How to Use Gemini Canvas to Draft Documents and Build Simple Apps

The short version

Canvas puts your document next to the chat instead of inside it. You can type in it yourself, highlight a paragraph and ask for a fix, and keep versions, then send the result straight to Google Docs or Slides. It also builds small working apps you can share.

Step by step

Draft a document

1. Go to gemini.google.com.
2. Below the text box, click Add files, then Canvas.
3. Describe the document: what it is, who it’s for, length and tone. Attach notes with Add files if you have them.
4. Click Submit. The draft opens in the Canvas panel.
5. Edit it:
   • Type directly in the panel.
   • Select text, then type what to change, or click Suggest edits.
   • Click Change length or Change tone for quick adjustments.
6. Click Share & export > Export to Docs, or Copy contents.

Turn it into something else

Click Create at the top right of the panel for an Audio Overview, a Quiz, an Infographic or a Web page, or describe a slide deck or app.

Build a small app

Ask for it in plain words. Use Code to see or edit the code, Show console to see errors, and Select & ask to point at a part of the app you want changed.

Prompts to copy

A one-page document:

Create a one-page welcome guide for new volunteers at a community garden:
what to bring, where to park, safety rules, who to ask. Friendly, plain English.

A simple tool:

Build a simple web app that works out a tip and splits the bill between people.
Big buttons, works on a phone, no sign-in.

A quick edit on a selection:

Make this paragraph half as long and remove the jargon.

Example

You ask: “Create a price list page for my house-cleaning service: three packages, what’s included, and add-ons. Use these prices: [your prices].”

You refine: select the add-ons section and ask “Turn this into a table.” Click Change tone to make it more casual. Export to Docs and check every price against your list before you share it.

Mistakes to avoid

• Expecting a finished app. Canvas apps are good prototypes. Test them and don’t rely on them for payments or private data.
• Sharing a public link carelessly. Anyone with it can open the app and its data.
• Letting it guess facts. Give it your prices, dates and names; don’t let it fill gaps.
• Starting over for small changes. Select the part and ask for that change only.

Good to know

Python code in Canvas can be sent to Colab with Export to Colab. Shared Canvas links open only on gemini.google.com, not in the mobile app, and others can copy them with Copy Canvas. Skills don’t work with Canvas yet, according to Google. If you want a real website built properly, see what we do for you.

Related: make slides with Gemini and study with Gemini.