Shopify launches Canvas, AI chat tool for building online stores

The feature builds on Shopify’s existing no‑code builder but removes the need to manually rearrange sections or edit code. Sidekick, already used for code writing and theme customization, now has direct access to theme files and a simplified architecture so it can understand and modify a store’s structure, logic, and design. Canvas joins a growing field of AI‑driven site builders from Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, Framer and others, aiming to make online selling accessible to merchants without developer budgets or coding time.

While still early and expected to evolve, Canvas could lower the barrier for new sellers, letting them launch functional stores through a conversational interface rather than hiring designers or learning development tools.