OpenAI's Canvas: A Game-Changing Collaborative AI Tool for Writing and Coding

I'm a ChatGPT power user - here's why Canvas is its best productivity feature

If you use OpenAI's AI tool to co-edit code or text, you will never again use ChatGPT without the Canvas tool. Here's why. OpenAI is constantly adding new features to ChatGPT to make it more functional for everyday needs. The recently added Canvas feature -- unveiled in October -- has transformed my ChatGPT workflow, and as of this week, it's available to all ChatGPT users for free, with some updates. Canvas is a new interface that makes collaborating on your writing and coding projects easier with ChatGPT. How to use ChatGPT to create: Code | Excel formulas | Essays | Resumes | Apps | Charts and Tables During the fourth day of 12 days of OpenAI, where the company unveils a new feature every day, it was announced that OpenAI-developed Canvas is coming to all web users, regardless of plan. Canvas will be built into GPT-4o natively, meaning you can call on the tool instead of going to the toggle on the model selector. If you use ChatGPT as a co-editor in any capacity, you will never again use ChatGPT without this feature. Don't believe me? The concept is best understood visually, so stick with me. Here's how Canvas works. To get started, just let ChatGPT know you would like to use Canvas to answer your query. The AI will then tell you to input what you are working on, and once you enter your project, you will see the magic happen. Also: ChatGPT finally gets easier to organize on the 7th day of OpenAI For my example walk-through, I'll use an essay I published as an undergrad since I don't use AI tools to edit or write my ZDNET articles in any capacity. I copied and pasted the essay text into the textbox with the prompt: "Can you help me edit this piece?" As you can see below, instead of just outputting a revised version below the initial prompt, ChatGPT with Canvas automatically opened a new interface. My edited project was placed on the right side of the screen, while my initial prompt was on the left, with a textbox available to ask additional questions. With this interface, no matter how many questions you ask or how many edits are made, your project will always remain in the same spot on the right, giving you easy visibility as to what the text looks like after each edit and how it fares next to the original. So, what makes the Canvas interface a game-changer? Typically, when you ask ChatGPT to revise the text, the AI outputs the new version as the next message, making it difficult to compare the original and edited piece side-by-side and keep track of the changes. For example, with the regular interface, if you ask something like, "Can you revise this cover letter?' and then follow up by asking to revise one specific paragraph, ChatGPT may just output the new paragraph, forcing you to go back and forth to piece both generations together. This approach is inconvenient, especially if you switch between both versions and there is lots of dialogue in between. The new interface is helpful if you use it for a coding task and want to keep track of the changes. Canvas also lets you run Python code directly in Canvas, allowing ChatGPT to execute coding tasks such as fixing bugs. Also: OpenAI's Sora AI video generator is here - how to try it Although ChatGPT has advanced writing skills, it's still an AI prone to hallucinations, so it's useful to double-check edits. Keeping track of the edits is also useful because it helps you learn from the changes and possibly implement them next time. This approach also prevents you from having to scroll up and down continuously through your conversation to find suggestions and edits. Another game-changing element of the Canvas feature is the new shortcuts. On the page where your project lives, a button in the lower-right corner -- represented by a pencil -- includes four one-click shortcuts that can transform your project. The writing shortcuts help users adjust lengths, change reading levels, add emojis, and "add final polish", which checks for grammar, clarity, and consistency. The coding shortcuts can review code, add logs, add comments, fix bugs, and port to a language. The buttons are a quick and efficient way to implement your changes without text prompts. Here's another convenient tool (and my personal favorite): you can highlight portions of your project for specific changes. All you need to do is highlight lines of your text or code, and another set of shortcuts will appear. Also: How to use ChatGPT to optimize your resume This time, Canvas allows you to change the formatting with options such as bold or italicize, and directly asks ChatGPT for help with that specific section. Once the edit on that section is complete, the changes will be reflected in the larger project, keeping the rest of the text intact and only altering the areas requested by the user. It's satisfying to see one portion of your living project change. This approach can be useful for resumes, cover letters, or other job application materials. Also: What is ChatGPT Pro? Here's what $200 per month gets you What about the quality of the edits? Because Canvas uses GPT-4o -- OpenAI's most advanced, well-rounded model -- the edits are valuable and improve the overall quality of the text. If you ask for a general edit, Canvas will check grammar and spelling (as Grammarly does), and syntax. My favorite way to use the feature, which I've defaulted to almost every day since it launched, is for polishing personal email correspondence. Sometimes, getting the words out perfectly is difficult, especially when sending cold emails. So, I drop my draft into ChatGPT (with GPT-4o Canvas activated) and ask the tool to polish my text. Depending on the results, I will go to the right-hand side of the page and either add in-line text myself, and then ask ChatGPT to polish the email, or highlight a part I don't like and use the shortcut to specify how I want that area changed.

