ChatGPT Canvas Markdown Commands
Updated 27 January 2025

Introduction
Adapting to the age of AI is essential for staying ahead in today's fast-paced world. OpenAI has introduced the Canvas[2], a powerful tool designed to enhance productivity and creativity. ChatGPT Canvas supports Markdown, a versatile and lightweight markup language that enables quick and efficient text formatting. This guide offers a complete list of commands with practical examples, empowering you to maximize the potential of your Canvas projects. While OpenAI recommends Canvas for programming activities, I have found it invaluable as both a daily activities tracker and a personal assistant, seamlessly integrating into my workflow.
How to start a Canvas
Starting a Canvas in ChatGPT is straightforward! Here's how you can begin:
1. Trigger the Canvas Mode
-
Type a command like
Start a new canvas
orCreate a new document in Canvas mode
. -
Alternatively, specify a document type (e.g.,
Create a new HTML document in Canvas
).
2. Provide a Name and Purpose
- You'll be prompted to give the document a name and, optionally, its purpose or intended content type (e.g., code, text, or a combination).
3. Use Markdown or Code
- Use Markdown commands or write code directly, depending on the document's focus. The Canvas supports advanced formatting and structure, so it's great for writing, coding, or planning.
4. Iterate and Collaborate
- You can request updates, add comments, or restructure content within the Canvas as needed.

Basic Markup Commands
Headers
Use # for headers. The number of # symbols indicates the header level.
# Header 1
## Header 2
### Header 3
#### Header 4
Text Formatting
- Bold:
**text**
→ text - Italics:
*text*
or_text_
→ text Strikethrough:~~text~~
→text- Inline Code:
`code`
→code
Blockquotes
Use the greater-than symbol (>
):
> This is a blockquote.
This is a blockquote.
Tables
Create tables using pipes and dashes:
| Header 1 | Header 2 |
|----------|----------|
| Cell 1 | Cell 2 |
| Cell 3 | Cell 4 |
Header 1 | Header 2 |
---|---|
Cell 1 | Cell 2 |
Cell 3 | Cell 4 |
Code Blocks
Use triple backticks for code blocks:
```javascript
console.log('Hello, world!');
```
Creating Lists
Bullet (unordered) lists
Use asterisks, plus signs, or hyphens:
* Item 1
* Item 2
* Item 3
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Numbered (Ordered) Lists
Use numbers followed by periods:
1. First item
2. Second item
3. Third item
- First item
- Second item
- Third item
Nested Lists
Indent with two spaces or a tab:
1. First item
- Subitem 1
- Subitem 2
2. Second item
- Subitem 1
- Subitem 2
-
Horizontal line: Add a horizontal line with three or more -, *, or _.
example: --- -
Inline link: [Link Text](URL)
example: [Google](https://www.google.com) -
Reference Link: [Link Text][reference]
example: [reference:](https://www.google.com) -
Images: Add images with 
example: 
How to save your canvas
It is possible to save a Canvas by copying or exporting its contents.
While there isn't a built-in Save
button in ChatGPT's Canvas, here are a few ways to save your work:
1. Copy and Paste
- Highlight all the text in the Canvas and copy it (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C).
- Paste it into a text editor (e.g., Notepad, Visual Studio Code, or Word) and save the file locally.
2. Export to a File
- Use the export feature if available in the interface, or request ChatGPT to export the Canvas as a specific file format like .html, .md, or .txt.
Example:
- Ask:
Export this Canvas as an HTML file.
- The Canvas will then be formatted for download.
3. Sync with External Tools
- If you're working in a collaborative tool (e.g., integrated with SharePoint or GitHub), copy the Canvas content and paste it into the respective tool for saving and sharing.
4. Screenshot or Print
- If the content is mostly for reference, take a screenshot or print the Canvas to save it as a PDF.
Managing Your Canvas
Resetting a Canvas
-
How to reset: :
If you want to clear the current content but keep the same Canvas active, ask:Reset this Canvas.
Best Practices for Managing Canvases
-
Expoprt regularly:
Always export or copy important work before resetting or deleting -
Confirm Before Deleting:
To avoid accidental loss, you can confirm actions like,Are you sure you want to delete this Canvas?
-
Keep Organized:
Use meaningful Canvas names to easily manage multiple active Canvases
Conclusion
Using advanced techniques in ChatGPT Canvas can greatly improve how you achieve personal objectives. It offers a powerful combination of structure, flexibility, and efficiency. By mastering Markdown and its formatting tools, you can create a workspace tailored to your needs. Canvas helps with planning, tracking, and organizing goals, making even complex tasks easier to handle.
For example, tables, checklists, and nested lists simplify budgeting or project management. Code blocks enable you to experiment with programming ideas. Headers and links create a clear structure for study notes or wikis. These tools turn Canvas into more than just an editor—it becomes a versatile productivity hub.
Incorporating Canvas into your routine adds clarity and consistency. It centralizes your workflows, reducing the hassle of switching between multiple tools. The option to export content makes collaboration and backup simple, whether you're working alone or with a team.
Mastering Canvas’s advanced features unlocks a new level of productivity and creativity. It gives you the confidence to tackle personal objectives with better organization and focus. With Canvas, you can transform aspirations into actionable results and achieve your goals with greater ease.
References
- Adapting to the age of AI, philreichert.org [visited 26 Jan 2025]
- Introducing Canvas, OpenAI [visited 26 Jan 2025]