Giving Cowork Context

You've learned how to give Cowork files and folders. But every time you start a new session, Cowork starts fresh. It doesn't remember that you prefer Australian English, or that your business is called "Bright Digital", or that you never want the word "synergy" in anything it writes.

Global Instructions fix that.

What are Global Instructions?

Global Instructions are a block of text that loads into every Cowork session automatically. Think of it as a permanent briefing note. You write it once, and Claude reads it at the start of every conversation from that point on.

Without Global Instructions, you'd need to remind Cowork of the same things every session. With them, it already knows.

Where to find them

Click your profile name or icon in the bottom left corner of Cowork to open Settings. Select Cowork in the left sidebar.

You'll see Global instructions at the top with an Edit button. Click Edit, type your instructions, and save. That's the entire setup.

What to put in them

Keep it short. These instructions load with every session, so don't write a novel. Aim for a few clear lines covering:

Who you are and what your business does. One or two sentences. This stops Claude from making wrong assumptions.

"I run a digital marketing agency in Melbourne called Bright Digital. My clients are e-commerce brands in fashion and homewares."

How you want Claude to write. Your preferred tone, spelling conventions, anything about voice.

"Write in a professional but friendly tone. Use Australian English. Keep things concise."

Rules that always apply. Things Claude should always do or never do.

"Always check for existing files before creating new ones. Never use the words leverage, synergy, or utilise."

A simple starting point

Here's a template you can copy and adapt:

I run [business name], a [what you do] in [location]. My customers are [who you serve].

Tone: [describe the register]. Use [Australian/British/American] English.

Rules:

• [Your most important rule]
• [Another rule]
• [One more if needed]

You can always add more later. Start simple.

What Global Instructions don't do

Global Instructions tell Claude about your preferences and rules. They don't give Claude access to anything new. Files, folders, and connectors are separate. Think of Global Instructions as "who I am and how I work" and everything else as "what I'm working on right now."

Try it

Open Settings, go to Cowork, and write three lines of Global Instructions. Your business name, your preferred tone, and one rule. Then start a new session and notice how Claude's responses already feel more tailored.