This is the only Claude Cowork guide you need.

(duplicate my exact folder, files, and prompts):

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Step 1: Download the app (claude. com/ download)

Open the Cowork tab. Select the 'Opus 4.7' model.

Turn on Extended Thinking. Never change these.

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Step 2: Build this exact folder on your laptop

One master folder: "Claude-Work."

4 subfolders: About me, Project, Template, Outputs.

Point Cowork to this folder. That's how it reads you.

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Step 3: Create 3 context files inside ABOUT ME

about-me → who you are, how you think, how you write

anti-ai-writing-style → every word, pattern, and tone you HATE

my-company → your targets, your focus, your hard No's

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Step 4: Or skip step 3. Download my own md files

Go to how-to-ai.guide.

Subscribe for free. Don't pay anything.

Open my welcome email.

Hit the automatic reply button inside.

Download my .md files. Ready to upload.

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Step 5: Set Global Instructions (once, forever)

Settings → Cowork → Edit Global Instructions.

Paste this:

Before every task, read every file in ABOUT ME/. Never touch OUTPUTS/ or TEMPLATES/ unless I point you to a file. Save deliverables in OUTPUTS/. If unclear, use AskUserQuestion.

Set once. Runs every session. Never type it again.

Your prompts can now be 10 words long.

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Step 6: Stop prompting. Start answering questions.

Claude generates clickable question form. Not text.

You select answers. No typing.

Prompt this for every task:

I want to [TASK]. Read all files first. Ask me questions using AskUserQuestion before you execute. If something is off, generate new questions. Do not guess.

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Step 7: Install your first plugin

Customize → Browse Plugins → Install.

Type / to see slash commands.

Marketing. Data. Legal. Sales. Start with 2.

This is why $285B in software stocks disappeared.

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Step 8: Connect your tools

Settings → Connectors → Add.

Slack. Google Drive. Notion. Figma. 50+ more.

Claude reads your tools mid-conversation.

No copy-pasting. Free on all plans.

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Now you know what to do first.

30 mins & folders to turn Claude into your coworker.

Most people will bookmark this and never do it.

You're not most people.

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Full setup guide + my exact files: ruben.substack.com/p/cl…