Embodiments are disclosed for creating and managing semantic layers in a graphic design system. A method of creating and managing semantic layers includes receiving a selection of a content type to be generated, receiving a selection of a location in a digital canvas to place content of the content type, generating, using one or more machine learning models, content of the selected content type at the location in the digital canvas, and automatically adding the content to a layer associated with the digital canvas based on a semantic label associated with the content.