The Canvas Blog | Canvas GFX

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A Day in the Life of a Technical Author in Complex Manufacturing

We look at the daily challenges technical authors face in complex manufacturing

Canvas GFX Announces Latest Release of Canvas X Draw for macOS

Canvas GFX today announced the release of a significant update to Canvas X Draw (macOS Edition), delivering substantial performance enhancements

From Connected Workforce Friction to Frictionless Work Execution

When companies attempt to “bolt on” new tools without aligning them to frontline roles and workflows, adoption stalls and ROI is put at risk.

Generating Assembly-Step Pages with evCreate: Automating 3D Model Breakdown

Learn how to quickly create digital work instructions in Canvas Envision with the evCreate API by using the structure of a 3D model to generate step-by-step pages. It highlights how automation can save time and improve the accuracy of assembly documentation.

Smarter Technology, Stronger Workforce: Empower Teams to Succeed

Technology that helps people work smarter—not just faster—is key to sustainable success

Embracing Innovation in Manufacturing: Navigating Technology Adoption for Better Efficiency and Quality

As industries evolve, manufacturers face the pressing need to adopt innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, boost productivity, and ultimately improve the bottom line. However, the journey toward technological adoption is not without its challenges—especially when it comes to change management.

Patricia Hume

・

July 8, 2025

digital transformation

What Are Model-Based Work Instructions?

This digital-first methodology transitions from static, 2D documents to dynamic, digitally native instructions that can be consumed on PCs, tablets, or other digital devices.

Moving Beyond the Document: Collaborative Digital Threads in Manufacturing

Manufacturers need to move beyond the idea of a self-contained document and towards a truly collaborative digital thread which both delivers and captures information

Rethink 2025: Manufacturing Leaders Are Committed to Digital Transformation — One Step at a Time

At this year’s Manufacturing Leadership Council Rethink 2025 event, the mood among senior leaders was clear: the desire to modernize is stronger than ever, but real-world challenges are slowing the pace of transformation.

Creating Custom Buttons in Canvas Envision Using the evCreate API

Create buttons in the creator ribbon interface that let you run custom scripts directly in your documents to streamline repetitive tasks and automate workflows

Pro Technical Illustrations for Engineering Textbooks and Educational Materials in Under 10 Minutes

Canvas X Pro makes technical illustration accessible to educators, textbook authors, trainers, and engineers who need professional results fast.

Envision Data Capture and AI Sentiment Analysis

Learn how to use the data capture capabilities of Envision gadgets in conjunction with AI and automation to run sentiment analysis on user feedback

The 9 Critical Concerns Medical Device Manufacturers Face with Work Instructions and Technical Documentation

In the medical device industry, work instructions and technical documentation aren’t just internal tools — they’re compliance-critical assets.

Unlocking Enterprise Value with Model-Based Documentation and Connected Workflows

To meet the demands of today's manufacturing landscape, employers must empower their workforce with tools that deliver precise, real-time, and actionable information

Canvas Envision

・

June 10, 2025

digital transformation

The Path to Quality Transformation: Assessing and Advancing Digital Maturity

Not sure what to do next on the path to quality transformation? Assess your organizational, strategic, and digital maturity to prioritize quality initiatives and investments.

Canvas GFX to Sponsor MLC Rethink – Accelerating Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

MLC Rethink is the premier gathering of manufacturing executives and thought leaders focused on the future of digital manufacturing

Creating Precise Utility Patent Drawings with Canvas X Pro

Canvas X Pro offers a comprehensive suite of tools specifically suited for creating utility patent drawings

Introducing No-Code Gadgets in Envision

Envision Gadgets can be easily configured to deliver and capture specific information to and from frontline workers

Canvas GFX Announces Dean J. Marsh as New CEO with Patricia Hume to Lead Board as Executive Chairperson

Senior appointment comes as company poised for next phase of growth, driven by increased traction for Canvas Envision platform

Driving towards our goals with Canvas Envision

Technological and behavioral shifts lead the most successful companies to constantly reimagine and re-engage with their goals, and how they can be achieved.

