> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.opencanva.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understanding Generation Status

> Learn about image generation status indicators in Open Canva. Understand what each status means and how to track your image generation progress.

## Generation status overview

During image generation, Open Canva displays status updates so you know what's happening. Understanding these statuses helps you track progress and know when your image is ready.

## Status stages

### Preparing

**What it means**: Your request is being set up and validated.

**What's happening**:

* Validating your prompt
* Checking settings
* Preparing the generation request
* Uploading reference images (if any)

**Typical duration**: A few seconds

<Tip>
  If this stage takes unusually long, check your internet connection or try refreshing.
</Tip>

### Generating

**What it means**: The AI is actively creating your image.

**What's happening**:

* AI model is processing your prompt
* Image is being generated step by step
* This is the main generation phase

**Typical duration**: 10-30 seconds (varies by model and settings)

<Info>
  This is usually the longest stage. Higher quality settings or more complex prompts may take longer.
</Info>

### Processing

**What it means**: Finalizing and preparing your image.

**What's happening**:

* Final image processing
* Quality checks
* Preparing for display
* Uploading to storage

**Typical duration**: A few seconds

### Complete

**What it means**: Your image is ready!

**What's happening**:

* Image is fully generated
* Available for viewing
* Ready to download
* Saved to your session

<Check>
  Your image is now available in your session and ready to use.
</Check>

## Status indicators

Open Canva provides visual indicators for each status:

* **Progress indicators**: Show overall progress
* **Status text**: Describes current stage
* **Time estimates**: May show expected completion time
* **Animation**: Visual feedback during generation

## Understanding timing

### Factors affecting generation time

1. **Model selection**: Different models have different speeds
2. **Image size**: Larger images take longer
3. **Settings**: Higher quality settings increase time
4. **Complexity**: More complex prompts may take longer
5. **Server load**: Current system load affects speed

### Typical generation times

* **Fast models**: 10-15 seconds
* **Standard models**: 15-25 seconds
* **High quality**: 25-40 seconds
* **Multi-model**: Longer (multiple images)

## What to do during generation

<Tip>
  **Be patient**: Generation typically takes 10-30 seconds. Don't refresh or navigate away.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Monitor progress**: Watch the status indicators to track progress.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Prepare next prompt**: While waiting, you can prepare your next generation request.
</Tip>

## Troubleshooting status issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Generation stuck on 'Preparing'">
    * Check your internet connection
    * Verify your prompt and settings are valid
    * Try refreshing the page
    * Check if there are service notifications
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Generation taking unusually long">
    * Some models/settings naturally take longer
    * Check if you're using high-quality settings
    * Verify your internet connection is stable
    * Wait a bit longer before assuming an issue
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Status shows error">
    * Check the error message for details
    * Verify your prompt is valid
    * Check your account limits
    * Try again with different settings
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Generation completed but no image">
    * Check your session view
    * Refresh the page
    * Look in your session history
    * Contact support if issue persists
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Status notifications

Open Canva may provide notifications about:

* **Generation started**: Confirmation your request was received
* **Generation progress**: Updates during long generations
* **Generation complete**: Alert when your image is ready
* **Errors**: Notifications if something goes wrong

## Best practices

<Tip>
  **Don't interrupt**: Let generation complete. Interrupting may cause the generation to fail.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Monitor but be patient**: Watch the status but allow adequate time for completion.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Note timing**: Keep track of how long different models/settings take for future reference.
</Tip>

## Related guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quickstart Guide" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Learn the basics of image generation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Settings Guide" icon="settings" href="/image-generation/settings">
    Understand how settings affect generation time.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/features/troubleshooting">
    More help with common issues.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sessions Guide" icon="folder" href="/sessions/introduction">
    Learn how generations are saved to sessions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>