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Using Claude

Desktop Extension vs Web Connector in Claude — How to Choose the Right One

Not sure whether to use a web connector or a desktop extension when connecting tools to Claude? Here's a clear, beginner-friendly guide to picking the right option.

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🌐 This article was machine-translated and may contain inaccuracies. Read the Korean original if in doubt.

Connecting external tools to Claude — such as letting it read your Slack messages or summarize files in a local folder — can significantly expand what Claude can do for you. However, there are two ways to make that connection, and it is not always obvious which one to choose. This guide focuses on the selection criteria for web connectors (remote connectors) and desktop extensions, so you can pick the right option before you start setting anything up. If you are looking for step-by-step connection instructions, please refer to the dedicated connection guide alongside this article.

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Web Connector vs Desktop Extension — At a Glance Criteria Web Connector (Remote) Desktop Extension (Local) Where the tool lives Cloud / internet service Your computer (local) Typical examples Slack, Notion, GitHub, Linear Local folders, localhost DB, desktop apps Where it works Web, mobile, Desktop, Claude Code Claude Desktop & Claude Code only Default choice? ✔ Yes — recommended default Only when local access is needed Extra installation None Claude Desktop app required

Why Two Options Exist

A connector is simply the bridge that lets Claude communicate with an external tool. The reason two types exist comes down to where tools actually live. Some tools are cloud services — software that runs on a server somewhere on the internet, such as Slack or Notion. Others are local programs or files that exist only on your computer, such as a folder of documents or a database running on localhost — meaning your own machine acts as a small server. Because Claude cannot reach your local files through the internet, a different connection method is needed for each scenario.

Web Connectors (Remote Connectors) — for Cloud Services

A web connector — also called a remote connector in official documentation — connects Claude to a cloud-based service over the internet. This is the default option and requires no additional software to install beyond accessing Claude normally.

Use a web connector when:

  • The tool you want to connect is a cloud service you sign into — Slack, Notion, Linear, GitHub, or any similar SaaS — SaaS stands for Software as a Service, meaning software you access via a browser rather than installing locally — product.
  • You want the connection to be available across every Claude surface — web, mobile, Claude Desktop, and Claude Code — without repeating the setup.
  • The tool appears in the official Connectors Directory — the curated list of supported integrations provided by Anthropic.

According to official documentation, once a web connector is set up, it works everywhere you use Claude with no additional configuration. For example, if you connect Notion on the web, that same connection is automatically available when you open Claude on your phone.

Desktop Extensions — for Tools on Your Computer

A desktop extension connects Claude to software or files that exist only on your local machine, running through the Claude Desktop app. Think of it as giving Claude a direct line into your computer, rather than reaching out to the internet.

Use a desktop extension when:

  • The tool runs on your computer — a folder of local files, a database on localhost, or a desktop application with no cloud counterpart.
  • You need access to OS-level features — OS stands for operating system, the core software (such as Windows or macOS) that manages your computer — such as the filesystem or clipboard.
  • There is no internet-accessible version of the tool to connect to.

Important: Desktop extensions only work inside Claude Desktop and Claude Code. They are not available on the claude.ai website or the mobile app. This means you must have the Claude Desktop app installed on your computer before a desktop extension can be used.

Which connector should I use? — Decision Flow I have a tool to connect Is it a cloud / internet service I log into? Yes Web Connector (remote connector) Works on all surfaces No extra app needed No Desktop Extension (local) Claude Desktop & Code only Claude Desktop app required

Plugins — Bundling Both Types Together

A plugin — a packaged unit that can bundle one or more connectors together — can include both remote and desktop components at the same time. According to official documentation, if a plugin references a remote connector, that part works everywhere; if it references a local connector, that part works only in Claude Desktop and Claude Code. When installing a plugin, check its description to understand which surfaces each component supports, so you are not surprised when something is missing on mobile or the web.

Connecting Something You Built Yourself

The same logic applies if you have created your own tool and want to connect it to Claude.

  • If your tool has a publicly accessible URL, add it as a custom web connector — it will then be available on all Claude surfaces.
  • If your tool runs only on your local machine, use a desktop extension instead.

For guidance on building your own connectors, refer to the official connector building documentation provided by Anthropic.

How to Start the Connection

Once you have decided which type to use, here is where to go. Menu names and exact labels may change with updates, so please confirm what you see on screen.

  • Adding a web connector: Go to Claude's settings and look for the Connectors section, or browse the official Connectors Directory.
  • Installing a desktop extension: Open the Claude Desktop app, navigate to Settings → Extensions, and follow the prompts there.

When a web connector is successfully added, it becomes available across all Claude surfaces immediately. When a desktop extension is installed, you will be able to access your local tool from within Claude Desktop.

Common Points of Confusion

I installed a desktop extension but cannot see it on the claude.ai website. This is expected behaviour. By design, desktop extensions only appear in Claude Desktop and Claude Code — never in the browser-based version of Claude or on mobile. If you need the same tool available on the web, check whether that tool has a cloud-hosted version and connect it separately as a web connector.

The tool I want is not in the Connectors Directory. If the tool has a public URL, you can add it as a custom web connector. If it runs locally, a desktop extension is the path to explore. Building your own connector is also an option — the official connector building documentation covers remote connectors, and the MCPB — MCP Builder, a framework for packaging local MCP servers — guide covers local ones.

The One Rule to Remember

When in doubt, ask yourself one question: Does this tool live on the internet, or on my computer? Internet-based services use a web connector; local tools use a desktop extension. If you are still unsure, try a web connector first. It is the default, works everywhere, and requires no extra software — a good starting point for almost any connection scenario.

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