Canvas Envision integration with Autodesk Vault demo

Check out this interactive demo of our integration between Canvas Envision and the Autodesk Vault PDM solution

Bridging EXTech and Connected Workers: The New Standard in Empowering Frontline Excellence

Two transformative technology categories are shaping the future of work: Employee Experience Technology (EXTech) and Connected Worker platforms

Unlocking the Power of Autodesk Vault with Canvas GFX Envision: Transforming Frontline Operations

Now, by integrating Vault with Canvas Envision, organizations can elevate their investment and deliver unmatched value to their teams on the factory floor.

Canvas GFX Announces Autodesk® Vault™ Integration with Canvas Envision Model-Based Work Instructions Platform

New integration allows Canvas Envision users to maintain links between model-based content in Envision documents and product data stored on Autodesk Vault

Engineering Industries eXcellence and Canvas GFX Form a Strategic Alliance to Deliver Connected, Dynamic, Instructional Experiences for Manufacturing

Partnership brings together Canvas Envision, the digital model-based guided workflow platform, and Engineering Industries eXcellence’s expert Industry 4.0 integration services

Envision Training - The Collaborative Consumption Experience

Join us for an in-depth session on the Canvas Envision Collaborative Consumption Experience. We will explore how users can leverage consumption features to enhance collaboration and effectively close the digital feedback loop with their stakeholders.

SolidCAD and Canvas GFX Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

SolidCAD and Canvas GFX partner to deliver advanced digital solutions to manufacturing organizations across Canada, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Envision Training - Working with Text Objects, Shapes, and Images

In this creative session, we will explore how to work with text objects, shapes, and images in the Envision platform. Discover how to enhance your documents and presentations with effective design elements.

Envision Training - Organizing and Managing Files, Folders, and Notifications

Join us for this practical session focused on effectively organizing and managing your files and folders within the Envision platform. Learn how to set up notifications to keep your workflow efficient and organized.

Canvas GFX Announces Japanese Language Edition of Canvas Envision Connected Knowledge Platform

Canvas GFX has announced the availability of a Japanese language edition of its Canvas Envision model-based work instructions solution for connected frontline workers.

Envision Training - User Access and Secure Login

In this foundational session, learn about user login procedures and how to ensure secure access to the Envision Portal.

Envision Training - Converting Static Documents to Interactive Content

Transform your static documents into dynamic, interactive model-based work instructions using the Envision platform.

Envision Training - 3D Visualization Techniques

Learn how to use Canvas Envision to effectively add models, create exploded views, and utilize annotations to enhance your documents.

Envision Training - Document Management

Canvas Envision training for new users. LLearn about creating, saving, and managing documents

Canvas GFX and Impresa Corp. Announce Teaming Agreement to Explore Joint Go-To-Market Opportunities

Canvas GFX and Impresa Corp., the specialist provider of Digital MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) solutions to the Aerospace and Defense industries, have announced they are to explore joint go-to-market opportunities.

Introduction to Canvas Envision

The first in the Canvas Envision Trial Training series sees VP Customer Success and Envision expert Burcu Gacal provide an introdution to the platform and an overview of its capabilities.

Canvas GFX to Participate at Assembly Show 2024

Canvas GFX is participating at the 2024 Assembly Show, being held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL, October 22 - 24.

The Laws of Physics and the Startup Journey: Understanding Change and Impact

Every change a company implements —whether it's a technological advancement, a shift in pricing, or a new go-to-market strategy—creates ripples that extend throughout the organization and into its customer base.

Webinar: Future-Proofing Knowledge Transfer in Manufacturing

Microsoft's Partner Strategy Lead for Manufacturing, Ward Lawrence, joins Canvas GFX CEO Patricia Hume for a discussion on manufacturers' urgent need to transform the way the knowledge is communicated to front-line workers.

Canvas GFX to Participate at SSI World Shipbuilding Conference 2024 - Americas

Canvas GFX is participating at the SSI World Shipbuilding Conference 2024 Americas, held this week from September 24th and 26th at the Golden Nugget Casino in Biloxi, MS.

