Anthropic launches the first AI assistant to control Canva designs entirely in chat

Anthropic’s Claude AI can now seamlessly create and edit Canva designs straight from a chat. No more toggling between browser tabs or learning complicated design software to create polished assets.

This launch sets a new productivity benchmark, enabling anyone with access to Claude and Canva to manage presentations, branded templates, and content all by simply typing what they want.

How does Claude AI control Canva designs in chat?

The union between Claude and Canva is powered by Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open-source standard that links AI with external applications so users can give plain-English instructions and instantly generate designs, resize images, or autofill branded templates.

To access these tools, users need paid subscriptions for Claude and Canva. After connecting through the new Connectors Directory, users can ask Claude to handle design tasks from scratch or within existing Canva assets. Requests like “Create a pitch deck for a new campaign” or “Resize my event flyer for Instagram” can now be executed instantly in chat.

Did you know?
When Canva began building its experimental 'AI ecosystem' in 2024, over 65% of its 5,000 employees started using AI tools daily for workflow optimization and rapid prototyping.

Can Anthropic’s integration change how teams use design tools?

For the first time, design work shifts from static visual editors into the rhythm of natural conversation. Employees can summarize Canva docs, search for assets, or populate templates without ever opening a new app, supporting rapid teamwork across creative and business projects.

Early data from Canva’s own adoption is telling: when the company rolled out AI assistants in mid-2024, over 65% of its workforce began using such tools daily. Teams embraced a flexible 'AI ecosystem,' staying agile as new integrations emerged.

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Claude AI unlocks Canva workflows through simple conversation

With the Connectors Directory, onboarding is quick, with no coding or IT admin required. Commands like “Update our holiday campaign template with this year’s data” or “Generate a safety poster from last week's meeting notes” become efficient, multi-step workflows handled entirely through chat.

This makes professional design possible for everyone, not just those trained in graphics software. Power users can manage complex brand libraries; beginners can quickly generate, edit, and share world-class visuals using only conversational prompts.

The Model Context Protocol sets a new AI productivity standard

Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol is already being adopted by companies like Canva, Figma, Microsoft, and others for secure, universal connections between AI and apps. The protocol is often compared to a “USB-C port for AI,” letting assistants like Claude pull data, create content, and manage assets without manual uploads or awkward integrations.

Anwar Haneef, Canva’s Ecosystem head, says the protocol makes multi-step creative work as simple as a single chat, redefining the roles of productivity software and digital teamwork.

As companies look toward a future of smarter workflows and less routine busywork, Claude’s direct Canva integration hints at a broader evolution, one where AI not only assists but actively collaborates and innovates on demand.