Summary  
This chapter explains how to navigate a chat-based interface, including creating and switching between conversations, editing user inputs, and reviewing chat history.  

General domain of usage  
Conversational AI interfaces

### Creating Your Account

To get started, open your web browser and go to **claude.ai/login**. You'll be presented with the sign-in page, where you can create an account using either your **email address** or a **Google account**. After signing in, Claude will guide you through a short setup process:

Read and accept the terms and conditions. You can also choose whether to receive promotional emails. While optional, these emails can be useful for learning about new features and updates.

Step 1: Review the Terms

Enter and verify your phone number to complete account setup.

Step 2: Verify Your Phone Number

Select **Personal Use** or **Team Use**. For this course, choose **Personal Use**.

Step 3: Choose Your Usage Type

Choose the **Free Plan** to get started. You can always upgrade later if you need higher usage limits or additional features. We'll discuss the available plans in more detail in **Chapter 5**.

Step 4: Select a Plan

Claude offers a desktop application for Windows and macOS. Many users find it more convenient than using a browser, but installation is entirely optional.

Step 5: Install the Desktop App (Optional)

Enter your name and select a few interests. Claude uses this information to suggest potential use cases and starter prompts. Feel free to skip any parts you do not want to complete.

Step 6: Complete Your Profile

### A Quick Tour of the Interface

Once you've signed in, you'll be taken to the main Claude interface. The design is intentionally simple, making it easy to focus on your conversation rather than navigating menus and settings. The interface consists of three main areas: the chat area, the input box, and the chat history sidebar.

Displays the conversation between you and Claude, including both your messages and Claude's responses.

Located at the bottom of the screen. Type your message here and press **Enter** to send it.

Shows your previous conversations. You can reopen any saved chat, review past messages, and continue where you left off.

Each new conversation is a fresh slate. Claude has great memory within a conversation, but it can't really reach into other chats you've had. It does have some memory features, but for the best results, keep related work inside a single conversation.


Note

Which part of the Claude interface allows you to reopen and continue previous conversations?

Learn how to get the most out of Claude for work, study, and everyday tasks. This course covers everything from writing better prompts and analysing documents to using advanced features such as Projects, Artifacts, Memory, Skills, and Connectors. You'll also explore how Claude integrates with tools like Chrome, Slack, Excel, PowerPoint, and mobile devices. By the end of the course, you'll be able to use Claude confidently to save time, improve productivity, and solve real-world problems more effectively.

Learn the fundamentals of Claude, including account setup, the interface, plans, and core capabilities.

Master practical prompting techniques that help you get more accurate, useful, and consistent results.

Explore how Claude can help with writing, summarisation, research, document analysis, and working with data.

Unlock advanced features such as Projects, Memory, Custom Instructions, Artifacts, and long-conversation management.

Connect Claude to the tools you already use, including Chrome, Slack, Microsoft 365, mobile apps, Skills, and Connectors.

Claude Account and Interface Overview

Creating Your Account

A Quick Tour of the Interface