Claude merges Cowork chat and work app, adds Docs, Slides, Design features

This week, Claude has changed significantly. The work app 'Cowork' and chat, which were previously separate, have been merged into one, and features for creating documents and slides are now integrated directly into the conversation. From a partner that just returns answers to one that finishes and delivers work products. It feels like an excellent employee has become even more capable.

So, what can it do now? Based on the announcement and the current range of features, I have narrowed down 10 use cases. Only the last one is different in nature.

1. Draft reports together in Docs. If you ask, 'Write a report with this content,' Claude Docs will create a draft. Since you can edit it directly on the screen, you save time on writing from scratch. The fastest way to start is to try it with a report you need to submit tomorrow.
2. For slides, have Slides draft them and present on the spot. If you ask, 'Give a presentation with this material,' Claude Slides will assemble the slides. You can edit them and present directly from Claude. When you need to share them with others, you can export them as PowerPoint or PDF.
3. Create charts and visuals with Design within the conversation. Claude Design, which used to be in a separate place, can now be used within the flow of your current conversation. You can just say, 'Make this into a chart' in the middle of working on your materials. The fact that you no longer have to switch between apps is, quietly, the most effective part.
4. For larger tasks, hand them off and close your notebook. You can hand over a task by saying, 'Have the report ready by noon,' and even if you close your computer, Claude will continue. The 'delegate and walk away' feature that was a hallmark of Cowork is now possible from a regular chat.
5. Check the finished product via a mobile share link and fix it on the spot. Everything created is consolidated into a single share link, which can also be opened on your smartphone. You can select and move elements or just say, 'Change this.' You can finish your final review while on the go.
6. Export as PowerPoint or PDF to fit into your usual company workflow. It doesn't matter if the other party isn't using Claude. Since you can output in standard formats, you can use them directly for internal circulation or email attachments. This will pay off later (I will return to this in point 10).
7. Turn the same request method into a 'skill' or template. Regular weekly reports, summaries in the same format every time. For repetitive tasks, you can save the way you make requests as a template. From the second time on, you can just call the template to get the same quality of work.
8. Connect your usual internal tools with connectors. Context, skills, and connected tools can be used from any conversation. Requests like 'Based on the materials in that folder' or 'Update that table' will be understood without explanation. The more you use it, the less rework you will have.
9. Leave web tasks to the built-in browser. Claude has its own browser. Filling out forms, picking up numbers from dashboards, operating portals without connectors. You don't need to hand over your own browser; it opens and operates on the side only when necessary.
10. Decide how to exit in advance. This point is different in nature. Points 1 through 9 were all about 'gathering.' Creating, viewing, remembering, connecting, researching—almost all work is gathering into one app. The true nature of convenience is consolidation, and behind consolidation, there is always a 'difficulty in exiting' attached. You can take out work products as PowerPoint or PDF (point 6). However, accumulated skills, connected tools, and learned context are hard to take out. Therefore, before you start using it conveniently, confirm one thing: 'When I stop using this, what can I take with me?' You don't need to disperse everything. Just make sure you can see the exit path for your most important work. The more excellent the employee, the harder they are to let go. The same is true for AI.

Note that Docs, Slides, and Design are in beta for paid plans, and integration is being rolled out starting from Pro and Max plans; in companies, administrators choose the timing for activation. Please keep in mind that not everyone can use all features at this very moment.