Canvas GFX Launches Canvas Envision Offering in Microsoft Azure Marketplace

Azure Marketplace listing follows Canvas GFX becoming Microsoft ISV Partner and creates entry-level proposition for Azure ecosystem

Envision in the Azure Marketplace

We’ve now added to our partnership portfolio by becoming a Microsoft ISV partner, which sees Canvas Envision now listed in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, which delivers enormous benefits

Patricia Hume

・

September 12, 2024

digital transformation

The Very Real and Very Serious Consequences of Outdated Manufacturing Documentation

All it takes is a simple missing bolt to cause a catastrophic failure, leading to product recalls, safety hazards, or even death.

Canvas GFX Joins Zebra Technologies’ PartnerConnect Alliance Partner Track

Canvas GFX, the leading supplier of connected frontline worker software solutions to the manufacturing sector, today announced its participation in the award-winning Zebra® PartnerConnect program.

View and Share Interactive Envision Documentation in SharePoint

By leveraging SharePoint's capabilities, you can easily control who has access to your documents and ensure they are always up-to-date.

Ellie Linehan

・

July 24, 2024

digital transformation

Quality 4.0 and the Connected Worker

Achieving Quality 4.0 on the shop floor requires more than technology—it demands a fundamental shift in organizational and cultural strategies.

Patricia Hume

・

July 18, 2024

digital transformation

Work Instructions 4.0: The Key to Quality and Worker Empowerment

Work instructions have evolved—see how Industry 4.0’s model-based systems are transforming quality outcomes and boosting worker performance.

Canvas GFX Announces Commercial Partnership with Aras

Strategic GTM initiative builds on integration of Canvas Envision connected knowledge platform with Aras Innovator

Canvas Envision

・

July 10, 2024

digital transformation

Quality 4.0 and Digital Transformation on the Manufacturing Floor

Advanced technologies, empowered people, and optimized processes converge to deliver exceptional quality and drive digital transformation success.

Latest Release of Canvas Envision Connected Knowledge Platform Delivers Enhanced Authoring, Collaboration, Document Management, and Model Visualization

Highlights include 3D model optimization, customizable user interfaces, multimedia content, and improved comment and review functionality

From the Factory Floor to the NAM Board of Directors

Nothing comes together without people. Setting them up for success is a matter of respect.

Check out the evConsume SDK Sample Apps

The evConsume SDK gives you a low-code environment for building customized interactive instructional experiences for frontline workers, which can be easily integrated with and embedded into master systems where required.

Canvas GFX CEO Patricia Hume Named to Manufacturers Association Board of Directors

The National Association of Manufacturers announced that Patricia Hume, CEO of Canvas GFX, has been named to the NAM Board of Directors.

Canvas GFX Announces Release 5.3 of Envision with Software Development Kit to Help Manufacturers Integrate Work Instructions with Leading PLM Platforms

Collaborations with Aras Innovator PLM and SAIC ReadyOne Are Showcased at Annual Aras Customer Event

Canvas Envision

・

March 4, 2024

digital transformation

[Infographic] The Struggle is Real: Managing Work Instructions is a Major Challenge

A study of over 500 manufacturing leaders by Canvas GFX shows the impact of managing and updating documents used for assembly, training, and maintenance/repair.

Announcing the Canvas GFX Partner Program

Every startup experiences surprises along the way. Our big surprise? The synergistic value of partnerships.

Patricia Hume

・

February 27, 2024

digital transformation

How to Implement Interactive Work Instructions in 10 Easy Steps

Investing in digital transformation? Don’t overlook your work instructions.

ReadyOne, Aras Innovator, and Canvas Envision

ReadyOne is a rapidly deployable digital engineering ecosystem that offers an end-to-end digital thread for consistent, traceable, and comprehensive engineering solutions.

Canvas Envision

・

January 31, 2024

digital transformation

The DoD's New Digital Engineering Directive's Impact on Work Instructions

The United States Department of Defense's new digital engineering directive significantly impacts work instructions, steering away from paper/PDF formats toward advanced solutions that leverage 3D CAD and detailed data models.

The Connected Knowledge Vision [Manufacturing Unscripted Podcast]

How to bridge the communication gap between engineers and frontline workers. Canvas CEO, Patricia Hume, and VP of Solutions, Eliannah Linehan, share their experiences.

Patricia Hume

・

January 16, 2024

digital transformation

Understanding the Maturity Model in Digital Transformation [Infographic]

A Digital Maturity Model is a framework for benchmarking how effectively an organization is leveraging digital technologies.

