Getting Started Guide

Work with Claude as Your Partner

Beyond chat—experience proactive AI collaboration

Cowork transforms Claude from a chatbot into a genuine teammate. Learn how to leverage its autonomous capabilities for file management, task automation, and creative workflows.

From Developer Tool to Universal Productivity Partner

Introducing Cowork

When we launched Claude Code for developers, we discovered something unexpected: users applied its autonomous power to nearly every type of work. This insight inspired Cowork—a simpler, more accessible way for everyone to collaborate with Claude at the same level of agency and efficiency.

Key Features: Beyond the Chatbox

Cowork fundamentally changes how you interact with AI

Direct File Access

Grant Claude access to specific folders on your Mac. Claude can read, edit, or create files directly within those directories—no manual copy-paste needed.

Proactive Agency

Set a task and Claude doesn't just advise—it creates a plan and executes it step-by-step, keeping you updated on progress as it works autonomously.

Parallel Productivity

Queue multiple tasks without waiting. Give Claude feedback and new instructions while it continues working in the background on your existing requests.

Enhanced Skills

Integrates with your existing Connectors plus new Skills designed for creating professional documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

What Can You Do with Cowork?

Real-world applications that save time and reduce friction

Organize Chaos

Ask Claude to sort your messy Downloads folder by intelligently renaming files and categorizing them into clean, logical subfolders.

Data Conversion

Transform a pile of receipt screenshots into a clean, formatted expense spreadsheet with automatic categorization and totals.

Content Creation

Turn scattered research notes and web clippings into a polished first draft of a report, article, or presentation.

Web Integration

Pair Cowork with Claude in Chrome to complete complex tasks requiring both local file editing and browser-based research.

Stay in Control

Safety and transparency are built into every interaction

1

Explicit Permissions

Claude can only see and edit the folders and connectors you specifically authorize. You maintain complete control over access.

2

Course Correction

Claude asks for your permission before taking any significant or potentially destructive actions, like deleting files or making major changes.

3

Proactive Awareness

As a powerful agentic tool, be mindful of 'prompt injections' in files. Give clear guidance to ensure Claude interprets your instructions correctly.

How to Get Started

Cowork is currently available as a Research Preview

Available Now

Claude Max Subscribers

Download the macOS app today and click 'Cowork' in the sidebar to start experimenting immediately.

Download for macOS
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Other Plans

Cowork will be available to more users soon. Join the waitlist to be notified when access expands.

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The Road Ahead

  • Windows support coming soon
  • Cross-device synchronization
  • Enhanced safety features
  • Expanded connector ecosystem

Best Practices for Using Cowork

Start Small

Begin with simple file organization tasks to get comfortable with Cowork's capabilities before tackling complex workflows.

Be Specific

Clear, detailed instructions help Claude understand your intent. Instead of 'organize my files,' try 'sort PDFs by date into monthly folders.'

Review Before Approving

When Claude asks for permission before destructive actions, take a moment to review the planned changes carefully.

Iterate and Refine

Cowork excels at iterative work. Don't expect perfection on the first try—give feedback and let Claude refine its output.

Combine with Browser

For research-heavy tasks, use Claude in Chrome alongside Cowork for seamless integration of web data and local files.

Experiment Freely

This is a research preview—try unexpected use cases and share your feedback to help shape Cowork's future development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Experience the Future of Work?

Start collaborating with Claude as your AI partner today

We want to learn from you. Because this is a research preview, we encourage you to try things you might not expect to work. Your feedback will directly shape how we work alongside Claude.