Canva launches agentic AI assistant that automatically calls design tools from text prompts

Canva has released Canva AI 2.0, an agentic assistant that automatically selects and calls the appropriate design tools based on user text prompts. The system creates editable layered designs, allowing users to adjust individual components after generation.

The assistant operates by interpreting user requests, determining which tools to use, and producing multiple design options. According to Canva, the layer-based approach provides flexibility for post-generation editing—a workflow the company says is critical for design professionals who need predictable automation.

Integration and context building

Canva AI 2.0 adds integrations with Slack, Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, and Zoom. Users can grant the assistant permission to read emails, conversations, files, and meeting data to build context for design tasks. The update also includes a web research capability for internet browsing and a scheduling feature for repeatable background tasks, though all scheduled outputs generate drafts requiring user review before publishing.

Performance improvements and new capabilities

Canva claims significant efficiency gains in its AI models:

• Lucid Origin image-generation model: 5x faster, 30x cheaper
• 12V image-to-video model: 7x faster, 17x cheaper

The company's AI code generator now supports HTML imports, and users can generate spreadsheets via text prompts.

Enterprise growth and market positioning

Canva COO Cliff Obrecht stated the company's enterprise business is growing 100% year-over-year. The company, valued at $42 billion according to PitchBook, plans to go public in 2027.

Obrecht emphasized Canva's focus on the "final mile of editing, collaboration and deployment," noting that while the platform integrates with AI systems from Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI, businesses ultimately execute final edits and publishing within Canva.

Competitive landscape

The release follows similar moves by competitors. Adobe launched a Firefly AI assistant this week that operates across its app ecosystem, and Figma added AI agent support via MCP server integration in March 2026.

Availability

Canva AI 2.0 launches in research preview this week, with general availability planned for the coming weeks. Pricing details for the new features have not been disclosed.

What this means

Canva's shift toward agentic workflows positions it directly against Adobe and Figma in the AI-powered design tools race. The integration strategy—connecting to workplace tools like Slack and Gmail rather than just other AI models—suggests Canva is betting on context-aware automation as a competitive advantage. The claimed performance improvements in image generation could reduce operational costs, but the lack of disclosed pricing makes it unclear whether those savings will reach users. The 100% YoY enterprise growth indicates traction beyond Canva's traditional small business base, though the company hasn't disclosed absolute revenue figures.