GoKawiilShopify launches Canvas, an AI chat tool for building online stores
Shopify unveiled Canvas, a new tool that lets merchants build and customize their online stores by chatting with its AI agent Sidekick instead of manually editing themes or code. The tool renders real store code in real time, letting merchants preview full interactivity, animations, and responsive layouts as changes are made. Merchants can still click and edit elements directly, but the primary interface is conversational.
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The launch reflects a broader industry trend of AI agents replacing manual coding in website creation, putting Shopify alongside competitors like Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, Framer, and vibe-coding platforms such as Lovable and Replit. By simplifying theme architecture so Sidekick can directly manipulate store files, Shopify appears to be positioning AI as the default way merchants will build commerce sites going forward. This could lower the barrier for non-technical merchants while reducing demand for custom developer work on simpler storefronts.
- Canvas lets merchants build Shopify stores entirely through chat with Sidekick AI.
- It renders real, interactive store code in real time rather than static previews.
- Shopify joins a growing field of AI-driven site builders and vibe-coding platforms.
Source: techcrunch.com — Sarah Perez, 2026-10-01
Published there as: “Shopify debuts Canvas, a way to build online stores by chatting with AI”
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