Anthropic has unveiled a new tool named Cowork, designed as a more accessible version of Claude Code. Integrated into the Claude desktop application, this tool enables users to designate a specific folder, allowing Claude to read or modify files and provide further instructions through a standard chat interface. The result is akin to a sandboxed version of Claude Code, but with a significantly lower technical barrier to setup.
Currently in a research preview phase, Cowork is exclusively available to Max plan subscribers, with users on other tiers able to join a waitlist.
The development of this tool was partly inspired by the growing trend of users employing Claude Code for non-coding tasks, treating it as a versatile, agent-like AI assistant. Built upon the Claude Agent SDK, Cowork shares the same underlying model as Claude Code. The folder-based approach offers a straightforward method for managing the files Cowork can access, and since the application doesn't require command-line tools or virtual environments, it is far less intimidating for non-technical users.
This opens up a wide array of new potential applications. For example, Anthropic suggests organizing expense reports from a folder of receipt photos—but Claude Code users have also leveraged similar systems for managing media files, scanning social media posts, or analyzing conversations.
Similar to Claude Code, Cowork is engineered to execute a sequence of actions without requiring constant user input—an approach that can be risky if the tool receives vague or contradictory instructions. In the blog post announcing the new tool, Anthropic explicitly warned of risks such as prompt injection or file deletion, advising users to issue instructions that are as clear and unambiguous as possible.
The post states: "These risks aren't new to Cowork, but this might be your first time using a more advanced tool that goes beyond simple conversation."
Launched in November 2024 as a command-line tool, Claude Code has become one of Anthropic's most successful products, prompting the company to roll out a series of new interfaces in recent months. A web interface was introduced in October, followed by a Slack integration two months later.