Canvas Envision Wins New Product of the Year at 2023 ASSEMBLY Show

Award in “Factory of the Future” Category Coincides with Publication of New CIMdata Report, “Delivering Digital Content: Closing the Digital Feedback Loop”

What I’m reading: my top go-to effective communication books

Communicating effectively is a skill that must be taught and practiced. Here are five top communication books for manufacturing leaders

Digital skills planning is good for business – and society

Skills matter to success. So, how do we ensure that our skills planning aligns with the larger “human” project?

The fine art of communication in times of change

How manufacturing leaders can best communicate with the organization to drive successful implementation of change

What does reshoring mean for the manufacturing workforce?

Manufacturing is coming back to the USA at speed. So how do we train all the new talent required?

Capturing institutional knowledge: do you have a plan?

Institutional knowledge is a major asset for manufacturing operations. Here’s why you need a plan to capture it.

Preparing for the manufacturing sector of the future

It is projected that up to 65% of manufacturing job roles that will exist in 2030 do not exist today. So how do we prepare workers for the manufacturing sector of the future?

Collaborating on product documentation: The power of buy-in

Collaborating with workers to develop work instructions increases productivity, efficiency and quality

Convert PDFs to Interactive Documents Quickly with Append Feature

Do you have a backlog of PDF documentation you want made collaborative and interactive?

AI in manufacturing: You only get out what you put in

If you train AI on poor quality content it will just produce more poor quality content

Do you speak Millennial? What about Gen-Z?

Many workforces now span four generations. How does this affect the way we work together, day-to-day?

Manufacturing and the Cost of Fear

Aversion to change means manufacturers tolerate inefficiencies that cost money today and will cost much more in the future.

Canvas GFX and Razorleaf Partner to Deliver PLM-Integrated Advanced Visualization Solutions for Manufacturers with Canvas Envision

Envision integration to enable and deliver advanced Aras Innovator PLM visualization as first of many connectors in this partnership

AR and VR - The Reality? We’re Just Not There Yet

AR and VR may well have the potential to revolutionize manufacturing, but we’re not there yet. Here’s why.

Patricia Hume

・

April 25, 2023

digital transformation

Moving to Interactive Digital Work Instructions for Manufacturing

Manufacturing work instructions are pivotally important because they influence (and often dictate) how quickly and successfully manufacturing processes are executed on the shop floor.

Digital Transformation Phase 3: Why I invested in Canvas Envision

After huge investment in better design engineering and PLM, the industry needs to now make all that data truly useful, says Peter Schroer

Peter Schroer

・

April 3, 2023

digital transformation

Interactive Work Instructions for Aerospace & Defense

Connect frontline workers directly to dynamic digital thread data. Drive up to 5 X faster knowledge transfer, minimizing errors and delays on the shop floor and in the field.

Canvas Envision

・

April 2, 2023

digital transformation

The Impact of Interactive Digital Work Instructions in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO)

Across the manufacturing ecosystem, technicians depend on precise information to complete their jobs. This is especially critical for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

Learning Modalities and Why they Matter in Manufacturing

Training materials and work instructions which accommodate different learning modalities are mission-critical for manufacturing operations. Here’s why.

The New Manufacturing Workforce

The New Manufacturing Workforce is coming. Who are they, and what do they need to succeed?

Patricia Hume

・

March 20, 2023

digital transformation

Interactive Digital Work Instructions for Automotive Manufacturers

Research shows that over 77% of automotive manufacturing professionals have seen products hit by errors or delays caused by inaccurate or hard to understand documentation.

Canvas Envision

・

March 7, 2023

digital transformation

Interactive Work Instructions for Aerospace and Defense

Connect frontline workers directly to dynamic digital thread data. Drive up to 5 X faster knowledge transfer, minimizing errors and delays on the shop floor and in the field.

Canvas Envision

・

March 6, 2023

digital transformation

Interactive Digital Work Instructions for Machinery Manufacturers

Interactive digital work instructions are proven to help manufacturing and MRO teams execute tasks quicker, and with fewer mistakes, than text-heavy and hard copy instructions.