ChatGPT Canvas is now available for everyone: what it is and how to use it - Softonic

OpenAI has just taken an important step in the evolution of ChatGPT: Canvas, its interactive editing space, is now available to all users. The announcement, made during the fourth day of the 12 Days of OpenAI, ends the exclusivity that Canvas previously had for subscribers of the Plus, Teams, Edu, and Enterprise plans. Available through the browser and in the Windows app, Canvas transforms the ChatGPT interface to offer us a much more visual and organized workspace. Let's see, after the arrival of Sora, OpenAI's video generator, what makes this tool so special and how we can start using it. Canvas goes far beyond a change in the ChatGPT interface, it is a new way of using AI, designed for when we need to create content. Unlike the usual ChatGPT format, where the conversation takes up the entire screen, Canvas presents a functional division: on the left side, we continue to maintain the chat session, while on the right, there is a space dedicated exclusively to the documents, code, or projects we are editing. Among the new features of this version, we find the ability to run Python code directly in Canvas, something that previously required copying and pasting the generated code into external systems. This capability, along with better support for pasting large blocks of text and direct integration with custom GPTs, elevates the functionality of Canvas to a whole new level. We can quote text to talk with ChatGPT, make manual modifications in the document we are creating, or request changes in a section, paragraph, or block of code. Instead of a total rewrite of the content in chat format, the changes are made in the document we are working on. Accessing Canvas is as simple as logging into ChatGPT from a desktop browser or from the Windows app. The tool will automatically activate in certain cases, such as when pasting a block of code or making requests that involve visual or editing work. If we want to use it specifically, we can also launch the mode by tapping the toolbox-shaped button next to the message submission section and selecting "Canvas." Once inside Canvas, we will see how the changes requested in the chat are directly reflected in the workspace. This eliminates the need to review complete responses over and over again, allowing us to focus directly on the content we are creating. From drafting documents to debugging code, everything happens apart from the conversation and in real-time, making Canvas a much more efficient way to work with ChatGPT. Compared to other options, Canvas stands out for its extreme simplicity. With no more tools than a canvas on which to write or work while we ask the chat to make changes or do them manually, the interaction is much more natural. With the arrival of Canvas now to the general public, ChatGPT reaffirms its ability to be an all-purpose tool that not only answers our questions but helps us create, organize, and refine our ideas without leaving the same application. A more efficient and focused way of working that makes a big difference. For those of us who have already been able to test the system, its automatic activation and greater availability is great news, for those who now see it appear in ChatGPT, the surprise is served. A system that goes far beyond the Chat that gives the service its name and focuses on what a well-designed AI in terms of interaction and interface is capable of offering us.

ChatGPT's Canvas feature is a real-time editor to inspire your writing and coding

Day four of OpenAI's 12 Days of OpenAI is looking to make ChatGPT more collaborative with the general release of Canvas. The feature, first released in beta a few months ago, places responses from the AI chatbot on a shared, editable page. Imagine Clippy from Microsoft Word, except powered with advanced AI and without the annoying avatar taking up space on the screen. There are a lot of uses for Canvas, especially with the upgrades added to the feature for the wide release. With Canvas, you collaborate with ChatGPT on writing and coding projects. You can request help writing and editing text or even code within the Canvas page, then highlight whichever bits of the chatbot's response you want changed. Rather than getting a static response and copying it elsewhere to tweak, you can edit directly within the Canvas interface, commenting on parts of the AI's response with a prompt for how to change it. Imagine a real-time partnership with a human co-writer or co-programmer, but much faster. If you drop a large chunk of already written text into Canvas, the AI will acknowledge it with a "Get Advice" or "Help Me Write" pop-up button. You have to assign edits before the AI starts making changes, which OpenAI pitches as a way of making sure you retain control of the content. You can get the AI to comment on your work if you don't want ChatGPT to rewrite your text. The results are suggestions and ideas without a total rewrite. Programmers keen on AI assistance can use Canvas to help with editing. The AI will debug, offer ideas for improvement, or comment on the program much like it does with text. This also extends to emojis, and simply pasting code into Canvas will automatically make the AI chatbot go into code editor mode. The biggest upgrade for the general release is that Canvas can now edit and translate code into Python. There's also a new "Run" button that will execute the written code, allowing you to see the output in a console window. Any errors are pinpointed and identified, and the AI will suggest how to fix them or offer to fix them for you. The other notable aspect of the new version of Canvas is its integration with Custom GPTs, the specialized versions of the AI chatbot that you can create yourself. It's now possible to embed Canvas into a Custom GPT. There are a lot of possibilities for personalization by combining Canvas and Custom GPTs. For instance, imagine a Custom GPT designed for editing short stories, providing detailed feedback as you write, or a data analysis GPT that uses Canvas to run Python scripts. If you're keen to give Canvas a go, it's available in this first non-beta release for ChatGPT users now.

