---
title: Create and configure a Canvas template
description: Learn why Canvas templates are useful and how an Admin creates, configures, previews, saves, and publishes one in the Canvas Template Builder.
url: "https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/knowledge/create-a-new-canvas-template/"
updated: "2026-09-29"
category: Idea Management / Canvases
tags:
  - Admin
  - Configuration Required
  - Innovation Studio
---

# Create and configure a Canvas template

Canvas templates give teams a consistent visual structure for reviewing and developing ideas or projects. This guide explains how an [Admin](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/admin/) creates, configures, tests, and publishes a reusable template in the Canvas Template Builder.

**Canvas guide series:** Start with the [Canvas functional overview](http://www.acceptmission.com/knowledge/canvases-functional-overview-and-real-life-use-cases/). After building a template, learn how to [manage its availability in a funnel](http://www.acceptmission.com/knowledge/how-to-manage-the-canvases-tab-in-funnel-management/), [use a Canvas in an idea or project](http://www.acceptmission.com/knowledge/introduction-to-canvases/), and [export and publish a Canvas](http://www.acceptmission.com/knowledge/innovation-canvases/).

## Why this feature is needed

A Canvas brings the most relevant information about an idea or project into one structured view. A reusable template helps teams follow the same method, compare submissions more consistently, and prepare clear information for review and [Decision](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/decision/)-making.

The Canvas Template Builder uses a grid in which Admins can add fields directly, arrange them visually, resize blocks, and check the PDF presentation before making the template available.

## What this feature is

The **Canvas Template Builder** is the [Admin](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/admin/) workspace for creating reusable Canvas layouts. A template determines:

- Which idea or project fields appear
- Where each block is positioned
- How much space each block receives
- Which fields are required
- Whether item-specific fields are unlocked
- How the Canvas is presented in PDF output

The template defines the structure. The selected idea or project supplies the item-specific information.

## Platform area

**Innovation Studio**

## Access level

**[Admin](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/admin/)**

Only Admins can create, edit, save, and publish Canvas templates. Other users can work with Published templates in ideas and projects when their permissions allow it.

## Navigation path

**Innovation Studio → Tools → Canvases**

## How to use this feature

Start by deciding what activity or [Decision](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/decision/) the Canvas should support. Identify the fields users need and the order in which they should review them. Before creating a new template, check the Canvas Library to see whether an existing template already supports the use case.

Build and test the template with **Draft** status. Once the layout and PDF presentation are ready, change the Status to **Published** and select **Save template**. Only Published templates are available for normal team use.

## Step-by-step instructions

### Create a Canvas template

![Innovation Lands Canvas templates dashboard with canvas library](http://www.acceptmission.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/screenshot-2026-09-02-at-15.32.34-1024x761.png)

1. Open **Innovation Studio**.
2. In the left navigation, expand **Tools**.
3. Select **Canvases**.
4. Review the **Canvas Library** to avoid creating a duplicate.
5. Select **Create canvas**.
6. Choose whether to start from scratch or use a predefined global template as the foundation, when one is available.
7. The **Canvas Template Builder** opens.

![Innovation Lands blank canvas template editor interface](http://www.acceptmission.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/screenshot-2026-09-02-at-15.36.03-edited.png)
Start building a reusable canvas layout from a blank grid.

The Canvas management page also shows totals for Published canvases, Draft canvases, connected funnels, and connected items.

### Configure the Canvas settings

1. Select **Settings**.
2. Enter a clear **Canvas title**.
3. Select the **Owner** responsible for maintaining the template.
4. Add a short **Description** explaining when the template should be used.
5. Keep **Status** set to **Draft** while building and testing.
6. Close the settings panel.

![Canvas settings modal for Business Model Canvas](http://www.acceptmission.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/screenshot-2026-09-09-at-12.40.02-493x1024.png)

A Draft is saved in the Canvas Library but is not available for teams to select.

### Choose the orientation and PDF layout

1. Choose **Landscape** or **Portrait**.
2. Use Landscape for layouts with several columns.
3. Use Portrait for vertically arranged or text-heavy content.
4. Review or select the **Default PDF export** option in Settings.
5. The available PDF export modes are **One-page**, **One-page + overflow details**, and **Readable multi-page**. One-page fits the full Canvas onto a single page. One-page + overflow details keeps the designed layout on page one and moves extra content into detail pages. Readable multi-page spreads content across multiple pages for better readability.

Choose these settings early because they affect the space available to each block. In Settings, you can also configure **Default PDF export** and choose whether to **Show header** or **Show footer**.

### Add individual fields

1. Select **Add [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/)**.
2. Browse the available fields or use **Search properties**.
3. Select the **+** icon beside a field.
4. The field is added directly to the grid.
5. Repeat for each field the Canvas needs.

