Your first Cowork session

The first session is where Cowork stops being an idea and starts being useful. Here is the whole rhythm.

1. Put the work in a folder

Cowork works inside folders, so give it one. It can be anything: a folder of receipt photos, a messy Downloads, a few documents you want summarized. If you feel nervous, copy the files into a fresh folder first and work on the copy. Cowork only ever touches the folders you point it at.

2. Point Cowork at that folder

Open the app and choose the folder you just made. From here, that folder is its workspace. It can see what is inside, and nothing outside it.

3. Keep "Ask before acting" on

This is the setting that keeps you in control. With it on, Cowork checks with you before it changes or creates anything. Leave it on while you are learning. You approve each step, so nothing happens that you did not see coming.

4. Describe the outcome, not a prompt

You do not need clever wording. Say what you want to be true when it is done:

Sort these receipts into a spreadsheet, one row each, grouped by month, with a total per month.

That is clearer and works better than trying to engineer the perfect prompt. Describe the result; let Cowork find the steps.

5. Watch it plan, and approve as it goes

Cowork lays out a plan, then works through it. Each time it wants to act, it shows you what it is about to do and waits for your nod. Read, approve, and it moves on. If something looks off, say so and it adjusts.

That is a full session. You described an outcome, stayed in the loop, and ended with the work done. Next, three recipes worth trying first.