Learning Timeline
Key Insights
Two-Way Categorization Process
Claude Cowork doesn't just move files blindly. It builds a categorization system first and consults you (e.g., sorting by project or file type) before performing any physical actions on your folders.
Archive Folder Tips
If the AI creates an 'Archive' folder containing too many random files, you can provide a second prompt to instruct the AI to reorganize the 'Archive' contents into more specific sub-categories.
Prompts
Basic Folder Organization Prompt
Target:
Claude Cowork
Organize my downloads folder. Create a categorization system first and ask me if I want it by project or by file type.
Follow-up Prompt (Refinement)
Target:
Claude Cowork
These archive folders are too big. Sort the contents of the archive folders into the other relevant categories as well.
Step by Step
How to Automatically Organize Folders with Claude Cowork
- Open the Claude Cowork application on your computer.
- Enter your command in the chat box, for example: 'Organize my downloads folder'.
- Wait for the AI to analyze the files and suggest a categorization system (this may be based on file type, project name, or date).
- Respond to Claude Cowork if it asks for your sorting preferences (e.g., 'Sort by project').
- Confirm the suggested categories to allow the AI to start moving files into the new folders.
- Monitor the organization process; if an 'Archive' folder is still too large or disorganized, use a follow-up prompt to ask the AI to reorganize those sub-folders.
