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Forget Google Docs – I just got familiar with OpenAI Canvas and it’s actually better

Pabio December 11, 2024

OpenAI just officially launched Cloth, and I couldn’t wait to try it. OpenAI’s latest addition brings a new level of interactivity and collaboration to ChatGPT. No longer in beta, Canvas is now available to all users at any level – for free – providing a powerful AI-driven writing and coding editor integrated directly into ChatGPT.

The first thing I noticed is 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 delivers a smooth, AI-driven experience with a real-time AI editor.

Users can either start their project directly in Canvas, or switch from a chat conversation by typing “use Canvas.” Since the beta previewCanvas has announced more features, providing flexibility that bridges the gap between conversational AI and traditional document editing tools, potentially offering the best of both worlds.

AI-driven editing

Canvas screenshot — (Image credit: Future)

After adding my draft, I was able to ask ChatGPT for targeted improvements, rewordings, or extensions. With my text in Canvas, the editing features highlighted specific sections of code or, in this case, text.

The grammar polish feature was actually more effective than Grammarly because it seemed to understand the flow of my writing better. Canvas captured the nuances of my work better than any other grammar editor I’ve seen.

Inasmuch as writerI’m always looking for better ways to improve my writing and this AI-powered editing feature makes it easier. Whether I want to refine a paragraph or adjust the tone for a specific audience, I can do it without leaving the editor. It was a real game changer to write and then immediately get the edits I needed.

In this example, I used a bio blurb and asked Canvas to expand it. In seconds, it effortlessly offered me a more detailed bio that I could use on LinkedIn, Tom’s Guide, my website, or anywhere else I needed a bio. Most people will find this feature useful when certain sites require a specific word count, tone, or angle. Canvas can help shape text in precisely the direction you want to take it.

Unique features like the “contextual write button” provide options to customize text length, tone, and even audience. Canvas also includes a “final polish” button to refine grammar, improve clarity, and ensure text is concise and professional.
I felt that the grammar polishing feature was actually more effective than Grammarly, as it seemed to understand the flow of my writing better. Canvas captured the nuances of my work better than any other grammar editor I’ve seen.

Contrary to Grammar applications that extend into the browser, I can choose whether or not I want my writing to be changed, rather than it happening automatically. I found it to be an incredibly useful tool and I look forward to using it more to write and flesh out my science fiction novels.

Editing tips from different angles

Canvas screenshot

(Image credit: Future)

Another unique feature that Canvas offers is offering editing guidance from different angles. For example, I asked him to edit my bio from the perspective of an English teacher. From there, I received several different comments highlighting various parts of my bio. Users can try asking a New York Times bestselling author, a rocket scientist, or a plethora of other perspectives for editing advice.

This editing feature is extremely useful for understanding how your writing appears to different people and from different angles. From there, users can change the tone, voice, and reading level so that the writing fits seamlessly into the context, whatever the scenario.

Canvas combines the best elements of tools like Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and coding environments like VSCode, but with AI at the core. Unlike other platforms where AI acts as an add-on, Canvas integrates AI deeply into the user experience, making them feel like a true collaborator rather than just a tool.

Although similar features exist, such as Claude d’Anthropic Artifacts Or Google’s Gemini tools, Canvas goes further by allowing real-time editing and collaboration directly in the workspace. It’s not just about visualizing AI results, it’s also about interacting with them.

Advanced coding capabilities

12 days of OpenAI

(Image credit: OpenAI)

Canvas’s advanced coding capabilities allow ChatGPT to shine as a coding assistant. Users can debug, review, or port code between languages while receiving inline feedback explaining the changes. 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. This means that as it debugs or fixes errors, you can see each version. This allows users to revert to previous versions if necessary, making it an invaluable tool for iterative projects, giving users the confidence to experiment without fear of losing their progress.

I found this functionality similar to Google Docs. However, I like being able to see the old document in real time while also seeing the new changes. This will be a game changer and is why I would probably choose Canvas over Google Docs.

Practical canvas prints: conclusion

screenshot of canvas

(Image credit: Future)

Canvas represents a fundamental shift in how we use AI for writing and coding. It’s an understatement to say that it’s no longer just a chatbot. ChatGPT changed the way I research and now the way I write and code. The launch of Canvas means ChatGPT is now capable of much more, including generating content and collaborating to refine and improve creative and technical projects.

Whether you’re working on a personal essay, a detailed report, or a coding project, Canvas makes AI an active partner in your workflow. It has improved the way I describe, think about, and edit. Because Canvas integrates seamlessly with ChatGPT, it is accessible and easy to use, enabling everyone from writers to developers. OpenAI making the feature free for everyone is just icing on the AI cake.

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Forget Google Docs – I just got familiar with OpenAI Canvas and it’s actually better

AI-driven editing

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