25 Claude Cowork Prompts That Actually Work (Copy & Paste)

Organize every file in this folder by type. Create subfolders for Documents, Images, Spreadsheets, PDFs, Videos, and Other. Rename files clearly using YYYY-MM-DD format where dates are available. Create a summary spreadsheet called "file-inventory.csv" listing every file with its original name, new name, type, size, and date.

Find every PDF receipt and invoice in this folder and its subfolders. Extract the vendor name, date, amount, and payment method from each one. Create an expense report spreadsheet called "expense-report.csv" sorted by date. Flag any receipt over $500 and any that might be tax-deductible.

Compare these two contracts side by side. Highlight every difference between them - changed terms, added clauses, removed sections, different numbers. Flag anything that seems unusual, one-sided, or potentially unfavorable. Save a detailed redline summary as "contract-comparison.md" with a section for each major difference and your assessment.

Batch rename all files in this folder using the convention [Client]-[Type]-[Date]. Infer the client name, document type, and date from the file contents or existing filename. Create a before-and-after log called "rename-log.csv" documenting every change so I can find files by their old names if needed.

Audit this folder and all subfolders. Find and list duplicate files. Identify files that haven't been opened in 90+ days. Group everything by work patterns you detect (projects, clients, personal, etc.). Create a cleanup report called "cleanup-report.md" showing: duplicates found, stale files, suggested folder structure, and what changed. Do NOT delete anything - only move and organize.

Research [TOPIC] thoroughly. Find at least 10 credible sources. Create a synthesis report called "research-[topic].md" with these sections: Executive Summary (3 bullets), Key Themes (what experts agree on), Contradictions (where sources disagree), Gaps (what nobody is covering), and Recommended Next Steps. Cite every source with a link.

Analyze these competitor files (websites, marketing materials, product pages). For each competitor identify: their positioning, target audience, pricing strategy, key messaging, strengths, and weaknesses. Then create "competitive-analysis.md" with: a comparison matrix, positioning gaps I can exploit, messaging angles they're missing, and your recommended differentiation strategy for my business.

Read this meeting transcript. Extract and organize: (1) Every action item, sorted by person responsible with deadlines if mentioned, (2) All key decisions made with context, (3) Open questions that still need answers, (4) Topics that were discussed but not resolved. Save as "meeting-actions-[date].md" in a format I can paste directly into Slack or email.

Scan these job postings. For each one, extract: required skills, preferred skills, years of experience, salary range (if listed), and key responsibilities. Then create "skills-gap-analysis.md" comparing these requirements against my resume (also in this folder). Show: skills I have that are in high demand, skills I'm missing that appear in 50%+ of postings, and a prioritized learning plan for the top 3 gaps.

Research the latest developments in [INDUSTRY/TOPIC] from the past 30 days. Create a 5-minute executive briefing called "briefing-[date].md" with: Top 5 developments ranked by impact, what each means for my business, one chart-worthy data point per development, and 3 questions I should be asking my team this week. Write it for a CEO, not a researcher.

Read my brand-voice.md file in this folder first. Study my tone, vocabulary, sentence structure, and personality. Then write 5 LinkedIn posts about [TOPIC] that sound exactly like me - not like AI. Each post should have: a hook that stops the scroll, 3-5 short paragraphs, and a clear call to action. Save as "linkedin-posts-[topic].md".

Analyze my top-performing content in this folder. Find the patterns they share: structure, length, hooks, paragraph style, tone, topics, and CTAs. Create "content-template.md" with: a reusable template based on these patterns, a checklist for new content, and 10 content ideas that match the winning formula. Be specific - I want "use 3-word hooks" not "write good hooks."

Create a 30-day content calendar for [PLATFORM]. For each day include: the content topic, a scroll-stopping hook (first line), 3 key talking points, the CTA, and the best time to post. Mix content types: 40% educational, 30% personal stories, 20% engagement/questions, 10% promotional. Save as "content-calendar-[month].csv" so I can import it into a spreadsheet.

