Canva's first in-house AI image model plans designs before generating them (www.theverge.com)

Canva has announced the launch of Canva Craft, its first in-house AI image generation model designed to rival offerings from top players like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google. This innovative model employs a unique two-stage architecture that enables it to plan designs before generating images, enhancing precision, consistency, and control. Capable of producing images at up to 2K resolution and in over 30 aspect ratios, Canva Craft is equipped to create a variety of visual content, including social media posts, digital art, and complex scenes that require clear text and precise object placement. The significance of Canva Craft lies in its advanced capabilities, built upon millions of human-made templates from Canva's extensive content library. This launch is a part of Canva's broader strategy to integrate AI into its platform, following the introduction of prompt-based editing tools earlier this year. The model also emphasizes user safety and privacy, with robust moderation controls and reporting features. As Canva Craft gains traction—currently ranked fourth on Design Arena's AI image generation leaderboard—its availability to users worldwide marks a significant step in democratizing advanced design tools powered by AI.