Getting Started
Everything you need to start learning Claude Cowork in about 5 minutes.
Requirements
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- Claude Desktop App - Download here (opens in a new tab)
- Claude Pro or Max subscription - Required for Cowork features
- Course materials - Free download from GitHub
The free Claude tier doesn't include Cowork features. You'll need Claude Pro ($20/month) or Max.
Installation
Download the Course Materials
Go to the GitHub repository and download the course folder:
Option A: Download ZIP (Recommended)
Click here to download the course ZIP (opens in a new tab), then extract it to your computer.
Option B: Git Clone
git clone https://github.com/Tariqlearnstocode/Claude-Cowork-Course.gitInstall Claude Desktop
If you haven't already:
- Go to claude.ai/download (opens in a new tab)
- Download the app for your operating system
- Install and sign in with your Anthropic account
Open Claude and Select the Folder
- Open the Claude desktop app
- Start a new conversation
- When prompted (or ask Claude), select the course folder you downloaded
- Claude will confirm it can see the files
Start Learning
Simply type:
start lesson 1.1Claude will ask your name, what you do for work, and recommend a scenario that matches your background. You can go with the recommendation or choose a different one — all scenarios teach the same skills!
Choose Your Scenario
When you start lesson 1.1, Claude will recommend a scenario based on your job. Pick whichever interests you most!
| Scenario | You'll Play As... | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🎪 Event Planning | Coordinator rescuing a community festival | Event planners, admins, coordinators |
| 📚 Bookstore | Manager saving a struggling indie bookstore | Retail, small business, entrepreneurs |
| 🚀 Product Launch | Specialist recovering a botched app launch | Tech, product managers, startups |
| 🍽️ Restaurant Rebrand | GM modernizing a classic diner | Restaurant, hospitality, food service |
| 🎨 Nonprofit Grant | Director piecing together a grant application | Nonprofits, grant writers, educators |
| ☕ Loyalty Program | Manager fixing a broken loyalty program | Marketing, CRM, customer success |
| 🏠 Real Estate Agent | Agent inheriting a top producer's book of business | Real estate agents, brokers, sales professionals |
| 💼 Freelancer/Consultant | Consultant taking over client projects at an agency | Freelancers, consultants, agency folks |
| 👥 HR/People Ops | HR manager at a startup with no documentation | HR professionals, people ops, office managers |
All scenarios teach the same skills — the scenario just makes it concrete and fun.
Course Structure
The course is organized into lessons you complete in order:
| Lesson | Topic | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Introduction | Course overview and setup |
| 1.2 | File Exploration | Navigate and understand files |
| 1.3 | Working with Files | Extract, synthesize, analyze |
| 1.4 | Cowork Features | Tips and productivity features |
| 1.5 | Agents | Parallel processing power |
| 1.6 | Document Creation | Word, Excel, PowerPoint |
| 1.7 | Web Research | Search and fetch web content |
| 1.8 | Wrap-up | Celebration and next steps |
Tips for Success
Take your time. The course is designed for 2-3 hours, but there's no rush. Do it at your own pace.
- Follow along actively - Don't just read, actually do the tasks Claude gives you
- Ask questions - If something's unclear, just ask Claude to explain
- Take breaks - You can stop and resume anytime. Claude will pick up where you left off
- Apply to your work - Think about how each skill applies to YOUR job
Troubleshooting
Claude can't see my files
Make sure you've selected the correct folder. Ask Claude: "Can you see the company-context folder?" If not, ask to switch folders.
Lessons aren't working
Try saying the exact phrase: start lesson 1.1 - Claude is trained to recognize this format.
I'm stuck on a step
Just ask Claude! Say "I'm stuck" or "Can you help me with this?" The whole point is that Claude is your interactive tutor.
Ready?
Head back to Claude and type:
start lesson 1.1See you on the other side! 🎉
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