To use Claude well, give it detailed instructions and source material, keep ongoing work in Projects, and use Artifacts to turn outputs into documents and tools you can reuse. Claude is particularly strong at long documents, careful writing, and following detailed briefs, so this tutorial focuses on those strengths.
Part of AI Tutorials. Last updated September 2026. Features vary by plan; see our Claude review.
Step 1: Create an Account and Set Up
- Go to claude.ai or download the desktop or mobile app, and sign up.
- Set your preferences so Claude knows your role and how you like responses.
- Review privacy settings, including whether your chats may be used to improve models.
Step 2: Use Projects for Ongoing Work
Create a Project for each client, course, or recurring task. Add reference files, such as a style guide, product details, or past examples, and standing instructions. Every chat in that Project uses them automatically.
Step 3: Use the Features That Matter
| Feature | What It Is For |
|---|---|
| File uploads | Analyze long contracts, reports, and transcripts |
| Artifacts | Create documents, tables, diagrams, and simple interactive tools |
| Web search | Current information with sources |
| App connections | Connect Claude to tools you use |
| Extensions | Chrome and Microsoft 365 extensions on paid plans |
| Learning mode | Guided learning that helps you work things out |
Step 4: Prompts to Try
- “Read this contract and list key terms, obligations, dates, and anything unusual. Quote the relevant clauses.”
- “Using my style guide in this Project, draft a 600-word article from these notes.”
- “Compare these two reports and summarize where they agree and disagree.”
- “Create a one-page checklist from this procedure document.”
Step 5: Use It Safely
- Check facts and extracted figures against the source.
- Use Claude Team or Enterprise for client data.
- Remember Claude does not generate images; pair it with a design tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Claude free?
Yes, there is a free plan. Pro costs $20 a month, or $17 a month billed annually.
What is Claude best at?
Long documents, careful writing that follows detailed instructions, analysis, and coding.
What are Claude Artifacts?
Outputs such as documents, code, diagrams, or small apps shown in a separate panel so you can view, edit, and reuse them.