What it does
OpenHands Agent Canvas is a home base for AI coding agents, AI helpers that can write and change software. From one screen you can start conversations with agents and set up automations, such as reports that post to Slack or regular code reviews.
It runs its own open-source OpenHands agent out of the box, but can also run other agents like Claude Code, Codex and Gemini CLI. You can use almost any AI model.
Agents can run on your laptop, inside Docker containers (sealed-off boxes that keep the agent away from the rest of your computer), on cloud servers, or on OpenHands' paid cloud. Its makers warn that running without a container gives the agent full access to your files.
Who it's for
Software developers and engineering teams who want to use and automate AI coding agents on their own terms.
Can I use it without coding?
With some setup. Installed with a terminal command or Docker; you then use it in your web browser. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- Free, with optional paid extrasThe open-source version is free; the makers also sell a hosted or pro version.
- Runs on
- Mac, Windows, Linux, Server, Cloud
- Privacy
- Your choice: run it on your device or use an online service
- API key
- Not needed
Try it
- Install Node.js and the uv tool, or Docker, on your computer.
- Install and start Agent Canvas, then open it in your browser.
- Start a new conversation and give a coding agent a task.
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (MIT): Very permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
- More on staying safe