Claude Cowork: Powerful AI Techniques to Draft, Edit, and Improve Your Work

Claude Cowork is Anthropic's agentic AI tool for knowledge work, built into the Claude desktop app and designed to go far beyond standard chat. Unlike regular Claude, Cowork can read, edit, and create files in folders you designate, executing complex, multi-step tasks on your behalf across your local files and connected applications. This session is ideal for anyone who spends significant time on document-heavy, research-intensive, or repetitive file-based work and wants an AI tool that can actually get things done rather than just offer advice. Participants will leave with practical experience running real tasks in Cowork and a clear understanding of how to apply it to their daily workflows.

Learners will have the opportunity to:

1. Navigate the Cowork interface within Claude Desktop and configure folder access and permissions
2. Practice describing multi-step tasks and reviewing Claude's execution plan before it runs
3. Experiment with using Cowork to draft, edit, and refine professional documents directly in your file system
4. Explore how Cowork connects with external applications and services through connectors
5. Work through file-based workflows such as compiling research, organizing documents, and generating reports
6. Practice steering and redirecting Cowork mid-task to keep complex work on track
7. Discuss responsible use practices, including how to manage permissions and avoid common pitfalls

Topics:
- What makes Cowork different from standard Claude chat
- Setting up the Cowork environment: folders, permissions, and connectors
- How Cowork plans and executes multi-step tasks
- Drafting, editing, and producing documents using local file access
- Connecting Cowork to external tools and applications
- Running file-based research and analysis workflows
- Steering, pausing, and redirecting tasks in progress
- Safety, permissions, and responsible use best practices