Streamline Workflows Using Integrated Writing and Code Blocks
Use direct code and writing blocks instead of the legacy Canvas.
Transition away from using the 'Canvas' feature and instead prompt GPT-5.5 models to use direct writing and code blocks for structured tasks.
The Scenario
You need to draft a long report or a python script and want it to stay organized and formatted within your chat history.
Before & after
Users relied on the 'Canvas' interface for editing which required switching modes and managing a separate sidebar, taking roughly 5-10 minutes to manage the layout.
Prompt the model specifically to use 'writing blocks' or 'code blocks' for your output. This allows for clean, structured results in seconds without a separate interface.
The Prompt
Write a [TYPE_OF_DOCUMENT_OR_CODE] regarding [TOPIC]. Please output this using a dedicated writing or code block for easy reading and copying.
With the retirement of Canvas in newer models, OpenAI has moved writing and coding functionality directly into the chat stream via blocks. This keeps your workflow in a single conversation thread.
Source
Model Release Notes | OpenAI Help Center"Writing and coding functionality is now supported directly in chat responses through writing blocks and code blocks."