Create a Claude Cowork Project from a Local Folder

Create the project and check one session

1. 1

   Open Cowork Projects

   Open Claude Desktop, switch to `Cowork`, select `Projects`, and choose the + button. Cowork must stay open while it runs local tasks.

   Tip: A Cowork project is local to this computer. A Claude Chat project is a separate online product.

2. 2

   Use the folder that owns the work

   Choose `Use an existing folder`, then select `This Project`. Do not select `My Agent Projects` if it also contains unrelated projects.

   Tip: The example name is replaced with your real project folder name.

3. 3

   Check the folder permission

   Approve access only if the dialog names `This Project`. Choose a persistent option such as `Always allow` only when future sessions in this project should keep using that folder.

   Tip: Cancel and choose a narrower folder if this one contains unrelated private material.

4. 4

   Name the project and add its rules

   Give the project a clear name and short description. Add standing instructions that name the authoritative files, protected files, allowed outputs, and what a good result includes.

   Tip: Add links or a Claude Chat project only when this work needs that context. Linking does not merge the projects.

5. 5

   Create the project and run a small check

   Review the folder and instructions, then click `Create`. Open the saved project and ask Claude to list the top-level files in `This Project` or create a disposable test note there.

   Tip: A session started outside the saved project may not carry its folder, instructions, links, or memory.

6. 6

   Reopen it once

   End the test session, reopen `This Project` from Projects, and confirm its folder and instructions are still present.

   Tip: Archiving removes the Cowork project and its memory, but it does not delete the local files.