Canva expands AI reach with Craft image generation technology

Insider Spotlight

• Canva introduces Craft, its first proprietary AI image generation model, expanding its capabilities in design-focused artificial intelligence
• Craft generates 2K-resolution images across more than 30 aspect ratios, with editable design elements and text generation in 55 languages
• The model is available globally through Canva and its public API, allowing developers to integrate AI image generation into external platforms
  
  
  

Canva is strengthening its position in artificial intelligence (AI) by developing proprietary image generation technology designed to give businesses, creators and developers greater control over visual content production.

The visual communication platform has introduced Canva Craft, its first foundation model developed and trained from scratch by its in-house AI research laboratory. 

The technology generates high-resolution images while addressing design requirements such as accurate text placement, composition and editable elements.

Two-stage process 

Businesses increasingly rely on visual content for marketing, advertising and digital communication. Craft allows users to generate images that can be refined within Canva, potentially reducing the need to recreate designs when adjustments are required.

Unlike conventional image generation models, Craft uses a two-stage process that separates composition planning from image rendering.

The first stage determines layout, visual hierarchy and object placement. The second converts the plan into images at resolutions of up to 2K.

Connect automated workflows

Canva is extending its AI capabilities beyond its existing design platform.

Craft is accessible through Canva's Dream Lab and public application programming interface (API), enabling developers to incorporate image generation into marketing platforms, e-commerce websites and advertising tools.

The company also plans to connect Craft to AI assistants and automated workflows through its Canva Model Context Protocol Server.

‘Best in class image regeneration’

Craft debuted fourth overall in DesignArena's image generation rankings. It ranked first for people and portraits among 87 models and landscapes and nature among 85 models.

Canva said the model supports more than 30 aspect ratios and can generate text in 55 languages.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with Craft, and how it blends design understanding with best in class image generation." Canva head of generative AI JJ Fiasson said in a press statement.

Craft-ultrafast 

Canva is developing faster versions called Craft-fast and Craft-ultrafast to reduce image generation costs and improve processing speeds.

The company also plans to improve fine-text rendering, technical drawings and editing capabilities as it expands its proprietary AI technology.

Canva said Craft is backed by its existing safety framework, which includes content moderation, privacy controls and reporting mechanisms for potentially harmful or misleading material. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma