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What is Claude Cowork?

Claude Cowork is the mode in Claude that works through multi-step tasks for you, using connectors such as Gmail and Google Sheets or a folder on your computer, and can repeat a task on a schedule in the cloud while your computer is asleep.

Last checked · Sources

See 18 recipes Open Claude Cowork (opens in a new tab)

Who can use it

  • Paid Claude plan: Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise
  • Claude Desktop for local files
  • Web and mobile on Pro, Max and Team
  • Enterprise needs admin approval

Claude Cowork at a glance

Each fact links to the page it comes from, with the day we last checked that page.

Claude Cowork facts, with their sources and the day we checked them
FactWhat the docs say
PlanPaid Claude plan (Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise)Source: Get started with Claude Cowork(opens in a new tab)Checked
Where it runsClaude Desktop on every paid plan; web and mobile on Pro, Max and Team; a folder on your computer only in Claude DesktopSource: Get started with Claude Cowork(opens in a new tab)Checked
Connect appsConnectors under Customize > Connectors; Google Sheets is a separate beta connectorSource: Use Google Workspace connectors(opens in a new tab)Checked
SchedulesScheduled tasks on every paid plan, run in the cloud; each run is its own sessionSource: Schedule recurring tasks in Claude Cowork(opens in a new tab)Checked
ApprovalsManually approve, Automatically approve or Skip all approvals, chosen in the message boxSource: Claude Cowork and chat are one Claude(opens in a new tab)Checked

What Claude Cowork can do

Claude Cowork runs a task from start to finish instead of answering one message at a time. You connect Gmail, Google Sheets and other apps once, or point it at a folder on your computer, paste a setup prompt, and approve each change it wants to make.

For a daily job, Cowork saves a scheduled task that runs in the cloud. Each run starts fresh from the task’s saved instructions, so the setup prompt has to carry every rule the job needs.

  • Tasks

    Describe the outcome, review the approach Claude plans and let it work through the steps.

    Example: Turn a folder of receipts into an expense spreadsheet.

  • Scheduled tasks

    Type /schedule in a task or click Scheduled in the sidebar. Scheduled tasks run in the cloud, so your computer can sleep.

    Example: Every Monday, summarize new files in a project folder.

  • Connectors and plugins

    Add connectors from the + menu, or plugins that bundle skills, connectors and sub-agents for a kind of work, such as Anthropic's Claude for Small Business plugin.

    Example: With the Small Business plugin, type /monday-brief for one page on cash, sales and what needs you this week.

Get started with Claude Cowork

  1. Check that you have a paid Claude plan. For local folders or the browser, install Claude Desktop.
  2. Open Claude on the web, in Claude Desktop or in the mobile app.
  3. Select Cowork in the message box if it is offered. On the new Claude experience, describe the task directly.
  4. Pick a recipe below, paste its setup prompt and review the approach Claude plans before it runs.
  5. Connect only the folders, connectors or plugins the recipe needs, then check the result against its review checks.

What to check before you trust it

  • Use the Manual or Auto permission mode. Anthropic advises against Skip unless you fully trust every action.
  • Start with a practice folder and the recipe's fictional sample before you use real files.
  • Review the approach Claude plans before you let it run, especially with sensitive files.
  • Watch for instructions hidden in web pages and files. Cowork has extra risks because it can browse.
  • Before you approve a Claude for Small Business draft, check one line against your own books, such as a customer you know has paid.

We have not run these setups ourselves. Recipes are written from public Claude Cowork documentation, and their examples are illustrative.

Recipes built with Claude Cowork (18)

A recipe is a step-by-step setup you build in Claude Cowork yourself. Each one shows what you provide, what you get, and a setup prompt to copy. Examples are illustrative, not recorded results.

Latest Claude Cowork changes

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Questions about Claude Cowork

Is Claude Cowork free?
No. Cowork needs a paid Claude plan: Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise. Multi-step tasks use more of your plan's usage than quick questions.
What can Claude Cowork do?
It plans and carries out multi-step work such as organizing files, producing spreadsheets, presentations and documents, and browsing websites, using the folders and connectors you choose.
How is Claude Cowork different from regular Claude chat?
Chat answers one prompt at a time. Cowork takes on a task and works through the steps. On the new Claude experience, Claude decides whether a request needs a quick answer or a task.
Can Claude Cowork run on a schedule?
Yes. Type /schedule in a task or click Scheduled in the sidebar. Scheduled tasks run in the cloud, so your computer does not need to stay awake.
What is Claude for Small Business?
A plugin from Anthropic for Claude Cowork with 43 ready-made workflows, such as a Monday brief, overdue invoice reminders and a month-end close for your accountant. In Claude Desktop, open Cowork, click Customize, then + under Plugins, and install Small Business. It drafts and stages work, and nothing sends, posts or pays until you approve.
Can Claude Cowork delete my files?
Claude needs your explicit permission before it permanently deletes files. Review its plan and use a permission mode that asks you before risky actions.

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Sources

The pages behind Claude Cowork’s facts and setup steps, with the day we last checked each one.

All sources (15)

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