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Desktop AI Tools

The web versions of Claude and ChatGPT can only see what you paste into the chat. The desktop apps can see the files on your computer. Point them at a project folder and they can read, search, and work across everything in it — your data, your documents, your code.

That's the difference. Instead of copying and pasting snippets into a browser window, you give the AI direct access to a folder and have a conversation about what's in it.

Claude Cowork

Claude Cowork is a tab inside the Claude Desktop app. It gives Claude direct access to a project folder on your computer — Claude can read your files, write new ones, run commands, and work across your whole project.

Step 1: Install Claude Desktop

Go to claude.ai/download.

  1. Open the downloaded .dmg file
  2. Drag Claude to your Applications folder
  3. Open Claude from Applications
  4. If macOS asks "Are you sure you want to open this?", click Open

Apple Silicon required

The Cowork tab requires an Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later). The Chat tab works on all Macs.

  1. Run the downloaded .exe installer
  2. Follow the prompts to complete installation
  3. Open Claude from the Start menu

RMIT staff: you need elevated rights

RMIT-managed Windows PCs block software installation by default. You'll need to request temporary elevated rights before you can install Claude Desktop. See the RMIT institution guide for the exact form and fields.

Step 2: Sign in

  1. Open Claude Desktop
  2. Click Sign in
  3. Sign in with your Anthropic account (the same one you use at claude.ai)
Don't have an account yet?

Go to claude.ai and sign up for a Pro or Max plan. The free plan does not include Cowork access.

Step 3: Open the Cowork tab and select your project folder

  1. In Claude Desktop, find the mode selector and click the Cowork tab (it may also appear as the Code tab)
  2. Select your project folder — the folder containing the files you want the AI to work with
  3. Choose Local as the environment
  4. Type your task and press Enter

Claude reads the files in your project folder, proposes an approach, and gets to work. You can watch, redirect, or interrupt at any time.

Keep the app open

Claude Desktop must stay open while Cowork is running. If you close the app, the session ends.

Codex App (OpenAI)

The Codex App is a standalone desktop app from OpenAI. Same idea as Cowork — point it at a project folder and the AI reads and writes your files directly.

Step 1: Install the Codex App

Download from openai.com/codex and open the installer. Drag Codex to your Applications folder.

Apple Silicon required

The Codex App requires an Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later).

Install from the Microsoft Store or via PowerShell:

winget install Codex -s msstore

RMIT staff: you may need elevated rights

If the Microsoft Store is blocked on your RMIT-managed PC, request temporary elevated rights. See the RMIT institution guide for the process — use the same form, but mention you need to install "Codex by OpenAI from the Microsoft Store".

Step 2: Sign in

  1. Open the Codex App
  2. Sign in with your ChatGPT account (the same one you use at chatgpt.com) or an OpenAI API key
Don't have an account yet?

Go to chatgpt.com and sign up. ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, Edu, and Enterprise plans include Codex.

Step 3: Add a project and start working

  1. Click Add new project (or press Ctrl+O / Cmd+O)
  2. Select your project folder — the folder containing the files you want the AI to work with
  3. Make sure Local is selected
  4. Type your task and press Enter

Codex reads the files in your project folder and starts working. You can run multiple projects in parallel — each one gets its own thread.

Troubleshooting

App won't install on Windows

You likely need elevated rights. On a managed work machine (RMIT, La Trobe, etc.), your IT department controls what you can install. See your institution guide for the request process.

App installs but won't connect

Both apps need internet access to work. If you're on a corporate network that blocks certain sites, check with your IT team that claude.ai (for Claude) and chatgpt.com / openai.com (for Codex) aren't blocked by your firewall or proxy.

Cowork tab not showing up on Mac

The Cowork tab requires Apple Silicon (M1 or later). If you're on an Intel Mac, use Claude Code in the terminal instead — it has the same capabilities.

Codex App: 'Add new project' not working

Make sure you've signed in first. The project picker only works after authentication. Try restarting the app if the button is unresponsive.