ChatGPT Canvas Collaborative AI Tool Receives New Updates - 12 Days of OpenAI

On the fourth day of its 12 Days of OpenAI, the team at OpenAI has introduced updates to its Canvas collaborative AI workspace. Designed as part of the ChatGPT platform, Canvas enhances collaboration in writing and coding by allowing users to work alongside ChatGPT in real time, streamlining workflows and improving productivity. With tools for Python code execution, custom GPT integration, and interactive feedback, Canvas is set to transform how creative and technical tasks are approached. We've all experienced moments of creative or technical roadblocks -- staring at a blank page, struggling to articulate ideas, or spending hours debugging code. What if there were a way to collaborate with an AI that not only understands your goals but actively helps refine and execute your ideas? OpenAI's Canvas aims to provide exactly that: a seamless workspace combining creativity and productivity with innovative AI support. Canvas is more than just another tool -- it's a fantastic option for writers, developers, and anyone working on complex projects. By integrating ChatGPT's intelligence with a real-time, side-by-side editing interface, Canvas transforms how writing and coding tasks are handled. Whether drafting an essay, polishing a report, or debugging Python code, this feature streamlines the process, making it faster, more collaborative, and accessible to users of all skill levels. Canvas is a innovative workspace that combines ChatGPT's AI capabilities with a real-time editing interface. It allows you to collaborate with ChatGPT while editing text or code in a shared environment. Whether you're drafting a document, debugging code, or brainstorming ideas, Canvas provides a seamless, side-by-side layout. This design ensures you can view ChatGPT's suggestions and make edits simultaneously, fostering a more efficient and interactive workflow. By integrating ChatGPT's intelligence into a collaborative interface, Canvas bridges the gap between human creativity and AI-driven insights. This workspace is particularly useful for tasks requiring precision and adaptability, such as professional writing, software development, and collaborative brainstorming. Canvas offers a suite of tools tailored to enhance your writing process. These features are designed to improve clarity, tone, and structure while maintaining a polished output. Key tools include: These tools are particularly beneficial for creative writing, professional communication, and collaborative editing. For instance, you can draft an article while ChatGPT suggests ways to improve readability or adjust the tone to suit a specific audience. The real-time feedback ensures that your content is polished and engaging, saving time and effort in the editing process. Below are more guides on ChatGPT and Canvas from our extensive range of articles. Canvas is equally powerful for developers, offering advanced programming tools that simplify and accelerate coding tasks. Python code execution is built directly into the workspace, allowing you to write, test, and debug code without switching platforms. Key programming features include: These features are powered by a WebAssembly Python emulator, making sure fast and reliable code execution. Developers working on data visualization, algorithm testing, or prototyping will find these tools particularly valuable. By integrating these capabilities into a single workspace, Canvas eliminates the need for multiple platforms, streamlining the development process. Canvas extends its functionality by seamlessly integrating with custom GPTs, allowing you to create tailored workflows for specific tasks. For example, you can configure a custom GPT to use Canvas for drafting personalized letters, analyzing data, or generating reports. Existing GPTs can enable Canvas through a simple configuration update, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. This integration enables you to adapt Canvas to your unique needs, whether you're working on creative projects, technical tasks, or specialized workflows. By combining the flexibility of custom GPTs with the collaborative features of Canvas, you can achieve greater efficiency and precision in your work. OpenAI has prioritized accessibility by making Canvas available to all ChatGPT web users, regardless of their subscription plan. The feature is integrated directly into the ChatGPT interface, making sure a smooth and intuitive user experience. By removing barriers to entry, OpenAI aims to provide widespread access to access to advanced AI tools, allowing users from diverse backgrounds to use Canvas effectively. This commitment to accessibility ensures that anyone, from students and educators to professionals and hobbyists, can benefit from the powerful features of Canvas. Whether you're drafting an essay, debugging code, or collaborating on a project, Canvas provides the tools you need to succeed. Canvas is designed to support a variety of practical use cases, including: For example, a team of writers can co-author a story using Canvas, with ChatGPT offering suggestions for plot development and character arcs. Similarly, developers can collaborate on coding projects, testing and debugging scripts in real-time. Educators can also use Canvas to create interactive lesson plans or provide feedback on student work, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of users. Canvas incorporates several technical advancements to enhance its functionality. The WebAssembly Python emulator ensures fast and efficient code execution, while inline diff tracking allows you to monitor changes in both text and code. These innovations make Canvas a powerful tool for users with creative and technical needs alike. Additionally, the seamless integration of ChatGPT's AI capabilities with real-time editing tools sets Canvas apart from traditional collaborative platforms. By combining advanced technology with user-friendly design, OpenAI has created a workspace that adapts to the needs of writers, developers, and other professionals. Canvas is now available to all ChatGPT users. It is included by default in new GPTs and can be activated for existing ones through a simple update. This broad availability underscores OpenAI's commitment to making advanced AI tools accessible to everyone. By rolling out Canvas to all users, OpenAI ensures that individuals and teams across various domains can benefit from its powerful features. Whether you're a writer, developer, or educator, Canvas provides the tools you need to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

