Spirantix.ai

Lesson 3 · 8 minute read

Getting started with Claude

Learn the basic conversation flow and where Claude can be especially helpful.

Claude is an AI assistant from Anthropic. Like ChatGPT, it can explain, draft, compare, organize, and work through a task with you in a conversation.

Claude is available on the web and through official desktop and mobile applications. Features and limits can differ by account and plan.

1. Open Claude

Visit claude.ai in a browser, or use the official Claude application. Sign in or create an account if prompted.

Check the spelling of the address before entering account information.

2. Write a natural first prompt

Claude’s official guidance recommends speaking naturally, much as you would to a helpful coworker or friend. A prompt can be a simple question or a detailed request.

For example:

“I want to understand my electric bill. Give me a short list of the terms I should look for and what each one usually means.”

3. Add the context that matters

If Claude gives a general answer, add information that makes the task specific to you without revealing unnecessary private details.

  • “I live in an apartment, so skip advice about replacing large equipment.”
  • “I only want steps that do not require buying anything.”
  • “Keep the explanation under 300 words.”

4. Refine the answer

Your next message can correct, narrow, or reorganize the response. Try asking Claude to:

  • Use a checklist
  • Explain one unfamiliar term
  • Compare two options
  • Identify assumptions it made
  • List facts that should be verified

5. Work with documents carefully

Claude can work with documents and other uploaded material. Before uploading, consider whether the task requires the complete document. Remove account numbers, identity information, medical details, signatures, and other private material that is not needed.

Ask for a summary, list of questions, or plain-language explanation. Do not rely on Claude alone for legal, medical, financial, or contractual decisions.

6. Use a Project for continuing work

Claude Projects can keep related conversations, instructions, and uploaded reference material together. Projects are useful when you will return to the same subject more than once.

A later Spirantix lesson will walk through Projects in both Claude and ChatGPT. For now, an ordinary conversation is enough to practice the basics.

Try this today

Ask Claude:

“Help me create a simple checklist for preparing for a weekend visit from family. Organize it into the day before, the morning of the visit, and just before they arrive.”

Then ask Claude to shorten the checklist to the items that matter most.

Last reviewed: September 2, 2026

Instructions were checked against Anthropic’s official guide to getting started with Claude and official Projects explanation.

AI products change frequently. If a button or menu looks different, use the product’s Help area or official documentation for the newest instructions.