On Saturday, OpenAI unveiled enhancements to its Canvas feature, which enables users to collaboratively edit and format content along with the chatbot. Initially launched in October 2024 as a beta version, Canvas became available to all users by December of that year. The recent update incorporates support for the o1 artificial intelligence (AI) model and introduces the feature to the ChatGPT app for macOS across all subscription tiers.
Enhancements to ChatGPT’s Canvas Feature
OpenAI shared these updates via a post on X, the platform previously known as Twitter. Up to now, subscribers who paid for ChatGPT could utilize the o1 AI model for general content generation; however, this model was not previously accessible within the Canvas feature. The latest upgrade allows users on the ChatGPT Plus, Teams, and Pro plans to utilize Canvas in conjunction with the o1 model.
To utilize the o1 model within Canvas, users need to first select the model from the available options. Once chosen, they can access Canvas either via the “/canvas” command or the toolbox icon, which will lead to the sandbox interface equipped with o1 capabilities.
Moreover, Canvas is now available on the ChatGPT desktop app for macOS. While free users can access Canvas alongside all paid tiers, they won’t have the ability to use the o1 model. Previously, this feature was exclusively offered on the web version of the platform. Currently, OpenAI has not announced plans to extend Canvas to mobile applications or the Windows version.
In addition to the o1 model, Canvas’s functionality is set to expand with support for HTML and React coding languages, joining the existing support for JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Java, C++, and PHP. However, access to HTML and React is currently limited to paid subscribers.
Furthermore, OpenAI indicated that Enterprise and Edu subscribers will gain access to both the o1 model and HTML/React rendering capabilities within the next few weeks.
Canvas is designed as a collaborative sandbox interface where users can work alongside the AI to manage projects. After generating an output based on a user prompt, the individual can make inline edits to refine the result. OpenAI emphasized that this feature is beneficial for creative writing and coding tasks.
