Canva releases its first image generation model

Canva has released its first image generation model, Canva Craft, developed by its research team to compete with models from Google, OpenAI, ByteDance, and Meta. The model uses a two-stage process: first, it interprets prompts to plan spatial relationships, scale, visual hierarchy, and text generation; second, it generates images up to 2K resolution in up to 30 aspect ratios. It was trained on human-designed templates from Canva's library rather than photographs, enabling accurate details, legible text, and precise edits. Images can be converted into layered designs using Canva Magic. Canva Craft is available to all users via the Dream Lab tab and the Canva API, with plans to support third-party chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini through Canva's MCP. The company acquired Leonardo.ai in 2024, whose researchers contributed to the model. Canva is also developing cost-efficient versions, Craftfast and Craft-ultrafast. Last year, Canva was on track for $4 billion in revenue but cut its 2026 growth forecast, reportedly causing its valuation to drop from $42 billion to $35 billion.

(Source：TechCrunch)