How to use Gemini Canvas
Learn how to use Gemini Canvas: turn it on from the tools menu, draft a document from a prompt, and ask Gemini to revise it beside the chat.
Quick answer
Open Gemini, choose Upload & tools, then select Canvas. Type a prompt such as a one-page onboarding checklist and send it. Gemini opens a document beside the chat. Ask for changes, for example shorter and friendlier, and Gemini updates the document. Use Previous version to compare the earlier draft.
Steps at a glance
- Open the Upload & tools menu
- Select Canvas
- Type a prompt describing the document
- Send the prompt and wait for the draft
- Ask Gemini for a change in the prompt box
- Send it and review the updated document
Interactive demo
Summary
Canvas gives Gemini a document panel next to the chat, so you can draft and revise text in one place. It suits checklists, plans and other writing you want to refine instead of re-asking from scratch.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open the tools menu
On the Gemini start screen, click Upload & tools next to the prompt box. A menu opens with upload options and tools.
Step 2
Choose Canvas
Click Canvas in the menu. A Canvas chip appears in the prompt box, which shows Canvas is on for this prompt.
Step 3
Describe the document
Click the prompt box and type what you want, for example "Draft a one-page onboarding checklist for a new support hire". Be specific about the topic and audience.
Step 4
Send the prompt
Click Send message. Gemini writes the document and opens it in a panel beside the chat. Wait a few seconds until the draft finishes.
Step 5
Ask Gemini to change the document
With the draft open, click the prompt box and type a change, for example "Make the checklist shorter and friendlier". You can also click in the document to edit it directly.
Step 6
Send the change request
Click Send message. Gemini rewrites the document in Canvas and the chat shows your request above the new version.
Step 7
Review the updated document
Read the revised document in the panel. Use Previous version to go back to the earlier draft if you prefer it.
Why this matters
You need a first draft of a checklist or process doc and want to tune it without copying text between chats. Canvas keeps the document beside the conversation, so each change request updates the same draft and you can get to a usable version quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I edit the document myself?
Yes. Gemini shows a hint that you can click anywhere in the document to type and edit directly, or select text to prompt Gemini for changes.
Can I get back to an earlier draft?
After Gemini revises the document, the Previous version button lets you return to the earlier draft.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to use Gemini for writingLearn how to use Gemini for writing: type a drafting prompt, ask for a shorter and more casual rewrite, then copy the finished text in minutes.
How to write effective prompts for GeminiLearn how to write a Gemini prompt with a clear role, task, context and format, then tighten the reply with a follow-up message that adds one more constraint.
How to clear Gemini activity historyClear your Gemini activity history from the Gemini Apps Activity page: pick Last hour, Last day, All time or a custom range, then confirm.
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