Methods and apparatus provide for an artboard generator that detects a selection to create a new artboard on a digital canvas. The artboard generator provides a transparent rendition of the new artboard on the digital canvas and performs a placement operation of the new artboard. Upon completion of the placement operation, the artboard generator converts the transparent rendition of the new artboard to an opaque rendition of the new artboard. The artboard generator detects a selection to create a second new artboard. The artboard generator defines characteristics of the second new artboard in accordance with characteristics of the resized new artboard. The artboard generator provides a transparent rendition of the second new artboard and performs a placement operation of the second new artboard. Upon completion of the placement operation, the artboard generator converts the second new artboard from a transparent rendition to an opaque rendition.