Your AI coworker for smarter work automation
Claude Cowork is an autonomous AI agent for work - give it a scoped folder, spell out the workflow in plain English, and this digital coworker will organize files, generate reports, and ship deliverables while keeping you informed at every step.
Scoped, protected access
Cowork only reads, writes, and reorganizes inside the folder you authorize. Set aside a dedicated space and keep backups to avoid surprises.
Natural-language control
Describe the result you need - "sort receipts by month," "package this research into a PDF" - and Cowork breaks everything into actions until the deliverable matches your instructions.
Capabilities
More than chat - Cowork is a teammate that operates directly on your computer
Built on the Claude Code agent architecture but aimed at everyday workflows, Cowork takes one authorized folder plus a plain-language goal and does the rest - planned, contained, and auditable.
Agent-grade execution
Cowork breaks "tidy my Downloads" or "produce a report" into discrete steps, runs them locally, and hands over the finished work.
Scoped file-system access
It only reads, writes, renames, or creates inside the folder you approved. Revoke permission anytime for a safer workspace.
Live feedback loop
Cowork reports what it's doing in real time. Add clarifications mid-task without re-entering every detail.
Safety-first defaults
Clear instructions prevent accidental deletions. Anthropic still recommends backups, so you stay protected even in preview.
Use cases
From tidying files to generating reports, Cowork handles the chores that bog you down
Declutter Downloads and desktops
Cowork sweeps the folder you authorize, groups files by month, type, or project, and renames everything to match your structure.
Turn screenshots into expense sheets
Drop in receipts or screenshots and Cowork extracts the amount, date, and category, then fills the spreadsheet for you.
Compile research into reports
Give Cowork a messy folder of notes, PDFs, or CSVs. It highlights the key findings and drafts formatted summaries.
Batch create or rename files
Ask Cowork to duplicate templates, rename dozens of assets, or add labels while keeping a running log of every change.
Workflow
Four simple steps to hand real work over to Cowork
Install Claude Desktop and open Cowork
Update Claude Desktop on macOS and launch the Cowork tab inside the research preview build.
Authorize a working folder
Pick a dedicated folder for Cowork. It operates strictly inside that boundary and you can revoke access anytime.
Describe the outcome in plain language
Say things like "sort these files by type" or "turn the receipts into a spreadsheet." No scripting required.
Let Cowork plan and execute
Cowork breaks the task into actions, runs them sequentially, and reports each milestone so you can fine-tune mid-flight.
Live examples
Sample Cowork tasks you can run right away
Downloads Cleanup Run
Cowork inspects the folder, creates month folders, moves screenshots into place, and renames everything consistently.
Expense Sheet Builder
Reads receipts or screenshots, captures totals and categories, and exports a ready-to-review spreadsheet.
Project Archive Packager
Organizes mixed docs, drafts status notes, and zips the entire project folder so you can hand it off instantly.
Insights Summary Maker
Combines CSVs, transcripts, or text notes, highlights anomalies, and produces action-ready summaries.
Under the hood
Built for teams that expect reliability and visibility
Folder authorization
Cowork operates inside a folder you explicitly approve. Everything it reads, edits, or creates stays within that sandbox.
- Pick a dedicated workspace before any run
- Revoke or swap the folder whenever you like
- Activity log lives in Claude Desktop
Agent workflow
Natural-language instructions become a multi-step plan. Cowork executes sequentially and only asks for help when needed.
- Autonomous step planning and ordering
- Local execution without extra scripts
- Status pings after each milestone
Safety practices
Cowork is still a research preview, so Anthropic recommends a cautious setup while you explore its power.
- Back up the working folder frequently
- Confirm any destructive action before proceeding
- Keep sensitive data outside the sandbox
FAQ
Everything you need to know before handing work to Cowork
Do I need to pay extra to try Cowork?
Cowork is currently part of the Claude Max subscription and only available through Claude Desktop on macOS.
How much control do I have over my files?
You pick the folder Cowork can touch. It cannot browse anywhere else, and you can revoke access whenever you feel unsure.
What kinds of jobs does Cowork handle best?
Anything repetitive or multi-step: organizing downloads, compiling receipts, renaming assets, generating summaries, even juggling multiple tasks in parallel.
Can I adjust instructions mid-task?
Yes. Cowork keeps you updated in real time, so you can clarify or add requirements without restarting the entire process.
Ready to work
Launch your AI coworker and automate daily workflows end to end
Install Claude Desktop, authorize a workspace folder, and describe the workflow once. Cowork - the autonomous AI coworker for task automation - runs every step, tracks changes, and hands you the finished deliverable.