The Claude Toolkit: What to Add for Every Task So It Works Better
Claude out of the box knows a lot, but works with its hands tied. Add the right tools, like access to your files, a skill with your template or a connection to Canva, and the results jump a level. Here is the kit to put together for each common task.
01Claude out of the box vs Claude with add-ons
Without add-ons, Claude only knows what you paste into the chat. It writes, explains and calculates, but it cannot see your folder, does not know your office report template and cannot open Canva.
Add-ons close that gap: a work mode (like Cowork or Claude Code), skills with your procedures, connectors to your apps, a design system and a few settings.
Keep in mind: what is available depends on your plan (Free, Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise) and operating system, and the list changes every few months. Check what shows up in your own settings before you start.
02A technician with an empty van vs one with a full toolbox
Two technicians arrive at the same fault. The first has excellent know-how and an empty van: he knows what to do, but drives to the hardware store three times. The second has an organised toolbox: drill, spanners, spare parts and the building drawings. Same knowledge, completely different result. Claude's add-ons are that toolbox, and each task needs a slightly different one.
03How to put a kit together, in five steps
- 1Pick the taskWhat is the output? Report, deck, calculation, website
- 2Add a mode or agentChat, Research, Cowork, Claude Code or an Office add-in
- 3Add skillsdocx, xlsx, pptx, pdf and your own procedures
- 4Plug in connectorsDrive, Gmail, Canva, Figma, GitHub
- 5Design system and checkBrand colours and templates, then review the result
04Six kinds of add-on, one sentence each
Mode or agent
Where Claude works: chat, Research, Cowork on your computer, Claude Code for code, Claude in Chrome in the browser, or an add-in inside Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
Skills
A folder of instructions and templates that Claude pulls only when needed. Built-in ones handle Office and PDF files, and you can write your own.
Connectors
Access to an app with your own permissions: Gmail, Google Drive, Microsoft 365, Canva, Figma and hundreds more in the directory.
Plugins
One package that bundles skills, connectors, commands and sub-agents. They work in Cowork and Claude Code.
Design systems
Your brand's colours, fonts and components, so every output looks like yours and not generic.
Settings and free software
Projects, Memory, permissions, plus tools like FreeCAD, LibreOffice and GIMP that pick up where Claude stops.
0516 tasks and what to add to each
Design a websiteA professional-looking site or landing page in your colours, mobile-friendly and ready to publish.7
Agent / mode
- ArtifactsClaude builds a live HTML page you see right next to the chat and fix with plain requests.
- Claude DesignAn experimental product (research preview) for prototypes and pages, with export to HTML, PDF and Canva.
- Claude CodeWhen the site becomes a real project with several files, versions and publishing.
Design systems
- Your office design systemFixed colours, fonts and logo so every page looks like your brand. See Design without a designer.
- Material Design 3Google's free design system, a tidy starting point.
Connectors
- FigmaClaude reads an existing Figma design and turns it into code, or drafts one there.
Skills
- A "brand guide" skillA SKILL.md file with your brand rules. Anthropic's skills repository has an official example called brand-guidelines.
"Build a Hebrew (RTL) landing page for a chemical anchor product: headline, 3 benefits, spec table and a contact form. Dark blue and white, mobile-first."
Make a drawing, diagram or CAD-like sketchA flowchart, schematic or dimensioned sketch you can keep editing.7
Agent / mode
- Artifacts with SVGClaude draws a vector sketch with dimensions and dimension lines, and revises on request.
- Claude Code or CoworkWrites a script that produces a DXF file or a FreeCAD model and saves it to a folder.
Connectors
- Figma (including FigJam)Diagrams and boards your team keeps editing.
- MiroA shared whiteboard for process diagrams and mind maps.
"Draw in SVG a section of a 300×300 mm base plate with 4 M12 anchors, 50 mm edge distance, with dimension lines. Then give me a DXF file too."
Make a report (Word or PDF)A tidy report with logo, headings, tables and photos, in a file you can send to a client.7
Skills
- Built-in docx and pdfAnthropic's skills that create and edit real Word and PDF files.
- Your own "office report" skillTemplate, logo and fixed chapter structure. Explain once. See Procedures for AI.
