What is this site?
Novastart is a desktop-style work environment built around an infinite canvas: everyday apps, files, and collaboration live on one zoomable whiteboard instead of stacking across windows and tabs. It targets the cost of context switching, and the gap where people and AI often work separately without seeing each other’s actions. Versus a classic whiteboard or screen share alone, it stresses side-by-side app windows, saved workspaces, and AI agents that join the canvas with their own cursors. It fits individuals or small teams who need project materials laid out for comparison and want agents on the same work surface.
Core features
- Open browser, office, and other apps side by side on an infinite canvas; zoom between overview and detail
- Save workspace layouts so app positions and tabs largely return next time
- Create multiple canvases and folders, split by project or life tasks
- Invite AI agents onto the canvas with their own cursors; watch, pause, or correct mid-run
- Share one canvas with a team—each person has a cursor and can drive peers’ windows (Team plan)
- Same app access across plans; AI is billed per use; canvas scale and collaboration vary by tier
Common use cases
- Keep a budget sheet, browser, and notes on one canvas, zooming between edits and the big picture
- Split trip or research work across agents and parallel windows, pausing to correct mid-run
- Remote teammates share one canvas to edit or layout work without “scroll up a bit” chat
- Separate canvases for wedding planning, apartment search, and work so desktops do not collide
Who is it for?
- Knowledge workers who juggle several apps and files at once
- People who want to see AI act on the canvas, not only reply in chat
- Small teams that need a shared, operable workspace—not just a screen recording
- Poor fit: light users who mainly edit one document or prefer not to install a desktop app
- Also poor fit: people sensitive to per-use AI billing or collaboration networking who do not need team features yet (Free can test canvas limits)
How does it compare to similar tools?
Skip “which is strongest.” Check whether these dimensions match how you work:
- Space model: infinite canvas of windows vs classic multi-window / multi-tab desktop
- How AI joins: visible agents on the same canvas vs a separate chat sidebar
- Collaboration: shared clickable/editable workspace vs screen share / link ping-pong
- Cost structure: whether canvas and collaboration are tiered, and whether AI is billed per use
FAQ
Q: Is Novastart an online whiteboard or an installable desktop environment?
A: The site presents it as an installable Infinite Canvas OS where apps run as real windows on the canvas. Supported platforms follow the site and install docs.
Q: What does the free plan include?
A: Free can open the same apps, but canvas scale is limited (e.g. 1 folder, 2 canvases, about 4 windows per canvas). Pro / Team relax canvas limits; Team includes collaboration. AI is per-use on every plan.
Q: How do AI agents differ from a normal chat assistant?
A: On Novastart, agents can appear on the canvas with a cursor. You can watch, pause, or change instructions. Completion also emphasizes checking results before marking work done.
