Claude 2026 Setup Cheatsheet

1. Get the Claude app (claude.com/download). 2. You need a Pro plan ($20/mo). 3. You'll see 4 tabs: Chat, Cowork, Code & Projects. Cowork = Claude works inside your computer. Pick a folder. Add 3 files: about-me.md, anti-ai-style.md, my-company.md. Set Global Instructions so it reads before tasks. Claude generates clickable forms. Click & answer. Projects = persistent context for your team. Go to claude.ai -> Click "Projects" in the sidebar. Upload your brand docs, writing samples & data. Set custom instructions. Chat inside the Project. Every conversation remembers everything. Skills = slash commands that fire automatically. Open Cowork -> prompt: "Use the skill-creator to build a skill for [your task]." Claude interviews you. Builds the Skill. You upload it once. Now type /brief anywhere. It just works. Browse plugins: Customize -> Personal plugins -> +. Code = a junior developer for $0.66/day. Go to the Code. Connect your free GitHub account. Type what you want in English. Attach a screenshot. Claude builds it. Pushes it live. You edit with words. Install VS Code + bypass permissions to go 10x fast. Pro tip: Select Opus 4.6 + Extended thinking for complex tasks. Use Sonnet for quick ones.