Forget Google Docs -- I just went hands-on with OpenAI Canvas and it's actually better

OpenAI just officially launched Canvas, and I couldn't wait to try it. The latest from OpenAI brings a new level of interactivity and collaboration to ChatGPT. No longer in beta, Canvas is now available to all users, regardless of tier -- for free -- providing a powerful AI-first writing and coding editor built directly into ChatGPT. The first thing I noticed was that Canvas transforms ChatGPT from a simple chat assistant into a collaborative partner for writing and coding projects. By opening a dedicated workspace, I was able to start a draft on the page or upload text. From there, I could edit and refine text or code in real time. Whether you're brainstorming ideas, editing a report or debugging complex code, Canvas offers a seamless, AI-driven experience with a real-time AI editor. Users can either start their project directly in Canvas or transition from a chat conversation by typing "use Canvas." Since the beta preview, Canvas has announced more features, offering flexibility that bridges the gap between conversational AI and traditional document editing tools, potentially offering the best of both worlds. After I added my draft, I was able to ask ChatGPT for targeted improvements, rephrasing or expansions. With my text in Canvas, the editing features highlighted specific sections of code or, in this case text. As a writer, I am always looking for better ways to improve my writing and this AI-powered editing feature makes it easy. Whether I want to refine a paragraph or adjust the tone for a specific audience, I'm able to do that without leaving the editor. It was such a game-changer to write and then get the edits I needed immediately. In this example, I used a bio blurb and asked Canvas to expand it. Within seconds, it effortlessly offered a more in-depth bio for me to use on LinkedIn, Tom's Guide, my website or really any other place I may need a bio. Most people will find this feature helpful when certain sites require a specific word count, tone or angle. Canvas can help shape the text precisely in the direction you want to take it. Unique features like the "pop-out writing button" provide options to tailor text length, tone, and even audience. Canvas also includes a "final polish" button to refine grammar, improve clarity, and ensure the text is concise and professional. I felt the grammar polishing feature was actually more efficient than Grammarly because it seemed to understand the flow of my writing better. Canvas grasped the nuances of my work, better than any other grammar editor I've seen. Unlike Grammarly applications that extend within the browser, I can choose whether or not I want my writing to be edited, rather than it automatically occurring. I found this to be an incredibly handy tool and look forward to using it more when writing and fleshing out my science fiction novels. Another unique feature Canvas offers is offering editing advice from different perspectives. For example, I asked it to edit my bio from the perspective of an English professor. From there, I received several different comments highlighting various parts of my bio. Users could try asking for editing advice from a New York Times best-selling author, a rocket scientist, or a plethora of other perspectives. This editing feature is extremely helpful to understand how your writing appears to different people and from different perspectives. From there, users can change the tone, the voice and the reading level so the writing can fit seamlessly into the context whatever the scenario. Canvas combines the best elements of tools like Google Docs, Microsoft Word and coding environments such as VSCode, but with AI at its core. Unlike other platforms where AI acts as an add-on, Canvas integrates AI deeply into the user experience, making it feel like a true collaborator rather than just a tool. While similar features exist, such as Anthropic's Claude Artifacts or Google's Gemini tools, Canvas goes further by enabling real-time editing and collaboration directly within the workspace. It's not just about viewing AI outputs -- it's about engaging with them. The advanced coding capabilities from Canvas allow ChatGPT to shine as a coding assistant. Users can debug, review, or port code between languages while receiving inline comments that explain changes. The AI makes coding workflows faster and more intuitive, helping to streamline complex processes. Additionally, Canvas has memory capabilities, which allow it to have version control. That means, as it debugs or fixes errors, you can see every version. This allows users to revert to earlier drafts if necessary, making it an invaluable tool for iterative projects, giving users the confidence to experiment without the fear of losing progress. I found this feature to be similar to Google Docs. However, I appreciate having the ability to actually see the old document in real time while also seeing the new edits. This will be a game-changer and the reason I would probably choose Canvas over Google Docs. Canvas represents a fundamental shift in how we use AI for writing and coding. It's an understatement to say that it is no longer just a chatbot. ChatGPT has changed the way I search and now the way I write and code. The launch of Canvas means ChatGPT is now capable of so much more, including generating content and collaboration to refine and enhance creative and technical projects. Whether you're working on a personal essay, a detailed report or a coding project, Canvas turns AI into an active partner in your workflow. It's elevated the way I outline, brainstorm and edit. Because Canvas integrates so seamlessly into ChatGPT, it is accessible and easy to use, empowering everyone from writers to developers. OpenAI making the feature free to everyone is just the icing on the AI cake.

