Create a Canvas with Intelligence

You can ask Canvases to create a canvas from a short description. Use this when you have an idea, but you do not want to start with a blank canvas.

Treat the result as a starting point. After the canvas appears, you can edit it like any canvas you build yourself.

Start with a Clear Request

Describe what the widget should show, not every small detail of how it should be built. Canvases works best when it knows the content and the goal.

The new canvas uses the size that is currently selected in the editor, so choose the widget size before you send your prompt.

For example:

• “A coffee tracker with today’s count and a progress ring.”
• “A widget that shows the next train, departure time, and delay status.”
• “A simple budget widget with spent amount, remaining amount, and a small chart.”

Short prompts usually work better than very long ones. Start with the most important data, then ask for a style if it matters.

Choose a size, write a prompt, and let Canvases create the canvas.

Improve It with Follow-Up Prompts

If the first result is close, ask for a focused change instead of starting over.

For example:

• “Make the chart shorter and the main number larger.”
• “Use a calmer background.”
• “Move the status label below the title.”

Small follow-up requests are easier to understand and usually give better results.

When Manual Editing Is Better

Use the editor directly when you already know the exact layout you want, or when you only need to change one view. Intelligence is best for getting started, exploring ideas, and making broad changes.

For data that should update later, give important views stable IDs. That makes them easier to update from Shortcuts.