Claude Chat
The conversation that starts it all
Talk to Claude on the web, desktop, or your phone. Learn to prompt well, attach files, search the web, and turn Claude into your everyday thinking partner.
The big picture
What Claude Chat can do
Claude Chat is a conversation with a capable AI assistant. You type, it responds, and you refine together. Here's the surface area you'll learn to use.
Think & write together
Draft, summarize, brainstorm, explain, translate, and reason through problems in plain language.
Read your files
Attach PDFs, docs, spreadsheets, and images. Claude reads them and answers questions about the content.
Search the web
Turn on web search and Claude pulls in current information with links you can verify.
Talk out loud
Use voice mode on mobile and desktop to have a spoken back-and-forth, hands-free.
Shape its behavior
Set custom instructions once so every chat follows your tone, role, and preferences.
Connect your tools
Link apps like Gmail, Drive, and Notion so Claude can use your own context.
Your roadmap
From first message to power user
Work through the three levels in order, or jump to where you are. Each one builds on the last.
Get talking
- 1
Create your account
Go to claude.ai and sign up — the free plan is enough to learn everything in this level. Install the desktop or mobile app if you want Claude on hand. - 2
Start a new chat
Click New chat and type a question or task in the box at the bottom. PressEnterto send. That's the whole loop: you write, Claude replies. - 3
Be specific about what you want
Say the goal, the audience, and the format. Instead of “write about dogs,” try “write a friendly 100-word intro about adopting rescue dogs, for a pet shelter newsletter.” - 4
Refine with follow-ups
You don't have to get it right in one shot. Reply with “make it shorter,” “more formal,” or “add an example.” Claude remembers the conversation so far. - 5
Start fresh when the topic changes
Begin a new chat for a new subject. Each conversation keeps its own context, which keeps answers focused.
The one habit that matters most
Keep it handy
Quick reference
Everyday moves
| Action | How | When to use |
|---|---|---|
New chat | New chat button | Any time the topic changes — keeps context clean. |
Attach | Paperclip / drag-and-drop | Ask questions about a file, image, or screenshot. |
Web search | Tools menu | Current events, prices, recent docs — verify the citations. |
Voice | Voice icon (mobile/desktop) | Hands-free, spoken conversations. |
Skills | Tools / capabilities menu | Give Claude reusable, specialized know-how. |
Verify web results
Citations are links — open them when accuracy matters.
One topic per chat
Cleaner context means sharper, more relevant answers.
Iterate, don't restart
Refine with follow-ups instead of rewriting your prompt.
Projects for recurring work
Reuse instructions and files across many conversations.
Skills for expertise
Package specialized workflows once, reuse them forever.
Custom instructions
Set your tone and preferences a single time.
Common questions