Agent / mode
- CoworkWorks directly on a folder on your computer: reads the findings and saves the report next to them.
- Claude for WordAn add-in inside Word for editing and drafting in the open document.
Connectors
- Google Drive or Microsoft 365Pulls documents, photos and calculations from the project folder.
Settings
- Code execution and file creationMust be turned on in settings for Claude to produce files.
- ProjectsPut the template and procedures in a project, and every chat there already knows them.
"From the notes and photos in the 'Site visit 12.10' folder, prepare an inspection report in Word using our template: background, findings, conclusions, recommendations. Export a PDF too."
Do an engineering calculation with unitsA transparent calculation: formula, substitution, units and result, with a code reference you can check line by line.7
Agent / mode
- Extended thinkingMore thinking time before answering. Useful for multi-step calculations.
- Code executionClaude runs real Python instead of doing mental arithmetic, so the numbers are more reliable.
Skills
- Built-in xlsxA calculation sheet with live formulas, not pasted numbers.
- A "calculation review" skillYour office checklist: safety factors, units, the clause in the standard.
Add-ons and tools
- Python with the pint libraryA free library that tracks units, so kN times m becomes kN·m and nothing gets lost.
- LibreOffice CalcA free spreadsheet to check the result by hand.
Settings
- Projects with your standardsUpload the tables and procedures you design to.
"Calculate maximum moment and deflection for a 6 m simply supported beam under 12 kN/m UDL. Show formula, substitution and units at each step, and check units with Python." The final engineering check stays with you.
Build engineering software or a small appA working tool: a calculator, a form or a desktop app, with tests and version history.5
Agent / mode
- ArtifactsQuick browser prototype: a calculator with inputs and results in minutes. See Outputs, not just answers.
- Claude CodeThe coding agent: writes, runs and tests code in a real project. See AI agents at work.
Connectors
- GitHub IntegrationAdds a repository to a chat or project so Claude can read it.
Plugins
- Claude Code pluginsReady bundles of skills, commands and sub-agents, for example for code review. See Workflow packages for AI.
Settings
- A CLAUDE.md fileA project instructions file: language, standard, code style. Claude Code reads it every time.
"Build a browser calculator for anchor pull-out capacity: inputs, result and utilisation ratio, with an explanation of each formula. Then write 5 tests with known values."
Make a presentationA deck in your company template, with editable charts and one clear message per slide.6
Agent / mode
- Claude for PowerPointAn add-in inside PowerPoint that builds and edits slides using your slide master. Pro plans and up.
- Claude DesignSlides and one-pagers with export to PPTX, PDF or Canva.
Skills
- Built-in pptxCreates a real PowerPoint file straight from the chat or Cowork.
Connectors
- CanvaCreates a design in Canva that you keep editing there.
Design systems
- Your company slide masterColours, fonts and layouts. Claude for PowerPoint reads them from the file.
- Canva Brand KitThe logo, colours and fonts set up in your Canva account.
"Make 8 slides presenting a structural strengthening project to client managers: problem, solution, schedule, cost. One message per slide, and a bar chart for costs."
Look for information online (research)A summary with clickable sources, not an answer "from memory".6
Agent / mode
- Web searchClaude searches the web and attaches links to its sources.
- ResearchDeep research mode: many searches, then a report with citations. Takes a few minutes.
- Claude in ChromeA Chrome extension that reads pages, clicks and fills in forms. Paid plans.
Connectors
- Google DriveCombines what it found online with documents you already have.
- Hugging FaceInformation on AI models and repositories, read-only.
Settings
- Ask for official sourcesSay it explicitly: "only manufacturer and standards sites". That cuts out unreliable blogs.
"Compare 4 free frame analysis programs. For each: licence, operating system, supported codes, link to the official site. Official sources only."
Organise my desktop and foldersFolders by project and date, consistent file names, and nothing deleted by accident.4
Agent / mode
- CoworkWorks directly on a folder you choose: sorts, renames and creates folders. Asks before deleting.
Connectors
- Google Drive or Microsoft 365For tidying files in the cloud (OneDrive, SharePoint).
