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The canvas is the primary work surface in Recraft Studio. It’s where images, frames, mockups, text, and shapes are created, arranged, and edited within a project. The Recraft canvas is infinite, allowing you to zoom, scroll, and place images freely in all directions. It handles placing and arranging visual elements, selecting one or more objects, editing generated images and imported assets, and applying layout, alignment, and transformation actions.

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Canvas states

When nothing is selected, the canvas shows the workspace and toolbar. When a single object is selected, the Context panel appears with object-specific information and actions. This includes properties such as dimensions and prompt, along with generation and editing options for that object. When multiple objects are selected, the context panel switches to batch actions. Object alignment options become available and apply to all selected objects at once.

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Creating content on the canvas

You can create content on the canvas in several ways: generate or edit images using the Prompt panel, use Create new actions from the toolbar or right-click menu, import existing images, or add text, shapes, comments, and frames directly to the canvas. The prompt panel adapts based on whether you are generating new content or editing an existing selection.

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Canvas navigation and movement

The canvas supports freeform navigation across large projects. You can scroll, pan, and zoom to move around the workspace and focus on specific areas. Navigation tools and controls The canvas toolbar includes dedicated tools for navigation and selection:
  • Pointer tool: Used to select, move, and resize objects on the canvas.
  • Hand tool: Used to move the canvas itself without changing selection. This tool is available in the toolbar and can also be temporarily activated by holding the space bar.
Scrolling and panning
  • Use your trackpad or mouse wheel to scroll across the canvas.
  • Trackpad scrolling moves the canvas in any direction.
  • Use the hand tool to click and drag the canvas when working in larger layouts.
Zoom controls
  • Use your trackpad or scroll wheel to zoom in and out.
  • The zoom control in the top header displays the current zoom level.
  • Opening the zoom menu provides preset options:
    • Zoom in
    • Zoom out
    • Zoom to 50%
    • Zoom to 100%
    • Zoom to 200%
    • Zoom to fit project (shows all content on the canvas)
    • Zoom to fit selection (focuses the view on the currently selected objects, when available)
Undo and redo actions are available from the toolbar.

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Context menus and shortcuts

Right-clicking provides quick access to common actions. On an empty canvas, the menu focuses on creating new content. On selected objects, the menu includes actions such as copy, duplicate, delete, export, and arrange. Keyboard shortcuts are available for faster navigation and editing. View Keyboard shortcuts.