Claude Cowork Setup Workflow

Step 1. Download Claude and open Cowork Go to Claude.com/download. Install the desktop app. Click the Cowork tab at the top. You need a Pro plan ($20/mo). Worth it. Step 2. Select the right model Click the model dropdown. Select "Opus 4.6." Turn on "Extended Thinking." Never change these. Step 3. Build your folder Create one master folder on your computer. Inside it, create 4 subfolders: ABOUT ME - who you are + how you write PROJECTS - one subfolder per live project TEMPLATES - your best work as structures OUTPUTS - where Claude saves finished files Upload this folder. Step 4. Create 3 context files inside ABOUT ME Create them as .md files: about-me.md - what you do day-to-day. my-voice.md - tone, phrases you hate, 3 examples my-rules.md - ask first, show a plan, get approval Step 5. Set Global Instructions Go to Settings > Cowork > Edit Global Instructions. Paste: "I'm [Name], [Role]. Read my files before every task. Ask clarifying questions before executing. Show a plan before acting. Never delete without my approval."