Creating a digital “mood board” automation involves designing a system that gathers visual inspiration (images, colors, fonts, etc.) and assembles it into a digital layout automatically. Here’s a step-by-step approach to building this automation using tools like Zapier, Notion/Google Slides, Pinterest API, and design automation tools like Canva API or Figma API.
Goal: Automate the creation of digital mood boards based on a keyword, theme, or project brief.
1. Input Capture
Create a system where you enter a project name or mood/theme, like:
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“Boho wedding”
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“Cyberpunk UI”
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“Minimalist workspace”
Options for Input:
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Google Form / Typeform
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Notion Database
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Airtable form
Example fields: Mood/theme, color preference, keywords, industry, optional Pinterest board URL.
2. Image Gathering Automation
Use APIs or automation platforms to fetch relevant visuals:
Pinterest API (requires developer setup)
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Use search query from the form (e.g., “cyberpunk UI”) to get top 10–20 pins.
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Extract image URLs and descriptions.
Unsplash API / Pexels API
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Search by keyword and get high-resolution royalty-free images.
Zapier Workflow
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Trigger: New entry in Google Form / Notion.
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Action: Use APIs or scrape images based on the keywords.
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Output: Save images to Google Drive or upload to Dropbox.
3. Color Palette Extraction
Automatically generate a color palette from the images.
Tools:
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Use the Color Thief JS library (for developers).
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Use Coolors.co API for automated palette suggestions.
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Adobe Color API can extract themes from images.
4. Layout Generation
Use tools to place these assets into a cohesive mood board layout.
Canva API or Zapier + Canva
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Upload images to a predefined Canva template.
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Auto-populate placeholders with your selected images and color blocks.
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Optionally add fonts based on theme.
Figma API + Plugin
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Use Figma’s plugin system to auto-import images into a board layout.
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Use scripts to align and position assets in a grid.
5. Automation Output
Deliver the mood board in visual form.
Options:
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Export from Canva/Figma to PDF or PNG.
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Auto-upload to Notion, Google Slides, or send via email.
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Embed in a Miro or Milanote board using image links.
6. Optional Features
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Tagging System: Auto-tag assets by type (interior, fashion, typography).
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Version Control: Save timestamped versions to a folder.
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Collaboration: Enable shared comments/feedback via Notion or Figma.
Example Stack
| Function | Tool |
|---|---|
| Input form | Notion / Airtable |
| Image sourcing | Pinterest API + Unsplash API |
| Color extraction | Coolors API |
| Layout design | Canva API / Figma API |
| Automation platform | Zapier / Make (Integromat) |
| Output delivery | Notion / Google Slides / Email |
Summary of the Workflow
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Input: Fill a form with theme + keywords.
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Trigger: Automation kicks off.
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Gather: Pull images and colors based on the input.
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Build: Populate a template mood board.
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Deliver: Export and share the board.
You can scale this further with:
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AI tools for style detection
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Voice input for mood descriptions
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Slack/Discord bots to start a board from chat
Let me know if you’d like a specific implementation (e.g., using Zapier and Canva), and I can give you the exact setup steps.
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