A starting point for anyone who wants to learn how to use Claude. This guide lays out what to look at first and in what order, then links to detailed guides for each step. Even if you don't code, you can follow along.
🟢 Model references match the current lineup · model notice · Fable subscription
Fable 5 and 5.1 subscription (updated September 7, 2026): Claude Fable 5.1, released September 1, 2026, is the current Fable model and Fable 5 is now legacy. Plan terms are the same for both — Max and Team Premium plans include Fable at up to 50% of the weekly usage limit; Pro and Team Standard use usage credits (
- "How to use Claude," step by step — sign up & first chat → prompting → features → (developers) Code & API.
- No coding needed; general users can follow along.
- Start with everyday tasks: writing, summarizing, translating, analysis.
- Each step links to a more detailed guide.
What is Claude?
Claude is a conversational AI assistant built by Anthropic. It can answer questions, write and edit text, summarize material, write code, and more. You can use it as a chat app on web, mobile, and desktop, and developers can integrate it via the API. This page maps out the fastest path for first-time users.
Step 1 — Sign up and start your first chat
The first thing to do is create an account and try a first conversation. Sign-up, the difference between free and paid plans, and model selection (which model fits which situation) are covered in a dedicated beginner guide. This is where learning how to use Claude begins.
Step 2 — Learn to write good prompts
The key to getting the most out of Claude is what you ask and how you ask it. The same question, phrased clearly with context and a specified format, yields much better results. Principles like being clear, adding context, using examples, and structuring with tags are covered in the prompting guide, grounded in official documentation.
Step 3 — Use the main features
Once you're comfortable chatting, you can go further. Knowing about the panel that displays outputs, the workspace that holds context, and memory across sessions lets you move beyond simple Q&A. What each feature is and when to use it is covered in the main features guide.
Step 4 — For developers: Claude Code and the API
If you work with code, Claude Code (delegating tasks from the terminal) and the API (integrating Claude into your own service) are the next steps. Installation and your first API call are walked through in their respective guides. If you're not a developer, feel free to skip this step.
The fastest way to learn Claude
Rather than memorizing everything at once, the fastest path is to actually use it in order: sign up, first chat, refine prompts, then explore features. The guides and news on this site are updated regularly, so when you get stuck, look up the relevant guide or ask in the community.
Curious how different roles use Claude? See Claude use cases by role.
Related guides: download & install, using Artifacts, using Projects, giving enough context.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I start learning to use Claude?
Sign up and try a first chat, then learn prompting, then the main features. Developers move on to Claude Code and the API at the end.
Can I use it without knowing how to code?
Yes. Claude is also a tool for general users — just chat in plain language; no dev knowledge required.
What can I do with Claude?
Writing, summarizing, translating, organizing ideas, analyzing material, and more; developers also use it as a coding assistant.
For shortcuts and tips to work faster, see Claude shortcuts and tips.
Related: Claude vs Claude Code vs Cowork: What's the Difference?
Related articles
- How to Use Claude Projects: Knowledge & Instructions to Cut Repetition
- How to Use Claude Code: Real Usage After Install (Commands, VS Code)
- Claude Artifacts: How to Create, Edit, Publish & Share (2026)
- CLAUDE.md Templates — Copy-Paste Sections and Examples
- Getting Started with Claude: From Sign-Up to Your First Chat (Beginner's Guide)