Pinterest Started Mood Boards. But Google 'Mixboard' Wants To Reinvent Them With AI

When trying to find some creation inspirations, a lot of people turn to Pinterest. The platform has long been the go-to place for boards.

However, in the world where AI has arrived to more places and that too many content sometimes actually blurs inspirations, Pinterest to a number of people can become more like a scrapbook rather than a true collaborator. Google wants to change that by trying to become a Pinterest alternative, powered by AI.

With 'Mixboard,' which is introduced as an experimental AI canvas, it doesn't just collect visuals.

Instead, it also helps users create them.

Announced in September 2025 through Google Labs, Mixboard is positioned as a creative playground where users can launch projects from scratch or use templates, then guide the visuals using prompts and natural language edits.

Think Pinterest meets AI art: users can upload their own references, mix them with AI-generated images, and refine the result through interactive back-and-forth commands.

At its core, Mixboard runs on Google’s Nano Banana" image editing model, giving users the ability to tweak brightness, blend styles, or generate variations instantly.

Unlike static inspiration boards, Mixboard responds dynamically, transforming brainstorming into a two-way conversation with AI.

The tool isn’t meant to replace pro software like Photoshop or Illustrator but to act as an ideation sketchpad.

Google describes it in a blog post as "an experimental, AI-powered concepting board designed to help you explore, expand and refine ideas." For photographers, designers, or even casual planners, it could serve as a fast way to build mood boards for shoots, events, or social media aesthetics.

For now, Mixboard is available only in public beta in the U.S. through Google Labs, which means access is limited and the experience will still be rough around the edges. Features may change, bugs are expected, and output won’t always match expectations, especially with vague prompts.

Still, early users have praised its potential to reshape how creative workflows begin.

The bigger story here is how Google is moving into AI-powered creativity.

With Mixboard, the company is expanding beyond search and productivity into visual thinking.

If Pinterest was the platform to collect ideas, Mixboard could be the platform to generate them.

This hints at a future where inspiration doesn’t just come from browsing, but from actively collaborating with AI.