How to use ChatGPT’s canvas to save time and reduce content stress

Content marketing can feel overwhelming, right? From brainstorming ideas to polishing the final draft, there’s always one more thing to do. That’s where ChatGPT’s canvas feature comes in handy for content pros. Unlike the regular ChatGPT interface, Canvas gives you a space where you can organize drafts, refine outlines, and keep everything in one place. For content marketers, it’s like having a digital command center where you can track progress, streamline feedback, and focus on creating amazing content without distractions. 

Canvas has been out for a little while now, but it’s finally available for everyone to use, and I’m so excited to show you how it works! 

How to get started with ChatGPT’s canvas and use it for content

If you’re pretty new to ChatGPT or not sure about using canvas, don’t worry — it’s easy to get started, no matter what your levels of comfort with content and AI are. Here’s how:

(If you haven’t used ChatGPT before, I’ve got you! I have a free guide you can download. It’s incredibly simple, but I have a step-by-step walkthrough if you need it.)

Quick version:

1. Open canvas: Switch to canvas mode in ChatGPT. Think of it as your personal workspace for all things content. If you already know how to use ChatGPT, just open it up, and you’ll see three little icons in the message box. If you drop the little box-looking icon down, you’ll see Canvas as one of your options. Go ahead and click on it!
2. Type in your prompt, and you’re good to go.

What else can I do?

• Feeling stuck? Use prompts to guide you, like, “Outline a blog post about [topic].” ChatGPT will draft something for you right in canvas.
• Add and revise headings, bullet points, sentences, or sections to structure your content. For example, create sections for “Ideas,” “Outlines,” and “Drafts” or ask for
• Highlight key sections, add comments, and ask ChatGPT for improvements. Canvas is flexible, so play around and see what works for you.
• Ask Canvas to create a list of high-search volume, low-competition, long-tail keywords for your niche.
• Pick one of the options, highlight it, and ask Canvas to create an outline for an ideal post using that keyword.
• Ask Canvas to flesh out the outline.
• Highlight the first sentence, and ask Canvas to create a stronger hook that will interest and engage readers.
• Try highlighting a section of text and asking Canvas to rewrite it to sound more engaging or ask for a relevant statistic (make sure you check it out to make sure it’s accurate! That, by the way, is another thing you can ask for in here).

At this point, you should be feeling pretty comfortable. Just remember: There are a ton more things you can try! You can ask for a DALL*E image, quotes, tables, graphs, and more. It’s just incredible.

Now, the magic can begin!

How else can I use ChatGPT’s canvas?

Yes, it can write, but the real magic is in the editing. Just because you’ve created a draft doesn’t mean you have something good. Yes, you can use it to create a piece of content; what you want to do is plan and edit the heck out of it! Canvas and ChatGPT have incredible capabilities for improving content and content marketing strategies, and I’d recommend using them! Use canvas to brainstorm ideas, come up with keywords, create and refine outlines, and then really use the magic of canvas to refine your content. Ask for a strong hook at the beginning of the introduction. Tell canvas what kind of strong CTA you want to end with. Make sure to include citations (and always check them!). You can change the tone and style with the click of a button, and you can adjust the length, reading level, and more with a slider!

And definitely check out the “Suggest edits” button. You might get some good insights that you can apply with the click of a button.

1. Write long-form content without the stress

Drafting blog posts, ebooks, or whitepapers can be stressful. But with Canvas, you get a focused space to organize your thoughts. Ask ChatGPT to create an outline, then build on it directly in Canvas. No jumping between tabs or losing track of ideas.

Try This:

Ask ChatGPT for an outline:

• “Create a detailed outline for a blog post about [topic]. Include a hook, three main sections, and a conclusion with a call to action.”

2. Edit and refine your work like a pro

Canvas makes editing a breeze. Highlight sections that need work, add notes, or organize ideas with bullet points. Unlike the standard ChatGPT interface, Canvas integrates ChatGPT’s suggestions directly into your workflow, helping you polish your content effortlessly.

Try This:

Ask for targeted feedback:

• “Rewrite this paragraph to sound more conversational.”
• “Suggest a closing sentence that ties back to the main point.”

3. How to use ChatGPT’s canvas to brainstorm without limits

Struggling to come up with ideas? Canvas has your back. I once needed fresh blog topics for a client and turned to Canvas. A quick prompt generated a list of creative, on-brand ideas that filled an entire content calendar. It’s perfect for those “what do I write about?” moments.

Try This:

Use ChatGPT for brainstorming:

• “What are three trends in [industry] that matter to [audience]?”
• “Generate five content ideas for [audience type], focusing on their key challenges.”

5. Use ChatGPT’s canvas to polish your content for maximum impact

Want your content to rank or grab attention? Use Canvas to tweak headlines, refine intros, and create SEO-friendly copy. ChatGPT can generate multiple options to help you find the perfect fit.

Try This:

Optimize for engagement:

• “Propose three headline options that are SEO-friendly and catchy.”
• “Rewrite this introduction with a strong hook to grab attention immediately.”

6. Repurpose content like a boss

Don’t stop at one use for your content. Turn your draft into social media posts, newsletters, or video scripts. Canvas makes repurposing seamless.

Try This:

Adapt content for different platforms:

• “Summarize this for a LinkedIn post.”
• “Turn this paragraph into a tweet under 280 characters.”

7. Experiment and save your best prompts

Canvas lets you save and reuse prompts, so you’re not reinventing the wheel every time. I’ve saved prompts for generating blog outlines tailored to different industries, and they’ve been a huge time-saver.

Try This:

Keep a library of prompts:

• “Create an outline for [content type] with key sections and examples.”
• “Suggest three call-to-action options that match the tone of this piece.”

What are you waiting for?

Canvas is a powerful tool for busy entrepreneurs who want to save time and reduce stress in their content marketing. It can help you focus on what matters most: creating great content. Whether you’re brainstorming your next big idea or refining a polished draft, Canvas makes the process smoother and more manageable. Give it a try, and see how it can help you streamline your workflow and stay inspired.