Claude Desktop: The Complete Power User Guide

Why Claude Desktop?

Claude Desktop is Anthropic's native application for macOS and Windows that provides the full Claude experience outside your browser. Unlike the web interface, Claude Desktop offers:

• Native performance: Faster response times and smoother interactions
• System integration: Access local files and connect to external tools via MCP
• Offline drafts: Start conversations even without internet
• Keyboard-first workflow: Comprehensive shortcuts for efficiency
• Privacy features: Local processing options and enterprise security

Installation and Setup

System Requirements

macOS:

• macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later


• Apple Silicon or Intel processor


• 4GB RAM minimum, 8GB recommended

Windows:

• Windows 10 (64-bit) or later


• 4GB RAM minimum, 8GB recommended

Download and Install

Visit claude.ai/download

Download the installer for your operating system

Run the installer and follow prompts

Sign in with your Anthropic account

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Navigation

Action

macOS

Windows

New conversation	⌘ + N	Ctrl + N
Open settings	⌘ + ,	Ctrl + ,
Toggle sidebar	⌘ + \	Ctrl + \
Search conversations	⌘ + K	Ctrl + K
Quick launch	⌘ + Space	Ctrl + Space

During Conversations

Action

macOS

Windows

Send message	Enter	Enter
New line	Shift + Enter	Shift + Enter
Attach file	⌘ + U	Ctrl + U
Stop generation	Esc	Esc
Copy last response	⌘ + Shift + C	Ctrl + Shift + C
Regenerate response	⌘ + Shift + R	Ctrl + Shift + R

Model Switching

Action

macOS

Windows

Switch to Opus	⌘ + 1	Ctrl + 1
Switch to Sonnet	⌘ + 2	Ctrl + 2
Switch to Haiku	⌘ + 3	Ctrl + 3

Working with Files

Supported File Types

Documents: PDF, Word (.docx), text files (.txt, .md), spreadsheets (.xlsx, .csv)

Code: All major programming languages, project files, log files

Images: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, screenshots, diagrams

Attaching Files

• Drag and drop: Drag files directly into the chat window
• Keyboard shortcut: Press ⌘/Ctrl + U to open file picker
• Clipboard: Paste images with ⌘/Ctrl + V

File Tips

• Attach up to 20 files in a single message
• For files over 10MB, Claude processes them in chunks
• Drag entire folders to share project context

Projects Feature

Projects help organize related conversations and context.

Creating a Project

Click "New Project" in the sidebar

Name your project

Add project instructions (optional custom system prompt)

Upload reference documents

Project Benefits

• Persistent context: All conversations share project knowledge
• Document library: Reference materials always available
• Custom instructions: Tailored behavior for project needs
• Team collaboration: Share projects with colleagues (Team plan)

Example Project Setup

Project: Technical Documentation Overhaul

Project Instructions:
"You are helping rewrite our API documentation. Follow these guidelines:
- Use active voice
- Include code examples in Python and JavaScript
- Keep explanations under 200 words per concept"

Reference Documents:
- current-api-docs.md
- style-guide.pdf
- api-specification.yaml

MCP Integrations

Model Context Protocol allows Claude Desktop to connect with external tools.

Popular Integrations

Integration

What It Does

File System	Read/write files on your computer
GitHub	Access repositories, create issues
Postgres	Query databases directly
Slack	Search and send messages
Google Drive	Access documents and spreadsheets

Setting Up MCP

Open Settings → MCP Servers

Click "Add Server"

Configure the server

Restart Claude Desktop

Example: GitHub Integration

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"],
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_TOKEN": "ghp_your_token_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Advanced Features

Custom System Prompts

Set a default system prompt for all new conversations:

Open Settings → Defaults

Enter your custom instructions

Save

Voice Input

Click the microphone icon or press ⌘/Ctrl + Shift + V

Speak your message

Edit before sending

Extended Thinking

For complex problems, enable Extended Thinking mode:

Click the model selector

Choose "Extended Thinking" option

Claude will show its reasoning process

Artifacts

Claude can create interactive artifacts:

• Code: Runnable code snippets with preview


• Documents: Formatted documents with export options


• Diagrams: Mermaid diagrams and flowcharts


• Data: Interactive tables and charts

Productivity Workflows

Morning Briefing

You: "Based on our project documents, give me:
1. Top 3 priorities for today
2. Any blockers or risks
3. Key meetings and their context"

Document Review

You: *attaches document*
"Review this proposal and give me:
- Executive summary (2 sentences)
- Strengths
- Concerns or gaps
- Questions I should ask the author"

Code Review Partner

You: *attaches PR diff*
"Review this code change:
- Security concerns
- Performance implications
- Suggestions for improvement"

Troubleshooting

Claude Desktop Won't Start

Check system requirements

Reinstall the application

Clear cache: Delete ~/Library/Application Support/Claude (macOS)

MCP Server Not Connecting

Verify server is installed correctly

Check configuration file syntax

Restart Claude Desktop completely

Slow Performance

Close unused conversations

Reduce file attachment sizes

Clear conversation history periodically

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Claude Desktop work offline?

You can draft messages offline, but sending requires internet. Voice transcription works offline using system APIs.

Can I use multiple accounts?

Yes, switch between accounts in Settings.

How do I export conversations?

Click the menu icon on any conversation and select "Export."

Is Claude Desktop included in my subscription?

Yes, available to all Claude.ai users with the same message limits as the web interface.

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Claude Desktop is available for macOS and Windows at claude.ai/download.