How to Use Claude Cowork
Claude Cowork is a desktop app that lets Claude work with your local files. You choose a folder, describe what you want done, and Claude reads, edits, and creates files inside it. Here's how to get started.
Download the app
Cowork runs inside the Claude desktop app. Download it from claude.com/download, open it, and select "Cowork" in the sidebar. You'll need a paid Claude plan (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise).
Start with a test folder
Create a folder called 'Cowork Test' and copy a few real files into it: a spreadsheet, some PDFs, a Word doc. Point Cowork at this folder, not your entire Documents directory. This keeps things safe while you learn.
Describe outcomes, not steps
Instead of telling Claude each click and keystroke, describe what you want to end up with. Say "Create an expense report from these receipts" rather than "Open each PDF, read the total, then type it into a new Excel file." Cowork figures out the steps.
Set your Global Instructions
Open Settings and find Global Instructions. Tell Claude your role ("I'm a project manager"), your preferred tone ("professional but friendly"), and your document formats ("always use .docx for reports"). This applies to every session automatically. You can also set instructions per folder for different projects.
Set boundaries early
Tell Claude which folders are off-limits and to always ask before deleting or moving files. You can change this later, but starting with guardrails builds trust.
Save workflows you repeat
When you find yourself giving the same instructions twice, save it as a reusable skill. Next time, you run it with a single slash command instead of re-explaining everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more about Claude Cowork? Read about what it is and how it works.