Guides Claude published jan 15, 2026
This guide introduces Claude Cowork, explains how it differs from regular Claude, and demonstrates two workflows for editing media files from your computer. You will use Claude Cowork to work in a folder, compress image copies, speed up a video, and extract audio from another video.
You will create a reusable Claude Cowork workflow for editing media files in a local folder.
When trying extensions, start with ones marked as developed by Anthropic.
Make sure your Claude desktop app is updated, then open it. You should see the new Cowork tab.
Review the suggested workflows. For this demo, you will have Claude edit images and videos. Download the attached images and videos if you have them, or use your own media files, and place them together in a folder.
Click the “Work in a folder” button and select the folder you created.
Ask Claude to save copies of the images and reduce their file sizes.
Save copies of the images in this folder then reduce the file size of each by at least 50%.
You should see Claude editing the images using the terminal. The active task Claude Cowork is completing will show in the top right.
Ask Claude to make a faster copy of the horse video.
Make a copy of the horse video that is 2x speed.Before Claude finishes, add another prompt to the queue.
Extract the audio from the small steps video and save it as an mp3.Claude should work through both tasks in parallel.
Go to Settings → Extensions → Browse Extensions. The source recommends adding the Context7 extension to give Claude Cowork access to open source documentation.
You can browse additional extensions to automate more of your Mac with Claude Cowork. A good starting point is extensions that say they were developed by Anthropic.
Keep going
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