![Add property panel with categorized field options](http://www.acceptmission.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/screenshot-2026-09-09-at-12.40.35-478x1024.png)

Available fields include application fields, Idea image and Project image, configured properties, score fields and [Scorecard](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/scorecard/) criteria, and stored AI fields. The selection depends on the relevant item type and application configuration. See the field categories and image instructions below.

If no existing [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/) meets the requirement, select **+ Add [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/)**, configure it, and then add it to the Canvas.

## Which fields can you add?

Use **Add [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/)** to select information already available in [Accept Mission](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/accept-mission/). A Canvas field can show text, an image, a [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/) value, or a score. You do not need to create a new custom [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/) to display an existing application field.

| Field category | What you can add |
| --- | --- |
| Application fields | Existing idea or project fields, such as title, description, owner, and status. Select the field that matches the item type. |
| Idea and project images | **Idea image** or **Project image**. These are application fields that display the image connected to the current idea or project. |
| Configured properties | Properties configured in the application and connected to the relevant idea or project. |
| Score fields and [Scorecard](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/scorecard/) criteria | Available score fields and the evaluation criteria from your [Scorecard](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/scorecard/), so the Canvas can include the item's evaluation results. |
| AI fields | Available stored AI information, such as **AI summary**. Adding the field displays the stored value; it does not generate a new summary. |

This overview groups fields by their purpose. The available selection depends on the item type and your application's configured properties and [Scorecard](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/scorecard/). Use **Search properties** to find the field you need. A **Data table** is a layout option for combining several properties in one block.

## Add an idea or project image

To display each idea's or project's own image, add its image field to the reusable template. The template stores the field connection and layout; the selected idea or project supplies the image.

1. Open the template at **Innovation Studio → Tools → Canvases**.
2. Select **Add [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/)** and use **Search properties** to search for **image**.
3. Select the **+** beside **Idea image** for an idea Canvas, or **Project image** for a project Canvas.
4. Select the added block and confirm its **Connected [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/)** in **Block settings**.
5. Position and resize the image block to give the image enough space.
6. Select **Save template**. For normal team use, make sure the template has **Published** status.
7. Open an idea or project with an image, select the template, and check the result. Review the image in the exported PDF as well if you plan to share it.

For example, a template containing **Idea image** shows the image of whichever idea is currently open. Adding that field does not upload an image to the idea or project. If the block is empty, check the image on the source item and the block's Connected [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/).

## Rich text properties in Canvas templates

A Canvas can display a [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/) that uses rich text. When you add such a [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/), the Canvas can present the stored descriptive content as part of the item-specific layout. The [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/)’s tooltip remains configuration guidance for users and administrators; it is not the same as the value displayed in the Canvas.

**Example:** Add a rich text [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/) called **Concept rationale** to a Canvas. The block can show a short explanation, bullet points describing the rationale, and a link to supporting research. Use a separate tooltip to explain what evidence the user should include.

## Add configured properties and [Scorecard](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/scorecard/) criteria

Open **Add [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/)**, search for the required application [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/) or [Scorecard](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/scorecard/) criterion, and use its **+** icon to add it. Confirm the **Connected [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/)**, then arrange the block and save the template. For scores, choose the actual criterion you want to display; changing a block title does not connect it to a [Scorecard](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/scorecard/) criterion.

If a [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/) or criterion is missing from the selection, check that it is configured and connected to the relevant idea or project context. If a connected score block is empty, check whether the item has a recorded value for that criterion.

### Add a data table

Use a **Data table** to combine several short, related properties in one compact block.

1. Select **Add [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/)**.
2. Select the **+** icon beside **Data table**.
3. Add the required label and [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/) rows.
4. Move the table into position.
5. Resize it so every row remains readable.

Owner, status, department, and organization unit are examples of fields that can work well together in a data table.

### Configure a block

Select a block on the grid to open **Block settings**. Review:

- **Block title:** The label displayed on the Canvas
- **Width:** The block's proportional width
- **Connected [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/):** The [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/) that supplies the item-specific value
- **Required:** Whether users must complete the field
- **Unlocked:** Whether users can edit the item-specific field
- **Delete block:** Removes the block from the layout

![Canvas editor with Idea title block settings panel](http://www.acceptmission.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/screenshot-2026-09-02-at-15.37.09-edited.png)

Always confirm that the Block title and Connected [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/) match. Deleting a block removes it from the Canvas layout. It does not delete the underlying [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/).

### Arrange and resize the layout

1. Drag blocks to the required positions on the grid.
2. Group related information together.
3. Keep short fields such as Owner, Status, and Date/time compact.
4. Give descriptions, summaries, and other long-text fields more room.
5. Resize blocks until the visual hierarchy is clear.
6. Check that the reading order matches the way users should complete or present the Canvas.

