| ChatGPT Canvas | Claude Artifacts | Cursor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Writing and code editing in ChatGPT | Documents and interactive outputs in Claude | Full AI code editor (IDE) |
| Writing capabilities | Good (shortcuts, reading level, polish) | Excellent (stronger nuance) | None |
| Code execution | Python + React sandbox | JavaScript sandbox | Full terminal + debugger |
| Multi file editing | Yes (full project awareness) | ||
| Version history | Yes (with diff view) | Yes (basic) | Git integration |
| Free tier | Yes (all features) | Yes (all features) | Limited (2000 completions) |
| Platform | Web, Windows, macOS | Web, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Best for | Iterative writing and quick code prototyping | Rich interactive outputs and nuanced writing | Professional software development |
Different tools for different jobs
Canvas and Artifacts are comparable features within their respective AI assistants (ChatGPT and Claude). They both serve as collaborative editing surfaces alongside a chat conversation. Cursor is a fundamentally different category: it is a full development environment. Comparing Canvas to Cursor is like comparing a whiteboard to a workshop; both are useful, but for very different stages of the process.
Choose based on your primary need
📝
Writing + Editing
Canvas or Artifacts. Canvas has better shortcuts (reading level, length). Claude has stronger prose quality. Both are free.
🧪
Quick Code Prototyping
Canvas or Artifacts. Canvas runs Python and React. Artifacts run JavaScript. Both are scratchpads, not IDEs.
💻
Software Development
Cursor. Multi file editing, codebase awareness, Git, terminal, debugger. The only real option for production code.