Featured canvases
Wedesignthinking
Strategyzer AG
Datentreiber
LeanStack
Business Model You®
Platform Innovation Kit
DIYOur mission
Our mission is to provide open alternatives to closed platforms which stimulate innovations that lead to freedom of choice in both canvases and applications.
Not a whiteboard tool
Canvas Generation is not a productivity or whiteboard tool
Canvas Generation is not a productivity or whiteboard tool
We are the Canvas Generation
We feel like being part of a generation of Canvas pioneers: The Canvas Generation.
Unfortunately, the success of visual design thinking this past decade has had its downsides. We believe there are too many collaboration platforms that are closed and drag publicly shared tools within their borders. We've seen beautiful tools being created, rebranded, poorly attributed and integrated by platforms beyond the control of their original creators. That's not right.
Knowledge sharing needs an open alternative to closed platforms. Canvasgeneration.com is our way of giving back to all our fellow pioneers that are sticking their necks out to create and share beautiful hands-on tools.
Share tools on your terms
Canvas Generation is a place to share Visual Design Thinking tools in one place, on your terms. That means proper attribution, applied licenses, branding and links to the creator. We always strive to put the original creator in control of their own tools.
The Canvas API
Our Canvas API enables platforms and applications to always have access to the latest tools and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tool creators
How does it work?
As a fellow tool creator you can request access. After receiving the invite you can add your own tools.
What's a Visual Design Thinking tool?
You probably know the Business Model Canvas. What you probably don't know is that there are hundreds, if not thousands of tools like that to make work easy. They come with different names like 'canvas', 'worksheet', 'template', 'board', etc.
Can I use the tools on Canvas Generation?
Not exactly. Tools shared on Canvas Generation can be used by any platform or application that uses the Canvas API and integrates with Canvas Generation. Providing a way to use the tools on Canvas Generation itself would be us standing in the way of other initiatives.
What can visitors find on Canvas Generation?
All shared tools are visible. That means people can see the tools, read information, learn from tutorials, find out more about the creator and see what applications or platforms have an integration to use the tool.
Can I add private (hidden) tools to Canvas Generation?
Yes. Tools can be public or private. Private tools can only be used and accessed outside Canvas Generation if you turn on developer mode and access the API with your unique token.
How many tools are available?
Canvas Generation currently has about 150 public tools. We continue to create and improve our own canvases shared under Wedesignthinking. Besides us, there are a lot more people creating canvases with licenses that allow sharing, adapting and using the work. We strive to put their work in the spotlight under their terms.
Can I use these tools for commercial projects?
About 99% of the canvases (rough guess 😉) have a license that allows you to use it in both personal and commercial projects. Just check a canvas page and you'll immediately see if you can use it by looking at the red or green labels called 'personal' and 'commercial'. Scroll down to learn more about licenses and terms. And remember, credit to whom credit is due.
Do I need to attribute the creator when using a canvas?
Proper attribution is always encouraged. Especially when a creator explicitely asks you to, for example by having a license such as the Creative Commons Attribution-Share alike license applied to their work. There's no need to attribute Canvas Generation in any way.
Can I schedule a meeting?
Sure! Nothing beats a realtime meeting and getting to know fellow visual design thinkers.
Developers
How does it work?
As a software developer you can request access. After receiving the invite you can create and submit your integration.
Why would I build an integration?
Collaborating with tools isn't the same game as sharing and maintaining tools. An integration means your application will be easier to develop and maintain. It also makes your application more powerful with immediate access to our tool library.
How do I integrate Canvas Generation into my app?
When you are the owner or developer of a whiteboard application, integrating with Canvas Generation makes a lot of sense. The Canvas API documentation explains how to search, get and use tools. What you build around it is totally up to you.
I have built an integration. Can you showcase our application?
Yes! That's the whole point. Tool creators are important, but developers like you enable people to use the tools in ways we never thought were possible. We will make sure visitors can find your initiative and put you in the spotlights!
Can I use private (hidden) tools in my application?
Yes. Tools can be public or private. Private tools can only be used and accessed outside Canvas Generation if you turn on developer mode and access the API with your unique token. An example usecase is to create applications with proprietary tools that are not publicly shared.
Can I schedule a meeting?
Sure! Nothing beats a realtime meeting and getting to know fellow visual design thinkers.