One AI. Four ways to work.
Claude is one AI model — the same intelligence powers everything below. The difference is how you access it and what tools surround it.
How you access Claude changes what it can do
Open a browser, start chatting. Brainstorm ideas, plan your day, think through problems, then hand off to a teammate or another Claude mode.
The native app for Mac and Windows. Create Projects with custom instructions, connect your tools, and build a Claude that knows YOU.
Claude Cowork is the desktop app's power mode — where Claude doesn't just chat, it works alongside you. Projects become departments. Artifacts become deliverables. Connectors become your toolkit.
A CLI tool for developers. Claude reads your codebase, edits files, runs commands, spawns agent teams, and builds entire features. This is Claude with its hands on the keyboard.
Side by side at a glance
| Feature | Web Chat | Desktop | Cowork | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setup required | None | Install app | Install app | Install CLI |
| Custom instructions | Per-conversation | Per-project | Per-project | CLAUDE.md |
| Memory | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| File access | Upload only | Upload only | Upload + MCP | Full filesystem |
| External tools (MCP) | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skills / Plugins | — | Limited | ✓ | ✓ |
| Agents | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Agent Teams | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Artifacts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best for | Planning & handoff | Daily work | Power users | Developers |
These work across most Claude modes and are what make Claude a workspace, not just a chatbot.
When Claude writes a document, builds a spreadsheet, drafts code, or creates a visual — that's an artifact. It appears in its own panel, ready to copy, download, or iterate on. Think of it as the finished work product your team slides across the desk to you.
MCP Connectors let Claude reach into your existing tools — read files from Google Drive, check your calendar, post to Slack, query a database. Without them, Claude is smart but sealed in a room. With them, Claude becomes part of your workflow.
Start where you are. Level up when you're ready.
You don't need all four. Start where you are. Level up when you're ready.
An analogy for how it all fits together
Think of Claude as a company headquarters. The same talented team works inside every room — but each room gives you access to different tools, resources, and depth of collaboration.
The Lobby is quick and open to everyone. Your Personal Office has your files and preferences. The Department runs full workflows. And Construction HQ is where things actually get built.
The deeper you go, the more Claude can do with you — not just for you.