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Getting Started with Claude

Complete setup checklist for Anthropic's Claude platform. Work through each section in order — later steps build on earlier ones.

Time: ~30 minutes for Part 1, ~5 minutes for Part 2 Requires: Nothing — this is where you start.

Part 1 — Claude

Set up your account, install all apps, configure Claude for the best experience, and connect your tools.

1. Create Your Account

Sign up and choose a subscription that gives you the full feature set.

  1. Go to claude.ai and sign up (or sign in)
  2. Upgrade to Claude Pro ($20/month) or Claude Max for extended usage

Official docs: Claude Support — Getting started

2. Install Claude Desktop

The desktop app gives you quick access to Claude outside the browser, plus support for local MCP servers and file system access.

  1. Download from claude.ai/download — available for macOS and Windows
  2. Sign in with your Claude account

Official docs: Claude Support — Desktop app

3. Install Claude Code

Claude Code is Anthropic's AI coding CLI — it works directly with your files and terminal. This is the primary development tool used throughout the cookbook.

  1. macOS / Linux: 
    curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
  2. Windows PowerShell: 
    irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
  3. Start Claude Code and log in: 
    claude
  4. Verify: 
    claude --version

Official docs: Claude Code Quickstart

4. Claude Office Add-ins

Use Claude inside Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

For Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Docs), connect via Settings → Connectors in Claude — covered in Step 8 below.

5. Install Mobile Apps

Access Claude on the go for quick questions, voice conversations, and image analysis.

Sign in with your Claude account on each device.

6. Configure Personalization

Tell Claude about yourself so every conversation starts with context about your role, industry, and preferences.

  1. Click your initials (lower-left) → Settings
  2. Find "What preferences should Claude consider in responses?"
  3. Enter your preferences and click Save

Starter template:

I'm a [your role] in [your industry]. I'm learning to build AI-powered workflows and agents. I prefer concise answers with practical examples. When I ask about technical concepts, explain them in business terms first, then provide the technical details.

Official docs: Claude Support — Personalization features

7. Enable Memory

Memory lets Claude remember context across conversations — preferences, project details, and key facts — so each conversation picks up where the last left off.

  1. Go to Settings → Capabilities
  2. Toggle Memory on
  3. Grant any permissions if prompted

Memory works both in standalone chats and per-project. Each project has its own separate memory space.

Official docs: Claude Support — Memory and chat search

8. Connect MCP Servers & Connectors

MCP (Model Context Protocol) lets Claude read from and write to external tools — giving it access to your actual work environment.

Claude.ai (web): Connect remote MCP servers and 50+ built-in connectors (Slack, Notion, Google Drive, etc.).

  1. Go to Settings → Connectors
  2. Browse the connector directory or click Add custom connector to enter a remote MCP server URL
  3. Enable connectors per conversation via the + button → Connectors

Claude Desktop: Supports both the web connectors and local MCP servers running on your machine.

Cowork: Accesses your connectors, local MCP servers, and file system automatically — no extra setup needed.

Connect the Hands-on AI Cookbook MCP server for reference material:

MCP Server Connection Guide

Official docs:

Part 2 — Anthropic Developer Platform

The Claude Developer Platform is where you manage API keys, monitor usage, and access developer documentation. You need this if you're building applications with the Anthropic API or want to manage API-based access to Claude models.

This part is optional

If you only need Claude for conversations and Claude Code, you're done after Part 1. Come back to Part 2 when you need API access for building applications.

1. IDE Extension

Use Claude Code inside VS Code or Cursor. See AI Code Editor Setup for installation instructions.

2. Create a Developer Platform Account

  1. Go to platform.claude.com and sign in with your Anthropic account
  2. Navigate to API keys to create a key if needed

Most people don't need this — Claude Code and Claude Desktop authenticate directly through your Claude subscription.

Official docs: Claude Developer Platform

You're Done When

Part 1 — Claude:

  • Claude account created with Pro or Max subscription
  • Claude Desktop installed and signed in
  • Claude Code installed — claude --version prints a version number
  • Mobile app installed on at least one device
  • Personalization configured with your role and preferences
  • Memory enabled in Settings → Capabilities
  • At least one MCP connector or server connected (optional)

Part 2 — Developer Platform:

  • Claude Code IDE extension installed in VS Code or Cursor (optional)
  • Developer Platform account created at platform.claude.com (optional — for API access)