How to Generate AI Images with Canva Dream Lab

Learn how to access Canva Dream Lab, write text-to-image prompts, select artistic styles and aspect ratios, and edit your AI-generated images.

April 27, 2026 By Anacani Walters

Canva's Dream Lab is a powerful AI text-to-image generator that lets you create custom visuals directly in your workspace. Follow these steps to generate and edit your own AI artwork.

Access Dream Lab

Step #1: From the Canva homepage, expand the left sidebar menu and click Dream Lab. — From the Canva homepage, expand the left sidebar menu and click **Dream Lab**.

Generate an AI Image

Step #2: Enter your image description into the central text prompt field. — Enter your image description into the central text prompt field.

Step #3: Click the style dropdown menu to select an artistic look for your image, such as Cinematic, 3D Render, or Pop Art. — Click the style dropdown menu to select an artistic look for your image, such as **Cinematic**, **3D Render**, or **Pop Art**.

Step #4: Click the aspect ratio dropdown menu to set your preferred dimensions (e.g., 16:9, 1:1, or 9:16). — Click the aspect ratio dropdown menu to set your preferred dimensions (e.g., 16:9, 1:1, or 9:16).

Once your preferences are set, submit the prompt to generate your custom image variations.

Edit Your Image

Step #5: Hover over the generated image you want to use and click Edit to open it in the Canva editor for further adjustments. — Hover over the generated image you want to use and click **Edit** to open it in the Canva editor for further adjustments.