Claude Desktop Meta Skill
MANDATORY: Invoke docs-management First
STOP - Before providing ANY response about Claude Desktop:
- INVOKE
docs-management skill
- QUERY for the user's specific topic
- BASE all responses EXCLUSIVELY on official documentation loaded
Skipping this step results in outdated or incorrect information.
Verification Checkpoint
Before responding, verify:
If ANY checkbox is unchecked, STOP and invoke docs-management first.
Overview
Central authority for Claude Desktop - the native desktop application for running Claude Code sessions locally or on cloud infrastructure. This skill uses 100% delegation to docs-management - it contains NO duplicated official documentation.
Architecture: Pure delegation with keyword registry. All official documentation is accessed via docs-management skill queries.
When to Use This Skill
Keywords: Claude Desktop, desktop app, desktop application, worktree, worktrees, .worktreeinclude, parallel sessions, cloud session, cloud execution, remote environment, desktop extensions, .mcpb, MCP bundle, bundled version, claude.ai/download, Desktop vs CLI
Use this skill when:
- Installing or setting up Claude Desktop
- Configuring Git worktrees for parallel sessions
- Creating .worktreeinclude files
- Starting cloud sessions from Desktop
- Configuring environment variables in Desktop
- Installing Desktop Extensions (.mcpb)
- Understanding Desktop vs CLI differences
- Troubleshooting Desktop-specific issues
- Configuring worktree location
Keyword Registry for docs-management Queries
Use these keywords when querying docs-management skill for official documentation:
Installation and Setup
| Topic |
Keywords |
| Download |
"Claude Desktop download", "claude.ai/download" |
| System Requirements |
"Desktop system requirements", "macOS Windows requirements" |
| First Launch |
"bundled Claude Code version", "Desktop first launch" |
| Version Management |
"Desktop version updates", "bundled version" |
Git Worktrees
| Topic |
Keywords |
| Parallel Sessions |
"parallel local sessions", "Git worktrees Desktop" |
| Worktree Location |
"worktree location", "~/.claude-worktrees" |
| .worktreeinclude |
".worktreeinclude file", "copy gitignored files" |
| Worktree Patterns |
".worktreeinclude patterns", ".env worktree" |
Cloud Sessions
| Topic |
Keywords |
| Cloud Execution |
"cloud session launch", "remote environment Desktop" |
| Teleport |
"/teleport command", "teleport cloud session" |
| Remote Environments |
"/remote-env", "remote execution" |
Environment Configuration
| Topic |
Keywords |
| PATH Extraction |
"Desktop PATH extraction", "shell configuration" |
| Custom Variables |
"Desktop environment variables", "custom env vars" |
| Multiline Values |
"multiline environment variables", "CERT environment" |
Desktop Extensions
| Topic |
Keywords |
| MCPB Format |
"Desktop extensions", ".mcpb files", "MCP bundle" |
| Installing Extensions |
"install Desktop extension", "drag extension" |
| Extension Overview |
"one-click MCP installation", "bundled Node.js" |
Desktop vs CLI
| Topic |
Keywords |
| Comparison |
"Desktop vs CLI", "Claude Desktop comparison" |
| When to Use |
"when to use Desktop", "Desktop use cases" |
| Interface |
"Desktop interface", "graphical interface" |
Configuration Files
| Topic |
Keywords |
| Desktop Config |
"claude_desktop_config.json", "Desktop MCP config" |
| Config Location macOS |
"~/Library/Application Support/Claude" |
| Config Location Windows |
"%APPDATA%\Claude" |
Quick Decision Tree
What do you want to do?
