Canva has launched its first proprietary image generation model named Canva Craft, designed by its research team to rival offerings from major players like Google, OpenAI, ByteDance, and Meta. This model operates in two stages: initially interpreting user prompts to plan layout details such as spatial arrangement and text elements, followed by generating high-quality images up to 2K resolution in up to 30 different aspect ratios. This approach enables precise control over the image content, allowing users to edit specific parts without affecting others and ensuring that text remains clear and legible.

Unlike many image generation models trained primarily on photographs, Canva Craft was developed using Canva’s extensive library of human-created design templates, including posters, social media posts, infographics, and typography-rich layouts. This training allows the generated images to be easily converted into editable, layered designs within Canva using its existing Magic image-to-design transformer technology. The model is available to all Canva users via the Dream Lab tab and will also be accessible through Canva’s API, with plans to integrate image generation features into third-party chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini through Canva’s Multi-Channel Platform.

The development of Canva Craft was bolstered by talent from Leonardo.ai, a media generation platform Canva acquired in 2024. The company is also preparing to release two more cost-efficient versions of the model, called Craftfast and Craft-ultrafast, aimed at improving performance and managing operational expenses. This internal model is expected to reduce Canva’s reliance on third-party APIs, cutting costs while enhancing the quality and speed of image generation on the platform.

Despite reaching approximately $4 billion in revenue last year, Canva recently lowered its growth forecast for 2026, leading to a valuation drop from $42 billion to about $35 billion according to external analysts. Nonetheless, the release of Canva Craft marks a significant milestone in Canva’s strategy to deepen its AI-driven design capabilities and maintain competitiveness in the rapidly evolving generative AI space.