OpenAI announces official launch of Canvas for writing and coding -- here's what's new

OpenAI has officially launched Canvas, a groundbreaking new interface for ChatGPT designed to take collaborative writing and coding to the next level. Previously in beta, Canvas is now widely available to all ChatGPT users regardless of payment tier. During Day 4 of OpenAI's '12 Days of OpenAI' briefing and demonstration today, the team showcased the features and latest updates to Canvas. This major update introduces new functionality that promises to redefine how users interact with AI for complex projects. Canvas is a side-by-side interface within ChatGPT that lets users collaborate more seamlessly with the AI on writing and coding projects. Unlike the traditional chat interface, Canvas opens in a separate window, giving users more control and flexibility. It allows for real-time edits, targeted feedback, and detailed revisions, making it an AI-powered workspace akin to Google Docs or an advanced coding environment. This update integrates Canvas into ChatGPT's main model, enabling users to automatically trigger the interface when needed or by including "use Canvas" in their prompt. Integrated Python execution. One of the most exciting new features of Canvas is its built-in ability to run Python code directly within the interface. Users can see real-time outputs, including text and graphics, while also fixing errors and making adjustments for data analysis, debugging and creative coding. Custom GPTs with Canvas. OpenAI has also expanded the power of Canvas to Custom GPTs. Now, users can infuse their tailored AI assistants with Canvas capabilities, allowing for a more personalized and robust workflow. Enhanced collaboration for writing. For writers, Canvas offers an array of editing shortcuts. The AI can now suggest edits, offering inline feedback tailored to the user's context. Users can adjust the length of their text effortlessly with condense and expand options. The reading level of the text can be simplified or elevated based on the audience. My favorite? Users can add emojis, inserting visual accents to enhance tone. Advanced coding tools. Developers will appreciate features designed to streamline coding including inline code reviews and comments. Bug fixes and debugging with logs can help users keep track of errors and offer solutions down the road. Additionally, language porting is available to JavaScript, Python, PHP and more Interactive Storyboarding. Canvas includes a storyboard feature that allows users to visually plan and sequence projects, making it easier to tackle multi-step processes. Canvas tackles common challenges in collaborative AI use, such as managing context and maintaining precision. Users can select specific text for edits or opt for broader rewrites, with the AI dynamically adapting its approach. For coding, Canvas improves revision tracking, reducing confusion from multiple iterations. As OpenAI continues to refine Canvas, it's clear the tool has the potential to transform workflows across industries. With planned updates and broader access on the horizon, Canvas represents a significant step forward in making AI not just a tool, but a true creative collaborator.

OpenAI's Canvas Tool Now Available to All ChatGPT Users

OpenAI said ChatGPT will automatically assess when to trigger Canvas mode OpenAI released the Canvas tool out of preview on Tuesday, day four of its 12-day shipping schedule. Canvas was first announced in October as a sandbox-styled pop-up window that allows users to make inline edits, formatting, and other changes to text and code. Users can both make edits themselves or highlight a particular section and ask the AI to make changes. The company highlighted that Canvas works best with creative writing tasks and coding. This tool is now available to all ChatGPT users globally. After releasing the full version of o1 AI model and the Sora video generation model, OpenAI has now brought its Canvas tool out of preview and made it available to all ChatGPT users. The feature is built on the GPT-4o model and its access is required to use it. This is important since those on the free tier of ChatGPT only have limited access to this AI model. Canvas is essentially an interactive and collaborative sandbox window where both humans and AI can simultaneously work on certain projects. Usually, ChatGPT receives a prompt and generates a response. If a user is not satisfied with the output, they can type a different prompt or add more details to fine-tune the response. However, this is trial-and-error method is time consuming and might require multiple attempts to get something close to a perfect output. With coding, this is tricker since it is very difficult to guide the AI to a particular bug and tell it to fix it. However, with the release of Canvas, ChatGPT users can find a new "View tools" icon placed at the bottom of the text field between the attachment and web search options. View tools contains the Picture (which uses Dall-E) and Canvas modes. When a user selects Canvas and sends a prompt, the chatbot automatically opens a small pop-up window and generates the response there. Once generated, users can add formatting or make edits to the output manually. They can also highlight a word or a section of the text and type a prompt to make changes to only that area. This granular editing method is aimed at helping users get the exact result they want and fix even the minor issues without leaving the ChatGPT interface.

