Claude Cowork Documentation
Learn everything about Claude Cowork: how to set it up, use it safely, build workflows, connect to apps, and get the most out of agentic work.
Getting Started
Start here if you're new to Cowork or setting it up for the first time.
Setup and First Tasks
Install Claude, launch Cowork, and run your first useful workflow with step-by-step guidance.
Plans and Pricing
Understand Claude subscription tiers and which plans include Cowork access.
Download Desktop App
Get the official Claude desktop application for macOS or Windows.
Use Cowork on Web
Access Claude and Cowork without installing anything at claude.ai.
Core Features
Learn about the main capabilities Cowork offers and how to use them effectively.
File Organization and Editing
Cowork can organize files in folders, rename them, read their content, and edit them. You grant Cowork access to a specific folder, and it can work with all documents inside.
Best practice: Create a dedicated Cowork folder instead of granting access to your entire home directory.
Connectors
Connectors let Cowork read from and write to external apps like Gmail, Google Drive, GitHub, Slack, and others. You authenticate once, and Cowork can use that connector in any workflow.
Learn more: Explore our complete connector guide to see all available integrations.
Multi-Step Workflows
Describe a goal in natural language, and Cowork breaks it into steps, coordinates between files and connectors, and completes the work without you managing each step.
Learn more: Browse our tested workflow library for real-world examples.
Background Work and Sessions
Start a task and let it run in the background while you work on other things. Sessions are saved to your account and sync across desktop, web, and mobile.
Tip: You can pause a task, switch devices, and resume it later without losing progress.
Workflows and Prompt Packs
Ready-to-use templates you can adapt for your own work.
Connector Library
Cowork supports integrations with many popular tools and platforms. See the complete list and learn how each connector works.
Safety and Best Practices
How to use Cowork safely and get the best results.
File Access and Permissions
Always grant Cowork access to a specific project folder, not your entire home directory. This limits what Claude can see and edit.
Sensitive Data
Don't ask Cowork to handle passwords, API keys, or other secrets. If a task requires authentication, provide instructions rather than credentials.
Review Important Actions
For critical or irreversible actions, have Cowork ask for approval before proceeding. Always review what Cowork wrote before sending or publishing.
Connector Authentication
Connectors use OAuth or API keys to authenticate with external apps. Your credentials are stored securely and you can revoke access at any time through the app.
Start Small
Test workflows with small datasets or limited scopes first. Once you're confident, scale up to larger tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Cowork different from chat?
Chat mode lets Claude answer questions and have conversations. Cowork is agentic mode—Claude works directly with your files and apps to complete multi-step tasks without you typing each command.
Can Cowork work with files on my computer?
Yes, especially on the desktop app. Grant Cowork access to a specific folder and it can read, edit, and organize files in that folder.
What if something goes wrong during a workflow?
Cowork will ask for approval before doing something irreversible. You can always pause, review, and correct a workflow before letting it continue.
Can I use Cowork offline?
No, Cowork requires an internet connection because it runs on Anthropic's servers.
How do I report a bug or give feedback?
Report issues directly in the Claude app, or contact Anthropic support. For feedback on this site, see the about page.
Where can I find official Claude documentation?
Anthropic publishes official documentation at support.claude.com. This site is an independent community resource.