Overview
An online whiteboard lets you sketch ideas, draw diagrams, and connect information visually. Canvas is a freehand whiteboard where you can draw shapes, arrows, lines, text, and sketches.
Use Canvas AI to describe a diagram and have Lara draw it on the canvas, or add an image, PDF, or file from your Vault as a media card. Choose a background that suits your work, from a grid to a blank canvas.
When to use it
Sketch a process or flowchart to make each step easier to follow.
Map related ideas visually while planning a project or writing.
Create a timeline, sequence diagram, or mind map with Canvas AI.
Keep an image, PDF, or file from your Vault alongside a visual plan.
Features and settings
Built in
Draw and connect ideas
Use freehand sketches, shapes, arrows, lines, and text to build a visual explanation or work through an idea.
Built in
Generate diagrams with Canvas AI
Describe a flowchart, sequence, mind map, timeline, or similar diagram, and Lara draws it on the canvas. Canvas AI requires Lara access.
Built in
Add media from your Vault
Choose from Vault to add an image, PDF, or file to the canvas as a media card.
Built in
Choose a canvas background
In Canvas settings, use Background to choose ReadyTools, Grid, Blank, or Transparent. Pick the look that works best for your sketch.
Built in
Clear the canvas
Use Clear Canvas in Canvas settings to remove every element after confirming the action.
How to use it
Open a canvas
In the editor, type /, search for Canvas, and select it.
Choose a background
Open Canvas settings, select Background, and choose ReadyTools, Grid, Blank, or Transparent.
Draw your idea
Use the canvas drawing tools to make shapes, arrows, lines, text, and freehand sketches, then connect them visually.
Add a file or generate a diagram
Choose from Vault to add an image, PDF, or file as a media card. Or open Canvas AI, describe the diagram you want, and let Lara draw it; this requires Lara access.
Clear the canvas if needed
In Canvas settings, select Clear Canvas and confirm to permanently remove every canvas element.
Where it works
On any page
In the / menu
Inside board cards
Turn other blocks into it
Own settings panel
Lara can add it for you
Examples
Plan a project workflow
Draw the stages of a project with shapes and connect them using arrows. Add short labels to show how work moves from one step to the next.
Map ideas for a presentation
Sketch a mind map by placing a central topic among related ideas and connecting them visually. Canvas AI can draw a mind map from a description.
Review a reference document
Add a PDF from your Vault as a media card, then sketch notes or a diagram on the canvas to organize your observations.
Tips · Limitations
Tips
Use arrows and lines to make relationships and process direction clear.
Try Grid for structured diagrams, or Blank for an uncluttered sketching surface.
Describe the diagram type and the ideas or steps it should include when using Canvas AI.
Before choosing Clear Canvas, make sure you no longer need any of its elements.
Limitations
Canvas is available on pages and cannot be added to a board card.
Canvas AI requires Lara access.
Clear Canvas permanently removes every canvas element after confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a diagram in my notes?
Open Canvas from the / menu and draw shapes, lines, arrows, and text to build your diagram. You can also use Canvas AI to create a diagram from a description if you have Lara access.
Can I make a mind map on a whiteboard?
Yes. Draw a central idea and connect related ideas with lines or arrows, or describe the mind map in Canvas AI and let Lara draw it.
How do I add a PDF or image to the canvas?
Choose Choose from Vault and select an image, PDF, or file. It appears on the canvas as a media card.
How do I change the whiteboard background?
Open Canvas settings, choose Background, then select ReadyTools, Grid, Blank, or Transparent.
How do I erase everything on a canvas?
Open Canvas settings, select Clear Canvas, and confirm. This permanently removes every element from the canvas.
Build your next page with Canvas
Open Workspace, type / and add it in a second. Free to start, no credit card.