OpenAI expands ChatGPT Canvas to all users

Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn More OpenAI is extending access to its side-by-side digital editing space, Canvas, to all ChatGPT users and added new features, the company announced today in a livestream, the fourth of its "12 Days of OpenAI"-holiday themed announcements. Canvas, which was announced in October, was previously only available to paying ChatGPT Plus, Teams, Edu and Enterprise subscribers. Available on desktop web browsers, it converts ChatGPT's traditional interface with a conversation at the top and text entry box at the bottom into a left-hand sidebar, and on the right side of the chat session screen, adds a new space for the content the user is working on -- such as a code block for an application or a text document. When a user converses with ChatGPT and asks for changes to the content on the right sidebar, it will appear automatically there with the changes implemented, rather than generating a whole new text response in the traditional interface. Canvas can also make suggestions for text and code, which it will implement immediately. Canvas added to GPT-4o Starting today, Canvas will be integrated into GPT-4o, eliminating the need to toggle to GPT 4o with Canvas on the model picker. Canvas will automatically open for some prompts or pasted text. It is available only on the web version or the Windows app of ChatGPT. With the wider release, OpenAI also updated Canvas to run Python code, support more text pasting, and can be launched in custom GPTs. Users can paste Python code to ChatGPT which may automatically open Canvas. Previously, it didn't let people see if the code just generated or edited works. They needed to copy the code again and run it in their own systems. Allowing Canvas to run code brings it closer to Anthropic's Claude Artifacts, which already allowed people to see a sample webpage from their code. During a demo, OpenAI showed Canvas can also create and preview graphics from code alone so developers or analysts can adjust the formulas or data before finalizing a chart. Canvas also has a feature that can find bugs in the code and make suggestions to fix them. Custom GPTs with Canvas For those that create custom GPTs, Canvas will be integrated by default, though users can still define the parameters of when and if Canvas will open for prompts on the assistant they created. But for existing custom GPTs, OpenAI did not make Canvas a default to avoid disrupting how these already work. Users can add Canvas as a feature to their GPTs through the settings of the custom GPT. Adding Canvas makes custom GPTs as powerful and useful as the base ChatGPT, allowing for more features specific to customers' needs. OpenAI said it plans "to continue making improvements and launching new features available in Canvas in the near term." Features like Canvas and Artifacts are indicative of the interface battleground model makers find themselves in as users look for more useful features to keep using the chat platforms.

One of ChatGPT's latest features comes to the free tier

In October, OpenAI debuted its Canvas feature, a collaborative interface that visually previews the AI response to the user's writing or coding request. However, it was only made available as a beta feature for Plus and Teams subscribers. On Tuesday, the company announced that it is bringing Canvas to all users, even at the free tier. While one could easily mistake Canvas for a blatant knockoff of Anthropic's Artifacts feature, OpenAI is also incorporating a swath of new capabilities into Canvas. For one, Canvas is now integrated directly into the GPT-4o model so that it runs natively within ChatGPT, eliminating the need to select it specifically from the model-picking list. Recommended Videos The platform is now also capable of running Python code within the Canvas interface, allowing ChatGPT to analyze the code and offer suggestions for improving it. And it's not just Python code; users can text prose or code directly into the Canvas interface, rather than upload it through the standard chat interface, then load it into the Canvas window. The newly integrated Canvas is now also compatible with OpenAI's custom GPTs, which should make them easier to design and build without deep programming knowledge. And if you make a mistake, the Show Changes feature will highlight which bits of prose or code were most recently altered. Canvas is available on the web and through the Windows desktop app. "We plan to continue making improvements and launching new features available in Canvas in the near term," the company wrote in its announcement. This news comes amid OpenAI's inaugural "12 Days of OpenAI" marketing effort. To date, the company has (finally) debuted its Sora video generation system, which can generate 20-second clips in resolutions up to 1080p, as well as released the full version of its o1 reasoning model family and introduced a $200-per-month Pro subscription tier needed to access them.

OpenAI's Canvas: A New Era of Collaborative Writing and Coding with ChatGPT

OpenAI Unveils Canvas: Revolutionizing Collaborative Writing and Coding On Tuesday this week OpenAI introduced The Canvas which is itself a game-changing feature that offers an entirely new way to engage with AI technology. This is one of the new announcements made during the company's '12 Days of OpenAI' series, and it's a user interface that lets users write with ChatGPT in a split-screen way. This feature is currently available through the GPT-4 model and intends to improve the way people communicate with AI in real-life applications and intervene with much higher accuracy. Canvas also offers a tool that makes it easy to enter the ChatGPT and, after polishing the text, input the suggestions back to the project and edit it collectively. This tool which has been referred to by OpenAI's Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil as a 'game-changer' assists users to reach new optimum creativity and productivity.