Settings
- Give access to one folder onlyNot the whole drive. Start with Downloads, not your projects folder.
- Back up firstA copy of the folder. It takes a minute and saves a lot of stress.
"Go through my Downloads folder. First propose a sorting plan in a table (file, new folder, new name as YYYY-MM-DD_project_description), and only act after I approve."
Work with pictures (read and create)Claude reads images well. For creating images, add outside tools.6
Agent / mode
- Image readingUpload a site photo, a scanned drawing or a screenshot, and Claude describes, reads text and compares.
- Artifacts with SVGClaude does not generate photos, but it draws icons, diagrams and vector illustrations.
Connectors
"Here are 12 photos from a site visit. For each: what you see, any cracks or corrosion, and approximate location. Summarise in a table." More on creating images at /ai/images-video/.
Make a video or animationA short animation or explainer. Claude does not film video, but it builds animations in code.6
Agent / mode
- ArtifactsA browser animation in HTML and CSS, for example a beam under gradually increasing load.
- Claude CodeWrites a video project in code and renders it to an MP4 file.
Add-ons and tools
Connectors
- CanvaCarry on in Canva's editor.
"Build a 20-second animation of a chemical anchor installation in 4 steps (drill, clean, inject, insert rod), with a Hebrew caption at each step."
Analyse Excel and dataA sheet with correct formulas, a pivot table and a chart, plus a clear note on what was calculated.5
Agent / mode
- Claude in ExcelAn add-in inside Excel that reads the whole workbook, explains formulas and fixes them. Paid plans.
- CoworkProcesses several Excel files from a folder and merges them into one report.
Skills
- Built-in xlsxCreates Excel files with formulas, formatting and charts.
Connectors
- Google DriveReads Google Sheets and files from the cloud.
Add-ons and tools
- LibreOffice CalcA free alternative to open and check the files.
"In the sales sheet: summarise by month and by salesperson, flag anything more than 20% above average, and add a line chart. Don't touch the original data, work on a new sheet."
Handle email and calendarInbox summaries, reply drafts and meeting scheduling, with nothing sent without your approval.5
Connectors
- GmailSearch threads, summarise and write drafts.
- Google CalendarCheck availability and suggest times.
- Microsoft 365Outlook, Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint in one connection.
Agent / mode
- Claude for OutlookAn add-in inside Outlook, part of Claude for Microsoft 365.
Settings
- PermissionsStart with reading and drafts. Sending, deleting and changing meetings only after you check.
"Find all emails from steel suppliers this week, summarise them in a table (supplier, subject, what's waiting on me), and prepare reply drafts. Don't send."
Write and manage code on GitHubVersioned code with pull requests and a clear description of every change.5
Agent / mode
- Claude CodeEdits code, runs commands and opens pull requests in your repository. See GitHub without code.
Connectors
- GitHub IntegrationIn regular chat: adds repository files to the conversation. Reads files only, not issues or history.
- LinearTracks development tasks and bugs.
Plugins
- Claude Code pluginsBundles of commands and agents, for example for code review before merging.
Settings
- One branch per changeNever work directly on main. That way you can always roll back.
"Read the repository, find where the safety factor is calculated, add a test for the boundary value, and open a pull request on a new branch with an explanation in Hebrew."
Translate and work on bilingual Hebrew-English documentsA professional translation that keeps terms and layout, with correct right-to-left Hebrew.5
Skills
- Built-in docx and pdfTranslate a Word file while keeping formatting, tables and headings.
- A "glossary" skillA fixed term list: anchor = עוגן, bond = הדבקה. Keeps the translation consistent.
Agent / mode
- ProjectsUpload your glossary and examples of good translations, and every chat uses them.
- Claude for WordTranslate and edit directly in the open document.
Add-ons and tools
- LibreOffice WriterTo check RTL layout and open files without Office.
"Translate this technical specification into professional Hebrew. Keep numbers, units and standard names as they are, use the attached glossary, and flag terms you weren't sure about."
Plan a project and tasksA task list with owners, dates and dependencies, updated in the tool your team already uses.7
Connectors
- AsanaCreate and update tasks and projects.
