Routines allow Claude Code to run a process automatically on a schedule, without requiring you to open a conversation or start it manually from the terminal.

You can create a routine from the Claude Desktop app by opening More, selecting Routines, and choosing whether the process should run locally or in the cloud. Local routines only work while your computer is awake, connected to the internet, and able to access the selected project.

In this example, a daily outreach routine is created to:

• Find five new business leads;
• Move to a new location when the current one has been exhausted;
• Generate a personalized website mockup for each lead;
• Draft an outreach email for every prospect;
• Save the completed messages in Gmail for review.

The routine is connected to the project folder so Claude can access its skills, database, instructions, and other project files. It is then scheduled to run every day at 1:00 a.m., making it possible to begin each morning with personalized outreach drafts ready to review.

Before relying on a routine, use the Run now option to test the complete process. Review the execution history and confirm that Claude has the correct permissions, connectors, files, and instructions. Running several tests can help identify problems before the workflow begins operating automatically.

Routines bring together the main concepts covered in the course. Project context gives Claude clear instructions, skills define repeatable processes, MCP connectors provide access to external tools, and subagents divide larger workflows into efficient tasks. Routines then place the complete system on a recurring schedule.

This makes it possible to turn a process that previously required regular manual work into a consistent, largely automated workflow.