ChatGPT's Canvas tool is now free for all ChatGPT users

OpenAI has moved its Canvas editing tool out of beta, making it available to all ChatGPT users and introducing new features. The announcement, made during the ongoing "12 Days of OpenAI" event, follows the recent unveiling of the Sora AI video generator. Canvas enhances the ChatGPT experience by allowing side-by-side editing of content while conversing with the chatbot. Canvas, originally introduced in October 2023, was initially limited to paid subscribers, including ChatGPT Plus and Teams users. It now enables users to run Python code within the editing environment, catering to both writers and developers. The tool features a dual interface: a conversation box at the top and a sidebar for the active document or code that users are working on. When users request changes, Canvas implements them directly in the sidebar without generating a new response, promoting efficiency in collaborative editing. Additionally, Canvas now supports enhanced functionalities that allow users to paste Python code, which can automatically trigger the opening of the Canvas environment. This updates the previous limitation where users had to copy and run code externally to verify its functionality. Canvas now not only helps users debug code but also allows for graphic generation from coding inputs, streamlining the process for developers working on charts or web applications. OpenAI also announced that Canvas is now integrated with GPT-4o, allowing it to automatically open for specific prompts. This integration aims to simplify the user experience on the web version and the Windows app of ChatGPT. Notably, Canvas will be included in any custom GPTs created, although existing custom configurations will require users to enable the feature manually to avoid disruption of established workflows. As part of the "12 Days of OpenAI," OpenAI has revealed multiple updates, including a new ChatGPT Pro plan offered at $200 per month and improvements in reinforcement fine-tuning for developers. The introduction of Sora has attracted significant attention, particularly due to its ability to generate photorealistic video content from text prompts. Critics have raised concerns about the sourcing of training data for Sora, emphasizing the need for credit to original creators of the material used.

OpenAI Canvas Kills Google Docs, Challenges VS Code & Cursor

ChatGPT Canvas allows users to edit text before prompting ChatGPT to generate the final copy. On the fourth day of 12 Days of OpenAI, the company made Canvas available to everyone, integrating it into ChatGPT's main interface. The update lets users run Python code in Canvas and works with custom GPTs as well. Canvas, which was previously in beta for Plus users, provides a dedicated interface for working with ChatGPT on writing and coding projects that extend beyond simple chat. The new interface features a split-screen layout, where users can edit text on the left while ChatGPT provides suggestions and feedback on the right. This format makes it easier to draft, refine, and review work. "Canvas - a new way to work with ChatGPT to draft, edit, and get feedback on writing and code - is now available to all users in our 4o model. It's fully rolled out on the web and the ChatGPT desktop app for Windows," OpenAI announced. Beyond basic text editing, users can format documents, provide feedback, or even ask ChatGPT to suggest improvements. A unique feature includes shortcuts like adjusting the length of content, simplifying language, or adding emojis, offering creative flexibility. The update has sparked excitement across the user and developer communities. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, said, "Canvas is now available to all ChatGPT users and can execute code! More importantly, it can also still emojify your writing." This will likely pose a threat to Google Docs. ChatGPT Canvas allows users to edit text before prompting ChatGPT to generate the final copy. Users can also ask ChatGPT to leave comments in their drafts and address them later. In simple words, it is like an editor checking copies. "This is kinda neat. OpenAI Canvas (now out of beta and broadly available) can provide line-by-line comments. It almost looks like an AI-superpowered Google Docs," Tanishq Mathew Abraham, founder of the Medical AI Research Center (MedARC), said in a post on X. Google Docs recently introduced the 'Help me write' feature, which enables users to improve existing documents in various styles or generate entire paragraphs with a simple AI prompt. Now, Google is expanding its capabilities with the 'Help me create' feature in Gemini, which helps users create documents from scratch. Meanwhile, Microsoft has introduced Copilot in MS Word, which can automatically generate concise summaries of lengthy documents, providing an overview as soon as the file is opened. Users can also prompt Copilot to create entire drafts or sections based on specific requirements. However, it still falls short of Canvas, which offers real-time editing capabilities. ChatGPT is Now a Code Editor For developers, Canvas provides a robust coding experience. Users can write, debug, and run Python code directly in the interface, with features like syntax highlighting, autocomplete, and inline error diagnostics. "One of the new features we want to demonstrate today is the ability to actually run your Python code within Canvas," said Alexi Christakis, OpenAI member of the technical staff. The feature is powered by a WebAssembly-based Python emulator, allowing instant execution of Python scripts. Christakis also showed a demo where ChatGPT assisted with debugging. After running the code, Canvas flagged an error, "Label is not defined." ChatGPT immediately analysed the exception, identifying that the correct function in Matplotlib should be 'title' instead of 'label'. Once the issue is identified, users can click the 'Fix Bug' button. ChatGPT then reviews the code and the error to automatically generate a correction. For transparency, the 'Show Changes' feature provides an inline diff, allowing users to see exactly what was modified. "Clicking that will give you an inline diff that should be familiar to people who use Git," Christakis added. "Today's Canvas updates from OpenAI may seem a bit understated compared to the other big announcements, but I really like what I saw. I am really eager to explore more AI tools for help with long-form writing," said Bojan Tunguz, former senior systems software Engineer at NVIDIA. He further added that he is excited about the new feature of code execution in Canvas on top of WASM. "I am a big fan of WASM, and am currently working on a project that relies on it," he said. "One thing I really like about OpenAI's new canvas mode is how all the Python code it generates comes with docstrings and adheres to basic type-safe rules following Pylint standards. Nicely done, OpenAI!" posted Daniel Merja, founder and general partner at Founders Committee Ventures. Developers like Kol Tregaskes also pointed out the broader implications, simply saying, "Canvas is now a code editor." Moreover, Canvas can also generate graphics using Python code. This is similar to Anthropic's Claude Artifacts, which help developers visualise code in real-time and allow users to see, edit, and build upon their creations instantly. Karina Nguyen, an AI researcher at OpenAI, talked about its potential for learning and experimentation. "We're excited for Canvas to become a more personalised tutor," she said. "You can ask ChatGPT to explain mathematical concepts, write code to plot them, and learn visually." She added that Canvas can become an automated SWE and a data scientist. Threat to Cursor and VS Code? Two months ago, when Canvas was launched in ChatGPT Plus, people compared it with Claude, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot, and they claimed that with this update, OpenAI might just make a lot of people shift back to ChatGPT for writing and coding since the UX of ChatGPT is much better. "OpenAI launched the Canvas feature in ChatGPT, and it's insane. Bye-bye to all AI IDEs soon," said a user on X. However, not everyone thinks the same. "No, Cursor did not just become obsolete by OpenAI Canvas. There's so much more to AI code editing that can't be done in a canvas. I need my AI to be in an IDE to be fully productive and stay in control of my code," posted another user on Recently, Sully Omar, CEO of Cognosys, said, "Wonder why OpenAI/Claude/Google haven't built their own IDE. "I'd gladly pay $500/$1000 per month for an unlimited usage model that is 100% integrated with my IDE." Who knows, Canvas might be a step in that direction.