Canvas Envision

・

March 5, 2023

digital transformation

How to Create Digital Work Instructions for Manufacturing and MRO

Interactive digital work instructions are proven to drive faster learning and task completion, and reduce errors in manufacturing and MRO processes.

Canvas Envision

・

March 4, 2023

digital transformation

Digital Work Instructions - training the new manufacturing workforce

Scrap the classrooms and textbooks; for today’s new manufacturing recruits, they may do more harm than good.

Canvas Envision

・

March 3, 2023

digital transformation

Interactive Customer Assembly Instructions

Give customers the ability to interact with models of your product so they can control the speed and extent of their learning and understanding.

The Importance of Interactivity in Digital Work Instructions

Here’s how interactivity transforms the way people learn and work.

Canvas Envision

・

February 6, 2023

digital transformation

Interactive Fix Repair Instructions

With interactive Fix Repair instructions created and accessed using Canvas Envision, you can deliver a user experience of unbeatable accuracy and rapid knowledge transfer.

2D and 3D CAD Design Review

Canvas Envision’s Design Review capability makes it easy for every stakeholder to access and review critical product information, including 2D drawings, 3D models, images, and more.

Don't Settle for Sub-standard Work Instructions

Why you can no longer afford to work with paper or PDF work instructions

An Introduction to Interactive Digital Work Instructions

Interactive digital work instructions enable you to transfer complex, detailed instructions quickly and clearly

Canvas GFX Closes $9m Series A-1 Funding Round as Aras Founder Peter Schroer leads New Board of Directors

Interactive Digital Work Instructions solutions provider raises $9m in Series A-1 round led by eCoast Angels and Mendoza Ventures

3D CAD Viewer Online

Envision powers real-time collaboration, with simple mark-up and review functions that make it easy to work together on 3D models and design review, wherever you are.

Canvas Envision

・

January 5, 2023

digital transformation

PLM + Envision: Digital thread to the workforce

Canvas Envision integrates with Aras Innovator PLM, enabling anyone within your organization to create and consume interactive digital instructional documents that leverage up-to-the minute design data.

Work instructions – don’t paper over the cracks

Academic research proves that interactive, animated digital work instructions reducing error and increse work-rate for manufacturers

Patricia Hume

・

October 28, 2022

digital transformation

Five Documentation Challenges for Product-based Companies

There are five key challenges to managing this requirement across the business: Quantity, Creation, Quality, Consumption, and Obsolescence.

Supply chain and workforce - the pressure's building

Supply chain challenges, workforce shortages, and the increased cost of raw materials are the most urgent challenges facing the US manufacturing sector

Speed and Talent - the Manufacturing Challenge

Success in manufacturing is now heavily dependent on speed and agility, combined with the ability to attract and retain the best new young talent.

Why it's important to get collaboration right for effective documentation

Collaboration is an essential part of the creation and delivery of product documentation. But it is also fraught with inefficiencies which have negative downstream impacts

Rethink 2025: Manufacturing Leaders Are Committed to Digital Transformation — One Step at a Time

Latest articles

A Day in the Life of a Technical Author in Complex Manufacturing

Canvas GFX Announces Latest Release of Canvas X Draw for macOS

From Connected Workforce Friction to Frictionless Work Execution

Digital Transformation

What Are Model-Based Work Instructions?

The Path to Quality Transformation: Assessing and Advancing Digital Maturity

The Very Real and Very Serious Consequences of Outdated Manufacturing Documentation

Quality 4.0 and the Connected Worker

Company

Embracing Innovation in Manufacturing: Navigating Technology Adoption for Better Efficiency and Quality

Driving towards our goals with Canvas Envision

Unlocking the Power of Autodesk Vault with Canvas GFX Envision: Transforming Frontline Operations

Issues

A Day in the Life of a Technical Author in Complex Manufacturing

From Connected Workforce Friction to Frictionless Work Execution

Smarter Technology, Stronger Workforce: Empower Teams to Succeed

Moving Beyond the Document: Collaborative Digital Threads in Manufacturing

Product

Creating Precise Utility Patent Drawings with Canvas X Pro

Introducing No-Code Gadgets in Envision

Canvas Envision integration with Autodesk Vault demo

All posts

A Day in the Life of a Technical Author in Complex Manufacturing

Canvas GFX Announces Latest Release of Canvas X Draw for macOS

From Connected Workforce Friction to Frictionless Work Execution

Generating Assembly-Step Pages with evCreate: Automating 3D Model Breakdown

Smarter Technology, Stronger Workforce: Empower Teams to Succeed

Embracing Innovation in Manufacturing: Navigating Technology Adoption for Better Efficiency and Quality

What Are Model-Based Work Instructions?

