Software Engineering
Set Up Claude Cowork better than 99% of people
Systems Made Better · 7/20/2026 · 2 min read · source
Tools and Technologies
- Claude Desktop: Native macOS application. Wrapper utilizing Claude codebase model. Features Chat, Co-Work, and Code tabs.
- Claude Models: Claude 3.5 Sonnet (for fast answers, standard tasks), Claude 3 Opus (for complex, ambitious tasks). Extended thinking enabled.
- Whisper Flow: External tool for voice transcription and dictation input.
- Model Context Protocol (MCP): Protocol used by local Notion connector to query, write, and read databases.
- Connectors: Google Calendar, Google Drive, Gmail, Notion, Slack, SuperBase, Vercel, make.com, PayPal, Wix.
- Claude in Chrome: Beta browser extension allowing Co-Work to browse pages, fill forms, and complete multi-step workflows.
- Dispatch: Mobile control system to command desktop Claude instance remotely from phone.
- Computer Use: Sandbox accessibility setting allowing Claude to interact directly with macOS interface with granular app restrictions.
Architecture Decisions
- Workspace Isolation: Co-Work limited to specific root directory (e.g.,
Claude co-work demo) to prevent unauthorized file operations outside folder boundaries. - System Prompt Injection via Files: Use of root-level
Claude.md(orclaude.md) system instructions file. App automatically reads file at session start. - Dynamic Memory Persistence: Local file-based memory system (
memory.md) for appending preferences, decisions, and session logs to maintain state between contexts. - Database Navigation Map: Context map document (
my context map.md) detailing Notion database paths, minimizing token burn caused by searching. - Sub-Agent Customization: Custom personal plugins (e.g., Customer Support, Specialist Sub-Agent Builder) to run modular target tasks.
Workspace Folder Structure
- Root:
Claude.md(Global instructions). about me/: Context directory.about-me.md: Name, job role, tools, core mission, active projects.writing-rules.md: Directives derived from anti-AI writing Wikipedia entry (banned phrases, tone rules).memory.md: State logger, updated after sessions.my context map.md: Map of Notion databases and file systems.
outputs/: Destination folder for generated deliverables (Word docs, PDFs, HTML presentations). Organized by project subfolders.projects/: Specific project workspace containing dedicatedClaude.mdinstructions and localized project memory.
Key Practices and Safety Rules
- Human-in-the-Loop Constraint: System instruction forbidding direct file deletion, publishing, or email transmission without explicit user confirmation.
- Gmail Draft Rule: Claude restricts operations to creating email drafts rather than sending directly.
- Telemetry Privacy: Disable "Help improve Claude" setting to prevent private session logs from transmitting to Anthropic servers.
- Always-On Processing: Utilizing desktop Mac to prevent system sleep, keeping agent online for scheduled automated triggers.
- Scheduled Tasks: Automation scripts triggered at designated times (e.g., 9:30 AM Gmail/Calendar triage, 10:00 AM weekly briefing).