Block widths are stored proportionally and adapt to the selected orientation.

### Add an AI Summary field

An AI Summary can be displayed like any other connected field.

1. Select **Add [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/)**.
2. Search for **AI summary**.
3. Add it to the grid.
4. Open **Block settings**.
5. Confirm **AI summary** as the Connected [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/).
6. Position and resize the block.

The Canvas displays the AI Summary stored on the selected item. It does not generate the summary. If no AI Summary exists on that idea or project, the block can remain empty.

### Preview the PDF

1. Select **Preview PDF**.
2. Check the page orientation and content order.
3. Review long text and data tables carefully.
4. Look for crowded, clipped, or difficult-to-read content.
5. Return to the builder and adjust the blocks.
6. Preview again after making changes.

![Preview PDF dialog with export layout options](http://www.acceptmission.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/screenshot-2026-09-09-at-12.33.10.png)
Choose how your canvas will be exported as a PDF. The one-page plus overflow details option is selected.

### Save the template as a Draft

Use Draft while testing the layout. Draft templates are not available for normal team use.

1. Open **Settings**.
2. Confirm that Status is **Draft**.
3. Select **Save template**.

![Business Model Canvas editor with save template button](http://www.acceptmission.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/screenshot-2026-09-09-at-10.38.20-1024x853.png)
Design a reusable Business Model Canvas and save it as a template. Configure layout, add properties, and preview a PDF.

### Publish the reusable template

1. Complete the layout and perform a final **Preview PDF** check.
2. Open **Settings**.
3. Confirm the title, owner, and description.
4. Change Status from **Draft** to **Published**.
5. Select **Save template**.
6. Return to **Innovation Studio → Tools → Canvases**.
7. Confirm that the template has the green **Published** label.

**Save template** stores the layout and configuration. The template must also have **Published** status before teams can select it in an idea or project.

## Configuration and adjustments

You can adjust a template after it has been created. Settings such as the title, owner, description, status, orientation, PDF layout, connected fields, required state, Unlocked state, block position, and block size determine how the reusable Canvas is presented and used.

### Update an existing template

1. Go to **Innovation Studio → Tools → Canvases**.
2. Open the template in the Canvas Library.
3. Add, remove, reposition, or resize content.
4. Review its settings and status.
5. Select **Preview PDF**.
6. Select **Save template**.

Test substantial changes carefully because a Published template may already be in use.

## Practical example: Innovationlands

Innovationlands is a fictional organization used for support-documentation examples. Its innovation team wants ideas for new visitor experiences to be developed using the same information before they are reviewed.

An [Admin](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/admin/) creates a **New Attraction Concept Canvas**. The template includes Idea title, Owner, Target visitor, Visitor [Problem](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/problem/), Proposed experience, Expected impact, Key risks, and Status. Short governance fields are grouped in a data table, while the [Problem](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/problem/), proposed experience, expected impact, and risks receive more space in the layout.

The [Admin](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/admin/) keeps the template as a Draft while arranging the blocks and checking **Preview PDF**. When the structure is ready, the [Admin](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/admin/) changes Status to **Published** and selects **Save template**.

When the team later develops an idea such as an interactive nighttime attraction, the idea owner can select the Published **New Attraction Concept Canvas** from **Work → Canvases** and complete the same structured information. This gives reviewers a consistent view of each attraction concept without requiring every idea team to create its own presentation format.

## Next steps

- [Canvases: Functional Overview](http://www.acceptmission.com/knowledge/canvases-functional-overview-and-real-life-use-cases/)
- [Manage the Canvases tab in funnel management](http://www.acceptmission.com/knowledge/how-to-manage-the-canvases-tab-in-funnel-management/)
- [Use a Canvas in an idea or project](http://www.acceptmission.com/knowledge/introduction-to-canvases/)
- [Export and publish a Canvas](http://www.acceptmission.com/knowledge/innovation-canvases/)

## Video walkthrough

Watch this short walkthrough to see the updated Canvas experience in action:

[Watch the Canvas walkthrough](https://vimeo.com/1225207295/49904590f9?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci)

## Add a Static Text block

The Canvas Builder now includes a **Static Text** block. Use it when the template needs explanatory content that users should read but do not complete.

Examples include:

- A section heading such as **Customer [Problem](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/problem/)** or **Expected impact**
- Instructions explaining what evidence to add
- A definition of a scoring criterion
- A reminder about the next step in the process
- A [Property](https://www.acceptmission.com/ar/encyclopedia/property/) divider

![Add field dialog with data table and static text options](https://www.acceptmission.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/screenshot-2026-09-29-at-16.02.24.png)
Choose a field to add to your form. Options include a data table or static text.