Canva launches AI-powered creative operating system for marketing teams

Canva has unveiled what it calls a “Creative Operating System” for marketing teams, introducing new AI-powered tools including a design-focused AI model, enhanced video editing capabilities, and comprehensive marketing automation features. The rebrand represents Canva’s evolution from a simple graphic design platform into a full workplace suite that competes directly with Google and Microsoft’s productivity tools.

What you should know: Canva’s “Creative Operating System” isn’t actually an operating system but rather a marketing term for its integrated suite of design and marketing tools.
• Co-founder Cameron Adams explained the terminology: “We thought about a couple of different phrases and operating system just really resonated with us. It’s a true system of operations.”
• The platform now powers entire creative workflows rather than serving as just an application layer for individual design tasks.

Key new features: The update introduces several tools designed to streamline marketing operations without requiring technical expertise.
• A redesigned video editor includes new templates and a simplified timeline for trimming, syncing, and layering footage without advanced editing skills.
• Forms functionality similar to Google Forms allows users to collect feedback and automatically import data into Canva Sheets.
• Email Design enables marketing teams to create and export branded email campaigns without coding or switching to platforms like Mailchimp.

The AI advantage: Canva has developed an in-house AI model specifically trained to understand design complexity, powering its new marketing automation capabilities.
• The new Canva Grow platform uses AI that “learns from performance data to make every campaign smarter and more effective over time” to help marketers design, launch, and track ad performance.
• These upgraded AI experiences are deeply embedded throughout the platform’s design process, though most remain locked behind premium subscriptions.

The big picture: Canva has transformed from a web-based graphic design tool into a comprehensive workplace alternative that challenges established productivity suites.
• The company now focuses primarily on providing alternatives to Google and Microsoft workplace applications rather than just creative tools.
• Users must purchase the entire unified service without the ability to selectively choose individual products they’ll actually use.

What they’re saying: Adams addressed concerns about AI-driven subscription price increases, stating the company has no current plans to offer selective product pricing despite user feedback about the bundled approach.