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Anthropic Launches Cowork, a No-Code Tool to Use Claude Code Through a Desktop App

Prime Highlight 

  • Anthropic has introduced Cowork, a new no-code tool that allows non-technical users to work with Claude Code through a simple chat interface. 
  • The launch reflects growing demand for agent-based AI tools that can manage files, analyze content, and perform tasks without a complex technical setup. 

Key Facts 

  • Cowork is built into the Claude Desktop app and lets users grant Claude controlled access to a selected folder on their computer. 
  • The tool is currently available as a research preview for Max subscribers, with a waitlist open for users on other plans. 

Background 

Anthropic launched a new tool called Cowork, which enables users to utilize Claude Code without requiring any technical setup or coding skills. The company announced the release on Monday, positioning Cowork as a simpler and more user-friendly way to work with agent-based AI.

Built into the Claude Desktop app, Cowork lets users choose a specific folder on their computer that Claude can read or modify. Users then give instructions through the normal chat interface, removing the need for command-line tools or complex environments. Anthropic said this approach makes the tool easier for non-technical users while keeping file access controlled.

Cowork is currently available as a research preview for Max subscribers. Anthropic has opened a waitlist for users on other plans who want early access.

The company said the tool was inspired by how people are already using Claude Code for tasks beyond software development. Many users treat it as a general AI assistant for managing files, reviewing content, or analyzing information. Cowork uses the same Claude Agent SDK that powers Claude Code, meaning it runs on the same underlying AI model.

Anthropic highlighted several ways to use the AI, like making expense reports from receipt images, organizing media files, checking social media content or analyzing written conversations. By keeping files in a single folder, users can control what the AI can see and change.

Like Claude Code, Cowork can perform multiple actions without needing the user to guide it all the time. Anthropic warned that unclear instructions could lead to mistakes, such as unwanted file changes or prompt injection. The company advised users to give clear and precise directions.

Cowork follows the success of Claude Code, which launched as a command-line tool in November 2024. Since then, Anthropic added a web version and a Slack integration to Claude Code, showing high demand for flexible AI tools.