SAN FRANCISCO: OpenAI has launched a new interactive feature for ChatGPT called “canvas.” This innovative interface creates a separate workspace alongside the traditional chat window, allowing users to write and code more effectively.
According to TechCrunch, the canvas enables users to generate text or code directly, highlight sections for editing, and make real-time adjustments. This development aligns with a broader trend among AI providers toward creating editable workspaces, thereby enhancing the usability of generative AI tools.
The canvas shares similarities with Anthropic’s Artifacts, which launched in June, and the popular coding assistant Cursor, as OpenAI aims to improve its offerings and grow its paid user base. Currently, AI chatbots often struggle with completing large projects from a single prompt, though they provide strong starting points. The canvas feature allows users to correct errors in AI-generated outputs without having to rewrite their prompts or create new content.
Users can activate the canvas by selecting “GPT-4o with canvas” from the model picker or by simply typing “use canvas” for tasks that require longer outputs or complex coding.
TechCrunch showcased how this feature can streamline tasks like composing emails. Users can prompt ChatGPT to draft an email, which will then appear in the canvas.
For coding tasks, the canvas includes specialized tools. Users can ask ChatGPT to create code, such as an API web server in Python, which will be displayed in the canvas. An “add comments” button facilitates in-line documentation to clarify the code in plain English. Users can highlight code sections to get explanations or ask questions. A new “review code” button suggests edits for both AI-generated and user-written code, allowing users to accept or reject changes. ChatGPT will attempt to fix any identified bugs if approved.
OpenAI plans to extend the canvas feature to free users once the beta phase concludes. Currently, it is rolling out in beta for ChatGPT Plus and Teams users, with plans to make it available to Enterprise and Edu users next week.