- Install Claude Desktop -> Query docs-management: "Claude Desktop download", "Desktop system requirements"
- Set up parallel sessions -> Query docs-management: "parallel local sessions", "Git worktrees Desktop"
- Configure .worktreeinclude -> Query docs-management: ".worktreeinclude file", ".worktreeinclude patterns"
- Start cloud sessions -> Query docs-management: "cloud session launch", "remote environment Desktop"
- Configure environment variables -> Query docs-management: "Desktop environment variables", "custom env vars"
- Install Desktop Extensions -> Query docs-management: "Desktop extensions", ".mcpb files"
- Choose Desktop vs CLI -> Query docs-management: "Desktop vs CLI", "Desktop use cases"
- Configure MCP in Desktop -> Query docs-management: "claude_desktop_config.json", "Desktop MCP config"
- Troubleshoot issues -> Query docs-management: "Desktop troubleshooting" + specific issue
Topic Coverage
Installation
- Download from claude.ai/download
- macOS Universal build (Intel + Apple Silicon)
- Windows x64 and ARM64 versions
- Windows ARM64 limitation (cloud-only)
- First launch bundled version download
- Automatic version management
Git Worktrees for Parallel Sessions
- Run multiple Claude Code sessions simultaneously
- Isolated worktree per session
- Default location: ~/.claude-worktrees
- Configurable worktree location
- Git initialization requirement
.worktreeinclude Configuration
- Copy .gitignored files to worktrees
- .gitignore-style pattern syntax
- Must match BOTH .worktreeinclude AND .gitignore
- Common patterns (.env, .env.local, .env.*, settings.local.json)
Cloud Sessions
- Launch on Anthropic secure infrastructure
- Select remote environment on session creation
- /teleport command for cloud sessions
- /remote-env command for environment configuration
- claude.ai subscriber features
Environment Configuration
- Automatic PATH extraction from shell
- Access to yarn, npm, node, development tools
- Custom environment variable configuration
- .env format for key-value pairs
- Multiline value support with quotes
Desktop Extensions (.mcpb)
- One-click MCP server installation
- File format: .mcpb (MCP Bundle)
- No terminal or manual configuration
- Bundled Node.js runtime
- Drag-and-drop installation
Desktop vs CLI Differences
- Desktop: Graphical interface, higher control, stability-focused
- CLI: Command-line, agentic behavior, newer features first
- Desktop: Beginners, non-coders, deliberate workflows
- CLI: Professional developers, automation, IDE integration
- Worktrees: Built-in GUI (Desktop) vs manual CLI
Delegation Patterns
Standard Query Pattern
User asks: "How do I set up Claude Desktop?"
1. Invoke docs-management skill
2. Use keywords: "Claude Desktop download", "Desktop system requirements"
3. Load official documentation
4. Provide guidance based EXCLUSIVELY on official docs
Multi-Topic Query Pattern
User asks: "I want parallel sessions with my .env files copied"
1. Invoke docs-management skill with multiple queries:
- "parallel local sessions", "Git worktrees Desktop"
- ".worktreeinclude file", ".worktreeinclude patterns"
2. Synthesize guidance from official documentation
Troubleshooting Pattern
User reports: "Worktree isn't being created"
1. Invoke docs-management skill
2. Use keywords: "Git worktrees Desktop", "worktree requirements"
3. Check official docs for Git initialization requirement
4. Guide user through setup from official docs
Troubleshooting Quick Reference
| Issue |
Keywords for docs-management |
| Worktree not created |
"Git worktrees Desktop", "Git initialization" |
| Cloud sessions unavailable |
"cloud session launch", "remote environment" |
| Extension won't install |
"Desktop extensions", ".mcpb files" |
| Environment variables not working |
"Desktop environment variables", "PATH extraction" |
| Windows ARM64 local sessions |
"Windows ARM64", "Desktop limitations" |
| MCP config location |
"claude_desktop_config.json" + platform |
References
Reference files:
- Setup Guide - Installation and environment configuration
- Worktrees - Parallel sessions and .worktreeinclude
- MCP Configuration - Desktop MCP and extensions
- Cloud Sessions - Cloud execution and teleport
- Troubleshooting - Common issues and diagnostics
Official Documentation (via docs-management skill):
- Primary: "desktop" documentation
- Related: "mcp", "settings", "quickstart"
Cross-References
- MCP Integration: For detailed MCP configuration, use the
mcp-integration skill
