How to use Story Canvas

Story Canvas gives you instant feedback on your idea for a story.

If you are using the Web Editor, click on “Story Canvas” in the toolbar. We have highlighted this in red in the image below.

If you are using Desktop Everywhere, click on "Plan" in the menu. We have highlighted this in red in the image below.

A window will open titled "Plan." Click on "Story Canvas." We have shown an example of this button in the image below.

Story Canvas will open. It contains 5 steps focusing on the key elements and intentions of your story. This includes your purpose, the story's main character, roadmap, and setting, and the intended reader experience. We have shown an example of Story Canvas in the image below.

Within each step, type an answer to the question. After you have typed your answer, click the “Save” button to save your answer then move on to the next question or step.

Once you have answered the questions in all steps, click the “Get idea feedback” button. Depending on the detail of the answers you gave, you may need to wait a while for the feedback to generate.

Did you know… ProWritingAid has 25+ specialized writing reports to help you craft better stories, and you can run them in your favorite writing apps. Read more.