Files, projects and saved context

When you finish, you can give Claude a document or standing background so you do not repeat yourself.

Working with files you upload

Claude can usually read files you attach, such as documents, spreadsheets, PDFs and images. Which types and how large depends on your plan and version, so check the current help pages. Once a file is attached, you can ask about it: "Summarize this," "What are the deadlines?" or "What does section three say about refunds?"

Be specific about what you want from the file. "Read this" is weak. "Read this lease and list what I must do each month, with the page where each rule appears" is strong. Asking for page or section references makes it easier for you to check the answer against the original.

Check the answer against the source

A summary can leave out something important or slightly change a meaning. When the file matters, use Claude as a guide to the document, not a replacement for it. Ask: "Quote the exact sentence that supports each point." Then open the file and look at those sentences yourself.

Worked example: a parent in Manila receives a long school handbook. They ask Claude, "List the rules about absences and late pickup, and quote each one." They read the quotes, notice one rule about sick notes was missed, and ask a follow-up. The result is faster than reading everything, and still checked.

Projects and saved context

If you ask Claude for similar help again and again, repeating the background gets tiring. Many versions of Claude offer a way to save context, often called a project, where you can keep instructions and reference files together. Chats started there can use that material. Names and menus change, so look for the option in your own app.

Good things to save are your role, your usual audience, your preferred tone, a style sample and a few key documents. For example, a freelance translator might save: "I translate from Spanish to English for small businesses. Keep sentences short. Use British spelling." Every new chat in that space then starts with that background.

Keep saved context tidy and safe

Saved context is only as good as what you put in. Remove old or wrong notes. If your instructions conflict, such as "be brief" and "cover everything in detail," Claude has to guess. Read your saved instructions once a month and trim them.

Also think before saving anything private. A project is a convenient place to keep files, which also makes it a place where sensitive material can pile up. Save only what the work needs. Never store other people's private details unless you have a clear right and a clear reason to.

Practice now

Upload a non-sensitive document you have, such as a public brochure or a manual. Ask for a summary with quoted support for each point, then check two quotes yourself.
Write five lines of standing background about yourself and your usual audience. If your version of Claude has projects or saved instructions, add them there and test a new chat.

Use any AI assistant you have. Do not paste private, client or patient information into it.

Check yourself

1. Why ask Claude to quote the supporting sentences from a file?

2. What belongs in saved context?

3. What is a good habit for saved instructions?

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Ask anything about this lesson, in any language. The tutor is an AI: it can be wrong, and it never needs your personal details.

Next lesson: Writing and analysis with Claude

AI-drafted. Checked by an automated validator and a separate AI reviewer; a person has not read every lesson. Translations and tutor answers are AI-made. Found a mistake? Tell us. AI can be wrong. General information only, not professional advice. Not affiliated with any AI company named. Current University is not accredited.