When Anthropic released Claude Code, they expected developers to use it for coding. They did—and then started using it for almost everything else.
That unexpected behavior led to Cowork: a simpler way for anyone to work with Claude the same way developers do. Now available as a research preview for Claude Max subscribers on macOS.
What Makes Cowork Different?
In a regular conversation, you chat back and forth with Claude. In Cowork, you give Claude access to a folder on your computer. Claude can then:
- Read, edit, or create files in that folder
- Re-organize your downloads by sorting and renaming each file
- Create spreadsheets with expenses extracted from a pile of screenshots
- Draft reports from your scattered notes
Once you set a task, Claude makes a plan and executes it—looping you in along the way. If you've used Claude Code, this feels familiar. Same foundations, but designed for non-coding work.
Level Up With Connectors and Skills
Want more power? Cowork can use your existing connectors (linking Claude to external data) plus a new set of skills for creating documents, presentations, and other files.
Pair it with Claude in Chrome? Now Claude can handle tasks requiring browser access too.
Work Like Leaving Messages for a Coworker
No more manually providing context. No more converting Claude's outputs into the right format. No more waiting for Claude to finish before giving feedback.
Queue up tasks. Let Claude work through them in parallel. It feels less like a back-and-forth chat and more like leaving messages for a capable coworker.
Stay in Control
You choose which folders and connectors Claude can see—nothing more. Claude asks before taking significant actions, so you can steer or course-correct as needed.
Important caveats:
- Claude can take destructive actions (like deleting files) if instructed
- Give clear guidance to avoid misinterpretation
- Be aware of prompt injection risks—attackers attempting to alter Claude's plans through web content
- Agent safety is still an active development area industry-wide
These risks aren't new, but Cowork might be your first experience with agentic AI beyond simple chat. Take precautions while learning.
Try It Now
This is a research preview. Anthropic is releasing early to learn what people build and how to improve.
Claude Max subscribers: Download the macOS app → Click "Cowork" in the sidebar.
Other plans: Join the waitlist for future access.
Cross-device sync and Windows support are coming as the team learns from this preview.