- Settings Management: For general settings, use the
settings-management skill
Version History
- v1.0.0 (2026-01-12): Initial release
- Pure delegation architecture
- Comprehensive keyword registry
- Quick decision tree
- Topic coverage for all Desktop features
- Troubleshooting quick reference
Last Updated
Date: 2026-01-12
Model: claude-opus-4-5-20251101
Converted and distributed by TomeVault — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
1---2name: claude-desktop3description: Central authority for Claude Desktop application - the native desktop app for running Claude Code sessions. Covers installation (macOS/Windows), Git worktrees for parallel sessions, .worktreeinclude file configuration, cloud session launch, environment configuration, MCP Desktop Extensions (.mcpb), and Desktop vs CLI comparison. Assists with Desktop setup, worktree configuration, cloud sessions, and troubleshooting. Delegates 100% to docs-management skill for official documentation. Use when this capability is needed.4---56# Claude Desktop Meta Skill78## MANDATORY: Invoke docs-management First910> **STOP - Before providing ANY response about Claude Desktop:**11>12> 1. **INVOKE** `docs-management` skill13> 2. **QUERY** for the user's specific topic14> 3. **BASE** all responses EXCLUSIVELY on official documentation loaded15>16> **Skipping this step results in outdated or incorrect information.**1718### Verification Checkpoint1920Before responding, verify:2122- [ ] Did I invoke docs-management skill?23- [ ] Did official documentation load?24- [ ] Is my response based EXCLUSIVELY on official docs?2526If ANY checkbox is unchecked, STOP and invoke docs-management first.2728---2930## Overview3132Central authority for Claude Desktop - the native desktop application for running Claude Code sessions locally or on cloud infrastructure. This skill uses **100% delegation to docs-management** - it contains NO duplicated official documentation.3334**Architecture:** Pure delegation with keyword registry. All official documentation is accessed via docs-management skill queries.3536## When to Use This Skill3738**Keywords:** Claude Desktop, desktop app, desktop application, worktree, worktrees, .worktreeinclude, parallel sessions, cloud session, cloud execution, remote environment, desktop extensions, .mcpb, MCP bundle, bundled version, claude.ai/download, Desktop vs CLI3940**Use this skill when:**4142- Installing or setting up Claude Desktop43- Configuring Git worktrees for parallel sessions44- Creating .worktreeinclude files45- Starting cloud sessions from Desktop46- Configuring environment variables in Desktop47- Installing Desktop Extensions (.mcpb)48- Understanding Desktop vs CLI differences49- Troubleshooting Desktop-specific issues50- Configuring worktree location5152## Keyword Registry for docs-management Queries5354Use these keywords when querying docs-management skill for official documentation:5556### Installation and Setup5758| Topic | Keywords |59| --- | --- |60| Download | "Claude Desktop download", "claude.ai/download" |61| System Requirements | "Desktop system requirements", "macOS Windows requirements" |62| First Launch | "bundled Claude Code version", "Desktop first launch" |63| Version Management | "Desktop version updates", "bundled version" |6465### Git Worktrees6667| Topic | Keywords |68| --- | --- |69| Parallel Sessions | "parallel local sessions", "Git worktrees Desktop" |70| Worktree Location | "worktree location", "~/.claude-worktrees" |71| .worktreeinclude | ".worktreeinclude file", "copy gitignored files" |72| Worktree Patterns | ".worktreeinclude patterns", ".env worktree" |7374### Cloud Sessions7576| Topic | Keywords |77| --- | --- |78| Cloud Execution | "cloud session launch", "remote environment Desktop" |79| Teleport | "/teleport command", "teleport cloud session" |80| Remote Environments | "/remote-env", "remote execution" |8182### Environment Configuration8384| Topic | Keywords |85| --- | --- |86| PATH Extraction | "Desktop PATH extraction", "shell configuration" |87| Custom Variables | "Desktop environment variables", "custom env vars" |88| Multiline Values | "multiline environment variables", "CERT environment" |8990### Desktop Extensions9192| Topic | Keywords |93| --- | --- |94| MCPB Format | "Desktop extensions", ".mcpb files", "MCP bundle" |95| Installing Extensions | "install Desktop extension", "drag extension" |96| Extension Overview | "one-click MCP installation", "bundled Node.js" |9798### Desktop vs CLI99100| Topic | Keywords |101| --- | --- |102| Comparison | "Desktop vs CLI", "Claude Desktop comparison" |103| When to Use | "when to use Desktop", "Desktop use cases" |104| Interface | "Desktop interface", "graphical interface" |105106### Configuration Files107108| Topic | Keywords |109| --- | --- |110| Desktop Config | "claude_desktop_config.json", "Desktop MCP config" |111| Config Location macOS | "~/Library/Application Support/Claude" |112| Config Location Windows | "%APPDATA%\\Claude" |113114## Quick Decision Tree115116**What do you want to do?