- NotionProject pages, minutes and databases.
- SlackSummarise decisions from the project channel.
- Google CalendarPut milestones and meetings in the calendar.
Agent / mode
- Projects and MemoryClaude keeps the project background between chats. See Context that stays.
- ArtifactsA simple task board or Gantt you see right away.
Skills
- Built-in xlsxA schedule in Excel for teams without a task tool.
"From the attached meeting minutes, create tasks in Asana with an owner and due date, and give me a table of what depends on what."
Make a poster or social media graphicA graphic in the right size for each network, in brand colours, with short text that reads well on a phone.6
Connectors
- CanvaClaude creates a design in Canva and you keep editing there.
Agent / mode
- Claude DesignPosters and one-pagers with export to PDF or Canva.
- ArtifactsA poster in HTML or SVG you can save as an image.
Design systems
- Canva Brand KitThe logo, colours and fonts set up in your Canva account.
- A "brand guide" skillYour brand rules in one file that Claude reads on its own.
Add-ons and tools
- InkscapeFree final editing of the SVG file.
"Design a square LinkedIn post for an engineers' conference: headline of up to 6 words, date and venue, logo in the corner, our brand colours. Give me 3 versions."
06Example: a site visit report, end to end
07Example: from a deck to social posts, on brand
08Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Too many add-ons
Every connector and skill takes up context. Turn on only what the task needs.
Overly broad permissions
Access to one folder, not the whole drive. Reading and drafts before sending and deleting.
Files from unknown sources
A document or web page can hide instructions (prompt injection). Read every approval request before you click yes.
Blind trust in a calculation
Claude helps you draft and check, but engineering responsibility and the signature stay with you.
09Summary: the minimum kit for each task
| Task | Minimum you need | Recommended upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Word or PDF report | docx and pdf skills | Cowork + your own template skill |
| Engineering calculation | Code execution + Extended thinking | Calculation review skill + Python with pint |
| Presentation | pptx skill | Claude for PowerPoint with your company template |
| Excel analysis | xlsx skill | Claude in Excel |
| Online research | Web search | Research + Google Drive |
| Website or app | Artifacts | Claude Code + GitHub |
| Tidying folders | Cowork on one folder | A sorting plan you approve before it runs |
| Email and calendar | Gmail + Google Calendar | Microsoft 365 or Claude for Outlook |
| Posters and social | Artifacts with SVG | Canva + Brand Kit |
10Set up your kit in 15 minutes
- 1
Minutes 1-2: pick 3 tasks
The ones you do every week, for example reports, Excel and email. Don't try everything at once.
- 2
Minutes 3-4: turn on file creation
In settings, make sure Code execution and file creation is on. Without it there are no Word or Excel files.
- 3
Minutes 5-8: add 2-3 connectors
In the connectors directory pick, say, Google Drive and Gmail, and approve the sign-in. See Claude meets your tools.
- 4
Minutes 9-11: open a Project
Upload a report template, logo and glossary, and write short instructions.
- 5
Minutes 12-13: install a work tool
On a paid plan: Claude Desktop with Cowork, or the Excel or PowerPoint add-in.
- 6
Minutes 14-15: a real test
Run one small task with a prompt from the kits above and check it. More prompt examples at Talking to AI.
11FAQ
Are all these add-ons available on the free plan?
No. Some work on Free, such as chat, Artifacts and some connectors. Cowork, Claude in Chrome, Claude Design and the Office add-ins need a paid plan. Availability changes, so check your settings.
Can Claude create images and video?
Not like an image generator. It draws diagrams and illustrations in SVG and builds animations in code, and connectors like Canva take you further. Details at Claude's eye.
What is the difference between a skill and a connector?
A skill is the "how": a procedure, template or checklist. A connector is the "where": access to an app or data. You usually use both together.
How many connectors should I connect?
Only what you need. Each connector adds tools Claude has to weigh, and another permission to manage. You can switch a connector off for a given chat.
Is it safe to give Claude access to folders and email?
Yes, with care. Claude works with your permissions, asks before sensitive actions, and Cowork asks before deleting. Start with narrow access, and don't open files from unknown sources without checking.