Moving Beyond the Document: Collaborative Digital Threads in Manufacturing

Rethink 2025: Manufacturing Leaders Are Committed to Digital Transformation — One Step at a Time

Creating Custom Buttons in Canvas Envision Using the evCreate API

Pro Technical Illustrations for Engineering Textbooks and Educational Materials in Under 10 Minutes

Envision Data Capture and AI Sentiment Analysis

The 9 Critical Concerns Medical Device Manufacturers Face with Work Instructions and Technical Documentation

Unlocking Enterprise Value with Model-Based Documentation and Connected Workflows

The Path to Quality Transformation: Assessing and Advancing Digital Maturity

Canvas GFX to Sponsor MLC Rethink – Accelerating Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

Creating Precise Utility Patent Drawings with Canvas X Pro

Introducing No-Code Gadgets in Envision

Canvas GFX Announces Dean J. Marsh as New CEO with Patricia Hume to Lead Board as Executive Chairperson

Driving towards our goals with Canvas Envision

Canvas Envision integration with Autodesk Vault demo

Bridging EXTech and Connected Workers: The New Standard in Empowering Frontline Excellence

Unlocking the Power of Autodesk Vault with Canvas GFX Envision: Transforming Frontline Operations

Canvas GFX Announces Autodesk® Vault™ Integration with Canvas Envision Model-Based Work Instructions Platform

Engineering Industries eXcellence and Canvas GFX Form a Strategic Alliance to Deliver Connected, Dynamic, Instructional Experiences for Manufacturing

Envision Training - The Collaborative Consumption Experience

SolidCAD and Canvas GFX Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

Envision Training - Working with Text Objects, Shapes, and Images

Envision Training - Organizing and Managing Files, Folders, and Notifications

Canvas GFX Announces Japanese Language Edition of Canvas Envision Connected Knowledge Platform

Envision Training - User Access and Secure Login

Envision Training - Converting Static Documents to Interactive Content

Envision Training - 3D Visualization Techniques

Envision Training - Document Management

Canvas GFX and Impresa Corp. Announce Teaming Agreement to Explore Joint Go-To-Market Opportunities

Introduction to Canvas Envision

Canvas GFX to Participate at Assembly Show 2024

The Laws of Physics and the Startup Journey: Understanding Change and Impact

Webinar: Future-Proofing Knowledge Transfer in Manufacturing

Canvas GFX to Participate at SSI World Shipbuilding Conference 2024 - Americas

Canvas GFX Launches Canvas Envision Offering in Microsoft Azure Marketplace

Envision in the Azure Marketplace

The Very Real and Very Serious Consequences of Outdated Manufacturing Documentation

Canvas GFX Joins Zebra Technologies’ PartnerConnect Alliance Partner Track

View and Share Interactive Envision Documentation in SharePoint

Quality 4.0 and the Connected Worker

Work Instructions 4.0: The Key to Quality and Worker Empowerment

Canvas GFX Announces Commercial Partnership with Aras

Quality 4.0 and Digital Transformation on the Manufacturing Floor

Latest Release of Canvas Envision Connected Knowledge Platform Delivers Enhanced Authoring, Collaboration, Document Management, and Model Visualization

From the Factory Floor to the NAM Board of Directors

Check out the evConsume SDK Sample Apps

Canvas GFX CEO Patricia Hume Named to Manufacturers Association Board of Directors

Canvas GFX Announces Release 5.3 of Envision with Software Development Kit to Help Manufacturers Integrate Work Instructions with Leading PLM Platforms

[Infographic] The Struggle is Real: Managing Work Instructions is a Major Challenge

Announcing the Canvas GFX Partner Program

Canvas Envision:
‍Best in Class digital work instructions