How to use Claude AI assistant?
Quick start on the web
Go to claude.ai and sign up with an email address or Google account. After verifying your email, you land in the chat interface. Type a prompt — anything from 'summarize this PDF' to 'write a Python script' — and press Enter. Attach files or images using the paperclip icon.
- Sign up at claude.ai
- Type or paste your request
- Upload files with the paperclip
- Copy or share responses
Mobile apps and desktop
Free iOS and Android apps offer the same core features as the web version, including camera uploads and voice input. No separate desktop app exists, but the web site works well in any browser. Some users create a desktop shortcut (Chrome: More tools → Create shortcut) for quick access.
- iOS and Android apps available
- Camera and voice input
- No native desktop app
- Browser shortcut works
For developers: API access
Create an Anthropic Console account at console.anthropic.com to get an API key. The API lets you embed Claude in your own apps, automate workflows, or build custom tools. SDKs exist for Python, TypeScript, and other languages. Pricing is pay-as-you-go per token.
- Get API key from Console
- Python and TypeScript SDKs
- Pay per token used
- Build custom integrations
Common mistakes
- Thinking you need programming skills to use Claude — the web and mobile apps require zero code.
- Confusing the web chat with the API — they have separate accounts, limits, and billing.
- Assuming uploaded files persist forever — free tier conversations may be deleted after a period of inactivity.
