Canvas is a different way of working. This guide shares patterns and practices that Eden power users have developed for getting the most out of spatial workflows.

The Spatial Advantage

Traditional AI tools are linear. You chat back and forth in a single thread. Canvas is spatial: you can see everything at once, make connections visually, and work non-linearly.

This matters because creative work isn't linear. You might:

• Jump between research and writing

• Compare multiple sources simultaneously

• Run parallel AI conversations

• See your entire project at a glance

Core Principles

1. Everything in View

The goal is to have your research, your writing, and your AI all visible at once. No tab switching. No copy-pasting. No losing context.

2. Connect, Don't Copy

Instead of copying information between tools, connect items directly. The AI always has current context.

3. Multiple Perspectives

Use multiple AI chats for different purposes. They can even talk to each other through chaining.

4. Visual Organization

How you arrange your canvas is part of your thinking process. Position things spatially to reflect relationships.

Layout Patterns

The Research Pipeline

Left → Right flow from sources to output:

[Research Videos] → [AI: Summarize] → [AI: Outline] → [Draft Note]
[Reference PDFs]

The Hub and Spoke

Central AI chat with multiple sources:

        [Video 1]
             ↘
[PDF] → [Central AI Chat] ← [Video 2]
             ↗
        [Notes]

The Comparison Layout

Side-by-side for comparing sources:

[Source A]     [Source B]     [Source C]
     ↓              ↓              ↓
[AI Chat A]    [AI Chat B]    [AI Chat C]
                    ↓
            [AI: Compare All]

The Iteration Stack

Vertical flow for refining work:

[Research]
    ↓
[AI: First Draft]
    ↓
[AI: Refined Draft]
    ↓
[AI: Final Polish]
    ↓
[Output Note]

Workflow Patterns

The Interview Method

Let AI interview you instead of staring at a blank page:

1. Create an AI chat

2. Prompt: "Interview me about [topic]. Ask one question at a time until you have enough to create [deliverable]."

3. Answer the questions

4. AI generates output based on your answers

The Synthesis Pattern

Combine multiple sources into unified insights:

1. Connect all your sources to one AI chat

2. Ask for synthesis:

   • "What do all these sources agree on?"

   • "What are the conflicting viewpoints?"

   • "Create a unified summary"

The Expert Consultation

Turn YouTube experts into advisors:

1. Find expert videos on your topic

2. Connect them to an AI chat

3. Ask questions as if consulting the expert:

   • "Based on this, how would you approach [my situation]?"

   • "What would this expert suggest for [my problem]?"

The Parallel Draft

Generate multiple options at once:

1. Create 3 AI chats

2. Connect the same source material to all three

3. Give each a different prompt or angle:

   • "Write this formally"

   • "Write this conversationally"

   • "Write this for beginners"

4. Compare and combine the best elements

AI Chat Strategies

Name Your Chats

Rename AI chat nodes to describe their purpose:

• "Research Summary"

• "Brainstorm Ideas"

• "Draft Intro"

• "Fact Check"

One Chat, One Job

Each AI chat should have a clear purpose. If you need different types of help, create different chats.

Chain for Complex Work

For multi-step processes, chain AI chats:

• Chat 1: Extract key points → Chat 2: Create outline → Chat 3: Write draft

Preserve Good Conversations

If an AI chat produced great results, keep it. Create a new chat for the next task instead of continuing in the same one.

Canvas Organization

Use Visual Hierarchy

• Larger items = More important

• Higher on canvas = Earlier in process

• Clustered items = Related content

Create Sections

Use shapes or spacing to create visual sections:

• Research zone

• AI zone

• Output zone

Leave Breathing Room

Don't cram everything together. Space helps you see relationships and reduces cognitive load.

Use Labels

Add text labels to sections or important areas. Your future self will thank you.

Managing Complex Projects

One Canvas Per Phase

For big projects, create separate canvases:

• "Project X - Research"

• "Project X - Planning"

• "Project X - Production"

Keep a Master Canvas

Have one canvas that links to or summarizes other canvases for the project.

Archive, Don't Delete

When you're done with a canvas, move it to an Archive folder. You might need it later.

Clone and Iterate

To try a new direction without losing previous work, duplicate the canvas first.

Performance Tips

Connect Strategically

More connections = more context = more requests per message. Connect only what's relevant to the current task.

Use Appropriate Models

Use Base models for routine work, Pro for complex analysis, Expert for your most important tasks.

Keep Canvas Focused

A canvas with 100 items is hard to navigate. If you need more space, create a new canvas.

Process Before Connecting

Make sure videos are fully processed before connecting to AI. The AI gets better context from complete transcripts.

Real Workflow Examples

Newsletter Writer

Weekly canvas:

• Research videos and articles for the week

• AI chat for summarizing research

• AI chat for brainstorming angles

• Outline note

• Draft note

• AI chat for editing

Content Creator

Per-video canvas:

• Reference videos (style inspiration)

• Research sources

• AI chat for script structure

• Script note

• AI chat for thumbnail ideas

• B-roll ideas note

Researcher

Per-topic canvas:

• Academic PDFs

• Expert YouTube content

• AI chat for summarizing

• AI chat for finding patterns

• Synthesis note

• Questions for further research

Freelancer

Per-client canvas:

• Client brand guidelines

• Brief and requirements

• Reference examples

• AI chat for brainstorming

• AI chat for drafting

• Deliverable notes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Many Connections

Don't connect everything to everything. Be selective about context.

One Mega-Canvas

Don't put your entire life on one canvas. Create focused canvases for specific projects.

Ignoring Spatial Layout

Don't just dump items randomly. Position reflects relationships — use it intentionally.

Not Using Multiple AI Chats

One chat can't do everything well. Specialized chats give better results.

Forgetting to Name Things

Untitled AI chats and generic note names make canvases confusing. Take a second to name things.