Plenty of people open Cowork and start typing with no setup at all. These four steps give Claude your context, your voice and your tools before you ask for anything. That's when it starts working like an assistant.
Anthropic is rolling out a new Claude layout where Cowork and chat are one app. In the older layout, your instructions are called Global instructions in Settings, and memory sits under Settings > Capabilities. The four steps are the same.
Set it up in four steps before you ask it for anything. Add Instructions for Claude and turn on memory, build a voice skill for each kind of writing you do, create a project for each client or stream of work, then connect the apps where your work lives, like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive or Slack.
Click your initials at the bottom left, open Settings, then General, and fill in Instructions for Claude. Say who you are, what you do and how you want answers, and keep it short. In the older Cowork layout the same box is called Global instructions, and it sits in Settings.
Yes, when memory is switched on. Open Settings, then Memory, and check that Generate memory from chats is on. Memory is on by default on Free, Pro and Max plans, and on Team and Enterprise an owner has to switch it on. Each Cowork project keeps its own memory, separate from your other projects.
No, Cowork is on paid Claude plans only: Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise. Cowork projects also need a paid plan and the latest Claude Desktop app. Connectors are available on every plan, so you can link Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive or Slack as soon as you start.
Connectors let Claude read and work in your other apps. With Gmail it searches your inbox and drafts replies, and by default it asks your approval before it sends. With Google Calendar it checks your schedule and can create, move or delete events. With Google Drive it finds and reads your Docs, Sheets, Slides and PDFs. Add them in Customize > Connectors.
The fill-in template I use for Instructions for Claude, so you get the right context in without writing an essay. Plus the connectors I'd add first, and what each one lets Claude do.
Copy this into Instructions for Claude and replace every [bracket]. Start with this much. Add a line each time you catch yourself correcting Claude on the same thing twice.
About me - I'm [name], [role] at [business]. We [what you do, in one line] for [who you serve]. - My clients are [type of client, e.g. small professional services firms]. - Right now I'm focused on [your top 2 priorities this quarter]. - Terms you'll see me use: [acronym = meaning], [client nickname = full name]. How I want answers - Lead with the answer or recommendation. Then the reasons. - Keep it short. Use bullet points only when there are 3 or more items. - Write in [US / UK] English, plain words, no jargon. - If you're unsure or guessing, say so. Don't make up facts, numbers or links. - Ask me one clarifying question when a request is unclear. Don't ask more than that. How I work - My tools: [Google Workspace / Microsoft 365], [Slack], [your project tool]. - Always ask before sending, deleting or booking anything on my behalf. - When you write as me, use my voice skills.
Add the app you use most, then ask Claude something that needs it, like "What's on my calendar this week, and what should I prepare?" Once that works, add the next one.
Prompts, step-by-step guides and checklists you can put to work today.