Google Expands Access to Canvas in AI Mode for U.S. Users
Google has recently announced the expansion of access to Canvas in AI Mode to all users in the U.S. in English. This feature, which was initially part of Google Labs experiments last year, is now available to help users organize and plan projects or conduct deeper research. According to a blog post by Google, Canvas in AI Mode now supports the ability to draft documents or create custom tools within Google Search.
Previously, Google recommended using Canvas for tasks such as building study guides, converting research reports into web pages, quizzes, or audio overviews. This functionality overlaps with Google’s research tool Notebook LM. Users can also describe an idea to Canvas and watch as it generates the code to transform that idea into a shareable app or game. Additionally, Canvas can help refine creative writing drafts and provide feedback on projects.
Canvas is already available in Gemini, where Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscribers have access to the latest model, Gemini 3, and a larger 1 million-token context window for more complex projects. With Canvas now accessible to all users in the U.S. through Google’s AI search feature known as AI Mode, more people will be exposed to its capabilities, including those who have not yet explored Gemini’s features. Google’s widespread reach through Google Search gives it a significant advantage in the AI landscape by allowing it to reach billions of users.
To use Canvas, users can select the Canvas option from the tool menu while in AI Mode, describe what they want to create, and access a Canvas side panel to gather information from the web and Google’s Knowledge Graph. Users can test the functionality of prototypes or apps, view the underlying code, and refine the app’s workings by interacting with Gemini.
While Canvas competes with similar tools from rivals like OpenAI and Anthropic, it offers a unique approach by providing a more direct interaction for users. OpenAI’s ChatGPT’s Canvas feature is triggered automatically based on the query, while Google and Anthropic’s Claude require users to initiate the interaction. Both platforms enable users to seek assistance with writing tasks or turn ideas into tangible projects.
