Hello there Reader,! 🖤
Well I was certainly right about lots of changes to Canva - last week's massive update basically integrates AI more seamlessly across Canva's entire system and updates a number of core tools. They’re calling it the Creative Operating System, and it’s not just a few tweaks - this is probably the biggest change since the 'Glow-up' of the interface.
But you know I like to cut through the hype, so here is my take (the good AND bad) of some of the key updates:
1. Video 2.0 – The new way to edit
Canva’s video editor has had a redesign. You’ll now find a proper multi-track timeline, layering tools, and Magic Video is back (on mobile), which combines and edits uploaded clips for you automatically. Perfect for creating Reels, TikToks, or promo videos without bouncing between apps. Looking (and working) a lot more like CapCut or other video editors.
Pros:
- Sleek new interface with more control
- Magic Video saves heaps of time
- Still simple enough for non-video pros
Cons:
- Actually a little harder to use with things like 'match & move'
- Will take a bit of getting used to
2. Canva Forms – Collect info, right in your design
You can now add interactive forms directly into presentations, websites, and even social posts. Gather RSVPs, feedback, or sign-ups — and all responses flow straight into Canva Sheets.
Pros:
- Built-in email capture - without needing extra tools or software!
- Keeps everything on-brand
- Data stored automatically in Canva
Cons:
- So far, nothing - this is a MUCH needed update
- I'd love to see the ability to embed forms from other email tools like flodesk or Kit
3. Canva Email Design – Branded emails made easy
You can now design and export full email designs right inside Canva. Use one of the new templates, tweak your brand style, and send through Mailchimp or Gmail with a single click. You can also export HTML to use on your email platform of choice (theoretically).
Pros:
- Design and test your emails visually
- Loads of beautiful templates already
- Keeps everything brand-aligned
Cons:
- Doesn't work smoothly with all email service providers
- Exporting may be simple, but importing the HTML and images isn't as easy as they make out in the demo AT ALL
- Very limited help available
4. Canva Grow – Quicker and Smarter ads
This new marketing hub lets you create and manage ads directly from Canva. You can even connect your ad account, publish straight to Meta, and get AI-powered insights on performance.
Pros:
- Streamlined ad creation and publishing (AI can create ads based on your website!)
- AI helps you analyze and improve campaign results
- Great for small teams managing their own marketing!
Cons:
- None that I have heard so far - but I'm no ads expert!
5. Brand System – brand kit has evolved
Brand consistency is still one of the most essential parts of building a recognizable brand - and the updated Brand Kit and Brand Hub now give you more control over how your brand appears in every design. You can include tone-of-voice notes, visual guidelines, different sections, and use your brand kit as a reference (like the early days of 'magic design') so that AI created templates are on-brand .
Pros:
- Better organization for brand assets
- AI can now create EDITABLE on-brand designs automatically
- Makes staying consistent super easy
Cons:
- The AI designer is still VERY hit & miss - I have found it quicker and better to just find a human-designed template in the library almost every time
6. Canva Code + Data Integration = Real interactivity
If you have been building tools or widgets with Canva Code you'll love this - you can now use Canva Sheets for live data collection - exponentially expanding the possibilities for what you can create! And once its IN a design, you can edit some elements with the standard Canva editor!
Pros:
- Adds real function (and customization) to designs and websites
- Data flows automatically
- Great for interactive lead magnets, quizzes etc
Cons:
- Not quite as robust or flexible as other 'vibe coding' tools out there - but the possibilities are pretty much endless.
7. Ask @Canva – Your AI teammate
Canva AI is now pretty much every-present. You can actually tag @Canva inside your designs to get suggestions, tweaks, or help — right in the comment thread. It understands your brand style and can recommend fonts, colours, or layout ideas, and more.
Pros:
- Built-in creative assistant (and design advice!)
- Smart, contextual suggestions
- Saves loads of back-and-forth time
Cons:
- In tests it didn't always spot some pretty serious issues with designs, so definitely not replacing human design knowledge just yet
8. AI-Powered Designs & Elements
There is an integrated AI chat box for search and (if you wish) to actually generate editable designs and elements with a simple prompt. Need a product shot, 3D icon, or quick social post? Canva AI can create it for you, already aligned with your brand style.
Pros:
- Fully editable design results (not static images) across every Canva doc type (and you can reference your brand kit again!)
- Saves design time and sparks new ideas (no more blank page panic)
- Style matching tool for elements could be SUPER helpful for consistency
Cons:
- Designs are very hit & miss
- Still relies on crafting a really good prompt to get decent results
- Generating can take longer than searching the library!
9. All-New Affinity (Free!)
Professional-grade design software Affinity has launch a new unified version of it's app which allows you to edit photos, vectors and layouts all in one app - and while it may not be a tool that everyone needs (or wants to take the time to get to grips with) it’s now free for everyone. It's definitely geared towards a pro audience, but if you did ever want to learn professional design software - this is your (no investment required) chance!
Pros:
- Full professional control for designers - pixel, vector and layout
- Optionally integrated with Canva.
- No AI involved (unless you want it)
- Free. Forever. (Seriously!)
Cons:
- Massive learning curve if you haven't used this kind of tool before
There are a load of smaller updates too, but this whole launch marks what Canva is billing as a shift from a simple design tool to a full creative ecosystem - trying to combine AI, automation, and design tools that actually work together. For small business owners, that could potentially mean less juggling, more creating, and a smoother path from idea to execution.
But...it's not all glitter and rainbows 😜.
The response to the changes has been....um....mixed. Change is always tricky, so I expected some resistance, but I have seen quite a lot of feedback that Canva has got HARDER to use. Do you have an opinion yet? I guess we will see as we get used to the changes over the next few months. What is nice is that it has brought BACK some useful tools that we thought had disappeared - like magic design that references your brand kit!
Anyway, I’ll be testing these tools over the next few weeks, and creating in-depth tutorials to show how to best make them work for your brand and workflow.
👉🏽 AND THAT'S WHERE I NEED YOUR HELP - please click here to reply and let me know which features you’d like me to dive into first. |
Meaningful Creations
I love it when art gets a little weird. 😜 This week I wanted to share an artist who combines craftsmanship, mythology and nature into fun (and sometimes kinda) freaky creations.
Kristen Egan is a mixed-media artist from Pennsylvania, who creates masks and sculptures from natural materials like gourds, antlers and tree branches. She works in carved wood, paper & clay and paints over raw textures -blending folk art, totemic imagery, ecology and even astronomy into her own personal lore.
Her fantastical animal characters, inspired by local species, carry a real connection to story and place - reminding us that there is wisdom and whimsy all around us. 😁
So for a little dose of creativity rooted in nature and narrative, check out her instagram and her website. And tell her I sent ya. 😉
That's it for this week folks. I hope this summary of Canva's updatess gets you excited - lots of changes, but even more potential to give small business owners a way to create content quickly & easily. Don't worry - I got you. 😊
Stay strong, stay kind and stay awesome. 🖤
⭐️ PS: For the first time ever I am doing a promo for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. You don't need more stuff in the back of your closet (trust me 🤣) - but you may well need a little extra support to kickstart a successful 2026...so watch this space in the next couple of weeks!
