ProjectsAutomationGetting Started

Set Up a Cowork Project for Recurring Work

Create a persistent Cowork Project to maintain context across multiple sessions for ongoing tasks like weekly reports, research briefs, or document management.

Last tested Mar 21, 2026

Access Scope

Local Folders

One designated project folder (read-write)

Permitted Actions

read
write
rename
delete

Why these permissions? Projects work best when organized around a single goal or client. Keeping access to one folder limits the blast radius of any accidental changes, while read-write access lets Cowork save outputs and update files as needed.

Workflow Steps

1

Open Claude Desktop and navigate to Cowork

Open Claude Desktop and click the Cowork tab to access the main Cowork interface.

2

Create a new Project with a descriptive name

Click 'New Project' and name it after your task or goal (e.g., 'Weekly Reports', 'Research Briefs', 'Document Management'). This creates a dedicated workspace.

3

Attach your working folder to the Project

Add your designated project folder to the Project. This is where Cowork will read and write files. Keep it to one folder to limit the scope of access.

4

Add custom instructions for format, tone, and task type

Write 2-3 sentences describing how you want work formatted, your preferred tone, and what type of tasks you'll assign. These instructions persist across all conversations in the Project.

5

Set up a recurring scheduled task within the Project

Create a scheduled task that runs on your preferred schedule (daily, weekly, etc.). Cowork will execute the task within the Project's context automatically.

6

Run the first task and verify context

Let the first scheduled task run to completion. Check that Cowork has the right context about your project, files, and preferences before scheduling future runs.

Cowork Prompt Pack

Cowork-ready
I want to set up a Cowork Project for [describe task: weekly reports / research briefs / document updates]. Here's what I need:

1. Project name: [name]
2. Files I'll attach: [describe folder contents]
3. Task frequency: [daily/weekly/monthly]
4. Output format: [specify format, location, or naming convention]
5. Tone and style: [describe how you want results formatted]

Before setting up the scheduled task, confirm: (1) you understand my folder structure, (2) what the expected output looks like, and (3) which file(s) you'll be reading or updating.
Works best when you limit Cowork to specific folders and verify before destructive actions.

Verification Checklist

0 of 6 verified
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