Draft a 3-email cold outreach sequence for [TARGET PERSONA] at [COMPANY TYPE]. Research their likely challenges and pain points. Email 1: introduce the problem (no pitch). Email 2: share a relevant insight or case study. Email 3: make the ask with a clear, low-friction CTA. Each email should be under 150 words. Save as "outreach-sequence.md" with subject lines, body copy, and send timing recommendations.

Audit all the website copy in this folder. For each page: score it 1-10 on clarity, persuasiveness, and brand voice consistency. Flag anything generic ("We're passionate about..."), wordy, unclear, or missing a CTA. Create "copy-audit.md" with: scores for every section, specific problems identified, and rewritten versions of the 5 worst sections. Be brutal - I want honest feedback.

Create my morning briefing: Review all files in this folder. Summarize today's priorities based on what you find. Flag anything overdue or at risk. List my top 3 focus areas for today with time block suggestions. Save as "briefing-[today's date].md". Then set this up as a recurring daily task at 7am using /schedule.

Read every file in my projects folder. Create a single status report called "project-status-[date].md" with these sections for each project: Current Status (on track / at risk / behind), Last Activity (what was done most recently), Next Steps (what needs to happen), Blockers (what's in the way), and Forgotten Items (things that haven't been touched in 2+ weeks). End with a priority-ranked action list for this week.

Build a complete onboarding checklist for a new [ROLE] hire. Include: tools and accounts to set up (with links), required reading and training materials, first-day tasks, first-week tasks, 30-day milestones, 60-day milestones, 90-day milestones, and a "who to meet" list with context for each person. Save as "onboarding-[role].md" and also create a simplified "onboarding-[role]-checklist.csv" they can check off.

Review all SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) in this folder. For each one: check if it's still current, flag outdated steps, identify overlaps with other SOPs, and note missing procedures. Create "sop-audit.md" with: a matrix of all SOPs and their status, specific issues found, suggested consolidations, and a list of new SOPs that should be created. Then rewrite the 3 most outdated SOPs as streamlined versions.

Create a weekly team status report template. Pre-fill it with this week's data from the project files in this folder. Format for a 5-minute standup review: What shipped this week (bullet points), What's in progress (with % complete estimates), What's blocked (with who needs to unblock it), and Key metrics or numbers worth noting. Save as "weekly-report-[date].md". Keep it scannable - no paragraphs.

Read my about-me.md file in this folder. Then write 3 different bios: (1) LinkedIn bio - conversational, approachable, 3-4 sentences, (2) Conference speaker bio - professional, accomplishment-focused, 2 paragraphs, (3) Podcast guest bio - casual, story-driven, 3 sentences. Each bio should capture who I actually am, not who I think I should sound like. Save all three in "my-bios.md".

I have a presentation next week on [TOPIC] for [AUDIENCE]. Create a slide outline with 10-12 slides. For each slide: the headline, 3-4 key talking points (what I'll actually say), and one visual suggestion. Also create: an opening hook that grabs attention in the first 10 seconds, 5 anticipated audience questions with prepared answers, and a strong closing line. Save as "presentation-[topic].md".

Read the job description and my resume (both in this folder). Create: (1) A tailored cover letter that connects my specific experience to their requirements, (2) A gap analysis showing where my experience matches and where it doesn't, (3) Suggested talking points for an interview - how to address each gap confidently, (4) 3 questions I should ask them that show I understand their challenges. Save as "application-strategy-[company].md".

Create a 30-day learning plan for [SKILL]. Include: specific resources (courses, books, videos - not generic "find a tutorial"), daily tasks that take 30-60 minutes, weekly milestones to measure progress, a mini-project for each week to apply what I learned, and how to know when I've actually learned the skill (not just consumed content). Save as "learning-plan-[skill].md".

I need to decide about [DECISION]. Structure this decision for me: List every option I have (including ones I might not be considering). For each option: pros, cons, financial impact, time commitment, risks, and second-order effects (what happens after the decision). Score each option 1-10 on the criteria that matter most to me. End with your recommendation and reasoning. Save as "decision-[topic].md".

I want to [SPECIFIC TASK] for [WHO/WHAT IT'S FOR].

Success looks like: [DESCRIBE THE END STATE].

Read all files in this folder first. Ask me questions using AskUserQuestion before executing. Show me your plan before taking action.

Save the output as [FILENAME].