---
name: anthropic-canvas-design
description: Create beautiful visual art in .png and .pdf documents using design philosophy. You should use this skill when the user asks to create a poster, piece of art, design, or other static piece. Create original visual designs, never copying existing artists' work to avoid copyright violations.
license: Complete terms in LICENSE.txt
---

# Canvas Design

A skill for creating beautiful visual art in .png and .pdf documents.

## Design Philosophy

### Visual structure affects how people see your work

- **In a grid** → systematic, orderly, rational, architectural
- **In a circle** → ecological, cyclical, whole, natural
- **Symmetrical** → traditional, classic, trustworthy
- **Diagonal** → dynamic, active, precarious, modern
- **Freeform** → artistic, organic, expressive, human

### Common visual hierarchies

- **Z-pattern**: Western viewers scan left-to-right, top-to-bottom. Use this for information-dense layouts.
- **F-pattern**: Users scan the top, then move down in chunks. Good for text-heavy layouts.
- **Golden spiral**: Leads the eye through a natural path from the focal point outward.
- **Center-out**: A large central element commands attention, with supporting elements radiating outward.

### Create rhythm with repetition

Using repeating shapes, colors, or patterns creates visual rhythm. This can be:
- **Regular**: Even spacing (formal, classical)
- **Progressive**: Increasing/decreasing in size or spacing (dynamic)
- **Flowing**: Organic curves (natural, peaceful)

### Color theory cheat sheet

- **Complementary**: Colors opposite on the wheel (high contrast, vibrant)
- **Analogous**: Colors next to each other (harmonious, serene)
- **Triadic**: Three evenly spaced colors (balanced, rich)
- **Monochromatic**: One hue in different values (sophisticated, cohesive)
- **Split-complementary**: Base + two adjacent to its complement (versatile, warm/cool)

## Creating Visual Designs

### Working with PNG (canvas)

When creating a poster or visual piece, use the `canvas` approach:

```python
from PIL import Image, ImageDraw, ImageFont
```

The basic structure:
1. Create a canvas at the desired size (e.g., 1200x1600 for a poster)
2. Fill the background with your base color
3. Add geometric or freeform shapes
4. Add typography
5. Export as PNG

### Better design with drawbot

When creating a PDF or vector-based visual, use `drawbot` (on macOS) or `shapely` for more precise control:

```python
from drawBot import *
```

## Design Process

1. **Understand the brief**: What's the purpose? Who's the audience? Where will it be seen?
2. **Concept development**: Sketch 2-3 design directions in your head before committing
3. **Build the composition**: Create the overall layout and structure
4. **Refine details**: Polish colors, typography, spacing, and hierarchy
5. **Review**: Check that the design communicates clearly and looks cohesive

## Pitfalls

- Never copy existing artwork. Create original compositions.
- Avoid clutter — white space is an active design element.
- Consider both digital display and print requirements (DPI, color space, bleed).
- Test your design at different sizes to ensure it works at multiple scales.
