On Wednesday, Canva launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed for text-to-image generation and introduced a range of updates to its Visual Suite. The Sydney-based platform for visual communication unveiled Dream Lab, its latest AI-driven image generator developed from the technology stack of Leonardo.Ai, acquired just three months prior. The enhancements to Visual Suite also include features like Magic Write, interactive polls and quizzes, dynamic charts, and AI-integrated whiteboards. Furthermore, Canva is broadening its Work Kits initiative to cater to teachers, students, and small business owners.
Canva Unveils Dream Lab: An AI Image Generation Tool
Dream Lab, an innovative tool that leverages AI to convert text prompts into images, was introduced by Canva on Tuesday. This sophisticated generator utilizes the Phoenix foundational model from Leonardo.Ai, providing multiple applications to enhance user experience in image selection for various projects.
While Canva previously offered an AI image generator based on Stable Diffusion, Dream Lab introduces distinct capabilities that allow users to create high-definition visuals with detailed control over the content generated.
The tool is capable of producing numerous variations of images across more than 15 styles, which include 3D renders and illustrations, generated from a simple text prompt. It is also equipped to create multi-subject images and photorealistic portraits. Users have the option to upload an image as a style reference, granting them greater influence over the final output.
Enhancements to Canva’s Visual Suite
In addition to Dream Lab, Canva has rolled out several new features within its Visual Suite, which encompasses tools for creating diverse content including documents, videos, and presentations. Many of these updates were initiated in response to feedback from users.
The AI whiteboard has received an upgrade allowing it to organize and summarize text. A new feature, interactive Reaction Stickies, enables collaborators to provide instant feedback on ideas. Moreover, Magic Write is being enhanced with capabilities for contextual text generation, improving accuracy and permitting refinements with a single click.
For video content creation, Canva has introduced new animation effects alongside auto-generated captions that can be easily adapted to fit brand aesthetics. Presentations are also being enhanced with additional interactive chart types and advanced animations. A new tool called Custom Mockups enables users to instantly convert photos into branded mockup templates.
Canva has also launched a feature named “polls and quizzes,” allowing users to create customizable polls and quizzes directly within the editing interface. Additionally, the platform is streamlining access to the Visual Suite by integrating it with Google Workspace applications such as Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, and Docs.
Moreover, the Work Kits initiative, which provides specialized tools, templates, and resources for specific organizational teams, is set to expand. Canva has announced that this offering will now include tools tailored specifically for small business owners, educators, and students, giving these groups access to valuable resources for creating impactful visual content.
