AI company Anthropic is merging its previously separated workspaces: The productivity assistant Claude Cowork is being fully integrated into standard Claude chat. At the same time, the company is expanding the platform with new office tools, Claude Docs and Claude Slides, allowing users to create and edit documents and presentations directly within the chat thread.
No More Pre-Selecting Between Chat and Cowork
Previously, users had to decide before starting a conversation whether to launch a simple chat session or a Cowork environment. The latter was introduced earlier this year as a helper for more complex office tasks, offering access to local files and advanced tools. According to Anthropic, however, many users found this division inconvenient because tasks, once started, could not be transferred seamlessly between the two modes.
Going forward, Claude automatically analyzes user prompts and seamlessly brings in the required capabilities, connectors, and context. Alongside standard Claude, only the specialized programming environment Claude Code will remain as a separate mode. For users who still want to use Claude solely for simple questions, the familiar workflow will remain unchanged.
Claude Docs and Slides Bring Office Features
Along with the merger, Anthropic is rolling out new features built directly into chat, currently in beta:
- Claude Docs: Users collaborate on documents with the assistant. The AI drafts text sections, asks clarifying questions, and comments on decisions. Completed texts can be exported to Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and other formats.
- Claude Slides: This tool creates full slide decks that users can tweak directly in the browser without having to open external presentation software. Slides can be presented directly from Claude or downloaded as PDF and PowerPoint files.
- Claude Design: The graphics environment is also moving into the regular chat view to generate diagrams and visuals. However, it will also remain accessible as a standalone tool if needed.
Content created in Docs, Slides, and Design can be shared via a centralized link and viewed on mobile devices, according to the company. The existing Artifacts feature is also being incorporated into the new unified interface.
Rollout Begins for Paid Subscribers
The rollout is happening gradually with no manual action required from users. Customers on the paid Pro and Max tiers will be the first to receive access to the unified interface across the web, desktop, and mobile apps over the coming weeks. Team and free tiers are slated to follow at a later date. Administrators of Enterprise accounts will be notified at least 30 days prior to activation.
Sources: ZDNET, 9to5mac, Heise – News, Stadt-Bremerhaven
