Hello,
I would like to request an option to disable the automatic use of Canvas, writing blocks, or other separate editing interfaces.
I frequently use ChatGPT for long-form fiction and creative writing, but I prefer the entire response to remain as normal text within the conversation. Even when I explicitly ask for plain chat text and state that I do not want Canvas, writing blocks, editable cards, or separate document-style outputs, long responses are sometimes still placed inside a separate block or editing interface.
This is frustrating because I never requested that format, and it interrupts the natural flow of the conversation. For users who manage long stories through chat history, the conversation itself is part of the writing process. Automatically moving the response into a separate editing interface can make the content feel disconnected from the surrounding messages and can make it harder to review, continue, or organize the story in the intended way.
Please consider adding the following options:
- A global setting to disable automatic Canvas activation.
- A per-conversation option such as “Always respond in normal chat text.”
- An option to use Canvas only when the user manually requests or opens it.
- A way to prevent long-form responses from being automatically converted into writing blocks, cards, or separate editable documents.
- Better compliance with user instructions such as “Do not use Canvas” or “Respond only as normal chat text.”
I am not asking for Canvas to be removed. I understand that many users find it useful. I am only asking for users to be given control over whether it activates automatically.
An automatic convenience feature should not override a user’s explicitly requested response format. A simple on/off toggle would solve this problem and make ChatGPT much more reliable for long-form writers.
Thank you for considering this feedback.