Aug 10, 2026 – 12.00pmUnknown to most of its 265 million users, Canva is quietly running an experiment to see if its own take on artificial intelligence can help save a business model that has been wildly successful, until now.Last week, the Australian design software giant told investors that it had slammed the brakes on the rollout of new AI products, a move that was described as temporary.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Emma RapaportTechnology reporterEmma Rapaport covers technology for the Australian Financial Review, specialising in private companies and venture capital. Before that, she was a co-editor of the Street Talk column and a markets reporter. Connect with Emma on encrypted messaging platform Signal (rap_reports.97).Paul SmithTechnology editorPaul Smith edits the technology coverage and has been a leading writer on the sector for 20 years. He covers big tech, artificial intelligence, business use of tech, the fast-growing Australian tech industry and start-ups, and national innovation policy from our Sydney newsroom. Send tips to @sayssmithy.99 on encrypted messaging platform Signal.Fetching latest articles