Getting Started with Claude Cowork

This guide walks you through setting up Cowork and running your first automated task.

Prerequisites

  • macOS computer (Cowork is not yet available on Windows)
  • Claude Max subscription (upgrade here)
  • Claude macOS app installed (download)

Step 1: Open Cowork

  1. Launch the Claude app on your Mac.
  2. In the sidebar, click "Cowork".
  3. You'll see a welcome screen explaining the feature.

Step 2: Grant Folder Access

  1. Click "Add Folder" to select a folder Claude can access.
  2. Choose a folder like ~/Documents/TestFolder to start.
  3. Confirm the permission when prompted by macOS.

Tip: Start with a low-risk folder. Don't immediately grant access to your entire home directory.

Step 3: Give Claude a Task

Try a simple first task:

"List all the files in this folder and tell me what types they are."

Claude will:

  1. Read the folder contents
  2. Analyze file types
  3. Report back with a summary

Step 4: Try Something More Ambitious

Once comfortable, try:

"Organize these files by type: put images in an 'Images' folder, documents in 'Docs', and everything else in 'Other'."

Claude will create the folders and move files automatically.

What to Expect

  • Claude will ask for confirmation before destructive actions (deleting, overwriting).
  • Claude works in the background; you can queue multiple tasks.
  • If something goes wrong, Claude will tell you and suggest fixes.

Next Steps