In this lesson
- Why you might install the desktop app
- The difference between a chat and a task
- What needs a paid plan
The desktop app
Claude has a desktop app for macOS and Windows, with a Linux version in beta. You download it from Claude's downloads page, open it and sign in with the same account. Your chats and projects are the same ones you see in the browser.
Reasons to use it over a browser tab:
- It's always one keystroke away. On Mac there is a global shortcut called Quick Entry that brings Claude up from whatever app you're in.
- Desktop extensions. These are installable add-ons that connect Claude to apps and files on your own computer.
- Tasks. The desktop app is where Claude's task mode is most at home.
On the free plan the desktop app gives you chat. The task and coding modes need a paid plan.