Shopify debuts Canvas, a way to build online stores by chatting with AI
techcrunch ·
Shopify has launched Canvas, a new tool that allows merchants to build online stores by chatting with its AI agent, Sidekick. This platform enables users to create and customize their sites through natural language conversations rather than manual code editing or rearranging modular blocks. As the AI makes changes, Canvas renders the actual store code in real time, allowing merchants to test interactivity and view designs across different screen sizes. Sidekick captures screenshots of the updates to better understand the visual context while modifying theme files directly. Shopify simplified its theme architecture to help the AI comprehend and alter the store's structure, logic, and design more effectively. The launch positions Shopify alongside other competitors like Wix and Squarespace in the growing market of AI-powered website builders. While still in its early stages, Canvas aims to make e-commerce more accessible to those without coding skills or budgets for professional developers.
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