced Canva AI as its “voice-enabled, conversational creative partner” to help users create entire designs with just voice commands.

However, the arguable star of the show was the announcement that many veteran Canva users have hoped to hear for a long time: the ability to code within Canva. Additionally, users of Canva Code will not need to know how to code on their own or even depend on third-party tools, since the AI-powered offering will let them create code-based content within Canva itself.

The company further announced that its AI-powered photo editor was coming to the new Visual Suite, featuring functions such as AI-powered point-and-click editing and AI-generated backgrounds.

“Unveiled at Canva’s fourth Canva Create event at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Visual Suite 2.0 is set to empower Canva’s rapidly growing community of more than 230 million monthly active users to design like never before. From powerful visual spreadsheets to advanced data visualization, conversational design, personalized content at scale, and revolutionary new ways to create interactive experiences, the announcement cements Canva’s role as the category leader in visual communication – powering everything from everyday content creation to complex workflows for teams around the world,” said the company in a press release.

On whether the Gen AI features could be restricted, if needed, for Canva users working in sensitive fields, Ms. Perkins told The Hindu that users could always go to the standard version of Canva. She further added that those with administrative control at enterprises could decide how much access to AI tools employees would get.

“Canva sees AI as a tool to amplify, not replace, human creativity, and is committed to building AI responsibly and transparently. Through its industry-leading $200 million Creator Fund, Canva has paid out millions in AI royalties, ensuring creators are fairly rewarded whenever their assets are used in AI-generated designs,” noted the company in its press release.