Beginner
How to create Claude Projects on Claude
Quick Answer
Claude Projects allow you to create dedicated workspaces with custom instructions and knowledge bases for specific tasks. You can create projects through the Claude web interface by clicking the Projects tab and setting up custom instructions, uploading files, and configuring project settings.
Prerequisites
- Claude account (Pro or Team subscription)
- Web browser with internet access
- Basic understanding of AI chat interfaces
- Project goals and context materials ready
1
Access Claude Projects
Log into your Claude account at
claude.ai and navigate to the main dashboard. Look for the Projects tab in the left sidebar or top navigation menu. Click on Projects to access the projects interface.Tip
Projects feature is only available for Claude Pro and Team subscribers
2
Create a New Project
Click the Create Project or New Project button, typically located at the top right of the Projects page. A project creation dialog will appear prompting you to enter basic project information.
3
Configure Project Details
Enter a descriptive Project Name that clearly identifies your project's purpose. Add an optional Project Description to provide context about the project's goals and scope. Choose appropriate settings for project visibility and collaboration if working with a team.
Tip
Use clear, descriptive names like 'Marketing Campaign 2026' or 'Python Code Review' for easy identification
4
Set Up Custom Instructions
In the Custom Instructions section, write detailed instructions about how Claude should behave in this project. Include information about:
- Your role and Claude's role
- Communication style preferences
- Specific expertise areas to focus on
- Output format requirements
Tip
Be specific and detailed in your instructions - this is what makes your project unique and useful
5
Upload Knowledge Base Files
Click Add Knowledge or Upload Files to add relevant documents, PDFs, text files, or other materials that Claude should reference. Supported file types typically include PDF, TXT, DOC, DOCX, and CSV files. Upload files that contain context, guidelines, or reference materials for your project.
Tip
Organize your files logically and ensure they contain relevant, high-quality information for your project
6
Review and Test Configuration
Review your project settings, custom instructions, and uploaded files for accuracy. Click Create Project or Save to finalize the setup. Once created, start a conversation within the project to test that Claude is following your instructions correctly.
Tip
Test with a few sample questions to ensure Claude understands your project context
7
Start Using Your Project
Access your new project from the Projects list and begin conversations. All chats within this project will use your custom instructions and have access to your uploaded knowledge base. You can create multiple conversation threads within the same project for different topics.
Tip
You can edit project settings, instructions, and knowledge base at any time by clicking the project settings icon
Troubleshooting
Projects tab not visible
Ensure you have a Claude Pro or Team subscription. Projects are not available on the free tier. Check your subscription status in account settings.
File upload fails
Check that your file is under the size limit (typically 10MB per file) and in a supported format. Try uploading smaller files or converting to
PDF or TXT format.Claude not following custom instructions
Make your instructions more specific and detailed. Avoid conflicting directives and ensure instructions are clear and actionable. Test with simple examples first.
Cannot access uploaded files
Verify files uploaded successfully by checking the project's Knowledge section. Re-upload files if needed and ensure they contain readable text content.
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