Shopify debuts AI-powered online store builder
Shopify has launched Canvas, a tool allowing merchants to build and customize online stores by chatting with its AI agent, Sidekick. Changes are displayed in real-time.
E-commerce platform Shopify introduced a new site-building tool on Thursday called Canvas. This feature allows merchants to create and customize their online stores by conversing with Shopify's AI agent, Sidekick.
With Canvas, merchants can instruct the AI through text prompts to design their desired store layout. The AI implements the changes and displays them in real-time, enabling merchants to see the site's overall appearance as it develops. They can also zoom in on specific details or view pages across different screen sizes.
Shopify states that Canvas is not just a static preview; it modifies the store's actual code. This functionality allows for testing of the site's interactivity and animations. Sidekick also takes screenshots of the work to mirror the merchant's view during updates.
The introduction of Canvas is part of a broader industry shift towards simplifying website creation without requiring direct coding. The tool enters a competitive landscape with other AI-powered site builders such as Wix, Squarespace, and Framer, aiming to streamline the design process for online retailers.