Feature Guide

Claude Cowork Features

A comprehensive look at everything Claude Cowork can do for you

Core Features

The fundamental capabilities that make Claude Cowork powerful

Autonomous Task Execution

Unlike chatbots that wait for prompts, Claude Cowork runs complete workflows independently. Describe your goal, and it plans and executes each step automatically.

  • Multi-step workflow planning
  • Automatic error recovery
  • Progress tracking and logging
  • Hands-off operation
📁

Direct Local File Access

Work directly with files on your computer without manual uploads or downloads. Read, write, rename, move, and organize files seamlessly.

  • Read any file format
  • Create and edit documents
  • Batch file operations
  • Folder organization
📄

Professional Document Creation

Generate polished, professional outputs that are ready to use. From spreadsheets with working formulas to formatted presentations.

  • Excel with formulas
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Word documents
  • PDF generation
🤖

Sub-Agent Coordination

Complex tasks are automatically broken into smaller pieces and handled by specialized sub-agents working in parallel.

  • Parallel task execution
  • Specialized sub-agents
  • Intelligent task distribution
  • Faster completion times
🔒

Secure Sandbox Environment

All operations run in an isolated Apple VZVirtualMachine, ensuring your system stays safe while Claude works.

  • Isolated virtual machine
  • Controlled file permissions
  • No system-level access
  • Transparent action logging
🔗

App Integrations

Connect with popular services and platforms to extend Claude Cowork's capabilities across your workflow.

  • Google Drive
  • Gmail
  • GitHub
  • More coming soon

How Claude Cowork Works

The three-part architecture behind the magic

Brain

Claude Opus 4.5 with 200K context

  • Plans multi-step workflows
  • Reasons through problems
  • Makes intelligent decisions
  • Adapts to errors

Eyes

Computer Use API

  • Takes screenshots
  • Recognizes UI elements
  • Understands visual context
  • Monitors progress

Hands

Execution capabilities

  • Controls mouse/keyboard
  • Manages files
  • Interacts with apps
  • Creates documents

Advanced Capabilities

Power features for advanced users

Computer Use API

Claude can see your screen through screenshots, recognize UI elements, and understand visual context for precise interactions.

200K Token Context

Powered by Claude Opus 4.5 with massive context window, enabling complex reasoning across large documents and multi-step tasks.

Knowledge Bases (Coming)

Topic-specific memories that Claude automatically manages, helping it remember context across sessions.

Action Logging

Complete transparency with detailed logs of every action taken, so you can review and verify the work.

Customizable Permissions

Grant access to specific folders and control what Claude can and cannot access on your system.

Workflow Templates

Pre-built workflow patterns for common tasks that you can customize and reuse.

Supported File Types

Claude Cowork works with a wide variety of file formats

Documents

.doc.docx.pdf.txt.rtf

Spreadsheets

.xls.xlsx.csv.numbers

Presentations

.ppt.pptx.key

Images

.jpg.png.gif.svg

Code

.js.py.html.css.json

Data

.json.xml.yaml.md

Archives

.zip.tar.gz

Others

.log.ini.env

Integrations

Connect with your favorite tools and services

📧

Gmail

Draft, send, and organize emails automatically

📁

Google Drive

Access and manage files in your cloud storage

💻

GitHub

Work with repositories and code files

More integrations coming soon. Check back for updates.

Ready to Use These Features?

Follow our step-by-step tutorial to start using Claude Cowork today.