SmartConstructAI · Setup Guide

Setting Up Claude Cowork

From download to your first automated task — a plain-English setup guide for Claude Desktop's Cowork mode on Mac or Windows.

⏱ Takes about 15 minutes

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Download Claude Desktop

Go to claude.ai/download and download the app for your operating system (Mac or Windows). Run the installer — it takes under 2 minutes.

Note: Claude Desktop requires a Claude account. Sign up at claude.ai if you don't have one. The free tier works — Pro ($25/month) gives you higher usage limits and access to the most capable models.

Open Claude Desktop and sign in with your Anthropic account. Look for the Cowork option in the sidebar or mode selector. Cowork is where all the power lives — file access, skills, and app connections.

Tip: Regular chat in Claude Desktop works just like Claude Web. Cowork mode unlocks file system access, running code, and installing plugins.

Select Your Working Folder

In Cowork, Claude asks you to select a folder on your computer. This is the folder Claude can read from and write to. Choose a project folder or create a dedicated Claude-Workspace folder for your work.

Good practice: Don't select your entire Documents folder on the first go. Start with a single project folder so you can see what Claude is accessing before expanding permissions.

Install Your First Skills / Plugins

Skills are pre-built capabilities you can install into Cowork. Go to Settings → Capabilities (or the Skills marketplace) to browse and install. Start with a few that match your immediate needs — document creation, scheduling, or email.

Recommended starter skills: Word/DOCX generator · PDF creator · Excel/XLSX builder · Schedule a task · SEO audit

Connect Your Apps (MCPs)

MCP connectors let Claude access your real tools — Google Drive, Gmail, Airtable, n8n, and dozens more. Go to Settings → Integrations to connect apps. Each connection uses OAuth — you authorise Claude, and it can then read/act on that platform.

Construction recommendations: Google Drive (specs, documents) · Gmail (correspondence) · Google Calendar (meetings, deadlines) · Airtable (project tracking)

Set Up Your CLAUDE.md (Working Memory)

Create a file called CLAUDE.md in your workspace folder. This file persists across sessions — it's where you store your preferences, project context, and instructions so Claude remembers who you are and how you work.

Include in CLAUDE.md: Your name and role · Active project names · Preferred file formats · Tone preferences · Key contacts and their roles

✅ Setup Checklist

Claude Desktop downloaded and installed

Signed in to Claude account

Cowork mode opened

Working folder selected

At least 2 skills installed

At least 1 app connected (MCP)

CLAUDE.md created with your context

First task completed successfully

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Privacy & Security

Claude only accesses the folder you select. Revoke app connections any time via Settings. No data is shared with third parties through standard MCP connectors.

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Start Small

Don't try to automate everything at once. Pick one repetitive task — a report, a summary, a document — and automate that first. Build confidence before expanding.

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Be Specific

The more detail you give Claude, the better the output. Tell it the format you want, the audience, the length, and the tone — don't make it guess.

Want a hands-on Claude Cowork setup for your construction business?

SmartConstructAI can configure, connect, and train your team — remotely or on-site.

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