Now available on macOS
What is Computer Use?
Computer Use gives Claude the ability to control your macOS desktop environment the same way a person would. It can see the screen, move the mouse, click buttons, type text, switch between applications, and complete multi step tasks autonomously. You describe what you want done, and Claude operates the computer on your behalf.
This is one of the most advanced agentic capabilities in any AI system. While most AI tools are limited to generating text or images inside a chat window, Computer Use lets Claude interact with any software that has a visual interface. It opens, navigates, and operates applications just like a human user sitting in front of the screen.
See the screen
Claude takes a screenshot and analyzes what is currently visible
Decide next action
Based on the task, Claude determines what to click, type, or navigate to
Execute the action
Moves the mouse, clicks buttons, types text, or switches between apps
Verify and repeat
Takes a new screenshot, checks progress, and continues until the task is complete
What people use it for
- Automated testing: Navigate web applications, fill out forms, and verify that everything works as expected
- Data entry: Transfer information between systems that do not have APIs or integrations
- Repetitive workflows: Any multi step task that involves clicking through the same sequence of screens repeatedly
- Legacy software: Interact with older applications that can only be controlled through their visual interface
- Development workflows: In Claude Code, use computer use to visually verify UI changes, test application flows, or interact with tools that lack CLI interfaces
Computer Use vs. Cowork vs. Claude Code
- Computer Use (Desktop app + API): Full desktop control on macOS. Sees the screen, clicks, types. Available directly in the Claude desktop app and through the API.
- Cowork (Desktop app): File focused. Reads and writes files in a folder you choose. Visual interface, no coding needed.
- Claude Code (Terminal): Code focused with optional computer use. Reads, writes, and runs code in your project, and can also interact with the desktop for testing and debugging.