Claude Projects

A Project is a persistent workspace in Claude Desktop. When you use a Project, Claude remembers your instructions and can refer back to previous conversations in that Project — you don’t have to re-explain your context every time.

Create a Project

1. Click Projects in the left sidebar
2. Click New Project
3. Give it a name — something like “My App” or “Blog Writing”

Add project instructions

Project instructions tell Claude who you are, what you’re working on, and how you want it to behave. They apply to every conversation in that Project.

1. Open your Project
2. Click the Project instructions field at the top
3. Write your instructions and save

Example instructions for a coding project:

This is a TypeScript Next.js app. I'm the sole developer.
Always suggest the simplest solution first.
Don't add dependencies without asking.
When I share an error, ask for the full stack trace before suggesting a fix.

Example instructions for writing:

I'm writing a technical blog aimed at junior developers.
Keep explanations simple. Avoid jargon unless you define it.
Match my casual, direct tone — not corporate.

✗ No project instructions

You re-explain the project every conversation. Claude may make tech stack mistakes, add unwanted dependencies, or violate your style preferences.

✓ With project instructions

Instructions load automatically. Claude knows the stack, your preferences, and constraints — before you type a word.

⚡ Why this works: Project instructions are a one-time investment that removes friction from every future conversation in the Project.

When to use a Project

Use a Project for ongoing work — a codebase you return to, a writing series, a client. For one-off questions, regular chat is fine.

A good rule: if you’d find yourself re-explaining the same background every conversation, make it a Project.

Next step

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