OpenAI makes canvas, its editing tool, available to everyone

OpenAI has continued its marathon of announcements with full availability of its canvas tool. A day after OpenAI dropped its AI video generator Sora, the company shared that Canvas has moved out of beta. Additionally, users can run python code inside a canvas document and canvas is also available for custom GPTs. Canvas was introduced in October as a editing tool for writing and coding. It's a notebook interface that sides beside the ChatGPT chatbot conversation, which allows users to edit responses and "collaborate" with ChatGPT. New to canvas is the ability to get feedback and edits in the form of comments. From here, users can make changes based on ChatGPT's suggestions. OpenAI has also made programming improvements. By copying and pasting code into ChatGPT, it can recognize the code and switch to code editor mode to help debug or find any errors. Users can also run the code directly within the interface and identify any problems.

OpenAI rolls out Canvas to all ChatGPT users - and it's a powerful productivity tool

For 12 days, the OpenAI daily live stream is unveiling 'new things, big and small.' Here's what's new today. With the holiday season upon us, many companies are finding ways to take advantage through deals, promotions, or other campaigns. OpenAI has found a way to participate with its "12 days of OpenAI" event series. On Wednesday, OpenAI announced via an X post that starting on Dec. 5, the company would host 12 days of live streams and release "a bunch of new things, big and small," according to the post. Also: OpenAI's Sora AI video generator is here - how to try it Here's everything you need to know about the campaign, as well as a round-up of every day's drops. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared a bit more details about the event, which kicked off at 10 a.m. PT on Dec. 5 and will occur daily for 12 weekdays with a live stream featuring a launch or demo. The launches will be both "big ones" or "stocking stuffers," according to Altman. Read more about it here: I'm a ChatGPT power user - and Canvas is still my favorite productivity feature a month later OpenAI teased the third-day announcement as "something you've been waiting for," followed by the much-anticipated drop of its video model -- Sora. Here's what you need to know: On the second day of "shipmas," OpenAI expanded access to its Reinforcement Fine-Tuning Research Program: OpenAI started with a bang, unveiling two major upgrades to its chatbot: a new tier of ChatGPT subscription, ChatGPT Pro, and the full version of the company's o1 model. The live streams are held on the OpenAI website, and posted to its YouTube channel immediately after. To make access easier, OpenAI will also post a link to the live stream on its X account 10 minutes before it starts, which will be at approximately 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET daily. The releases remain a surprise, but many anticipate that Sora, OpenAI's video model initially announced last February, will be launched as part of one of the bigger drops. Since that first announcement, the model has been available to a select group of red teamers and testers and was leaked last week by some testers over grievances about "unpaid labor," according to reports. Also: OpenAI's o1 lies more than any major AI model. Why that matters Other rumored releases include a new, fuller version of the company's o1 LLM with more advanced reasoning capabilities, and a Santa voice for OpenAI's Advanced Voice Mode, per code spotted by users only a couple of weeks ago under the codename "Straw."