**1171181. **Install Claude Desktop** -> Query docs-management: "Claude Desktop download", "Desktop system requirements"1192. **Set up parallel sessions** -> Query docs-management: "parallel local sessions", "Git worktrees Desktop"1203. **Configure .worktreeinclude** -> Query docs-management: ".worktreeinclude file", ".worktreeinclude patterns"1214. **Start cloud sessions** -> Query docs-management: "cloud session launch", "remote environment Desktop"1225. **Configure environment variables** -> Query docs-management: "Desktop environment variables", "custom env vars"1236. **Install Desktop Extensions** -> Query docs-management: "Desktop extensions", ".mcpb files"1247. **Choose Desktop vs CLI** -> Query docs-management: "Desktop vs CLI", "Desktop use cases"1258. **Configure MCP in Desktop** -> Query docs-management: "claude_desktop_config.json", "Desktop MCP config"1269. **Troubleshoot issues** -> Query docs-management: "Desktop troubleshooting" + specific issue127128## Topic Coverage129130### Installation131132- Download from claude.ai/download133- macOS Universal build (Intel + Apple Silicon)134- Windows x64 and ARM64 versions135- Windows ARM64 limitation (cloud-only)136- First launch bundled version download137- Automatic version management138139### Git Worktrees for Parallel Sessions140141- Run multiple Claude Code sessions simultaneously142- Isolated worktree per session143- Default location: ~/.claude-worktrees144- Configurable worktree location145- Git initialization requirement146147### .worktreeinclude Configuration148149- Copy .gitignored files to worktrees150- .gitignore-style pattern syntax151- Must match BOTH .worktreeinclude AND .gitignore152- Common patterns (.env, .env.local, .env.*, settings.local.json)153154### Cloud Sessions155156- Launch on Anthropic secure infrastructure157- Select remote environment on session creation158- /teleport command for cloud sessions159- /remote-env command for environment configuration160- claude.ai subscriber features161162### Environment Configuration163164- Automatic PATH extraction from shell165- Access to yarn, npm, node, development tools166- Custom environment variable configuration167- .env format for key-value pairs168- Multiline value support with quotes169170### Desktop Extensions (.mcpb)171172- One-click MCP server installation173- File format: .mcpb (MCP Bundle)174- No terminal or manual configuration175- Bundled Node.js runtime176- Drag-and-drop installation177178### Desktop vs CLI Differences179180- Desktop: Graphical interface, higher control, stability-focused181- CLI: Command-line, agentic behavior, newer features first182- Desktop: Beginners, non-coders, deliberate workflows183- CLI: Professional developers, automation, IDE integration184- Worktrees: Built-in GUI (Desktop) vs manual CLI185186## Delegation Patterns187188### Standard Query Pattern189190```text191User asks: "How do I set up Claude Desktop?"1921931. Invoke docs-management skill1942. Use keywords: "Claude Desktop download", "Desktop system requirements"1953. Load official documentation1964. Provide guidance based EXCLUSIVELY on official docs197```198199### Multi-Topic Query Pattern200201```text202User asks: "I want parallel sessions with my .env files copied"2032041. Invoke docs-management skill with multiple queries:205 - "parallel local sessions", "Git worktrees Desktop"206 - ".worktreeinclude file", ".worktreeinclude patterns"2072. Synthesize guidance from official documentation208```209210### Troubleshooting Pattern211212```text213User reports: "Worktree isn't being created"2142151. Invoke docs-management skill2162. Use keywords: "Git worktrees Desktop", "worktree requirements"2173. Check official docs for Git initialization requirement2184. Guide user through setup from official docs219```220221## Troubleshooting Quick Reference222223| Issue | Keywords for docs-management |224| --- | --- |225| Worktree not created | "Git worktrees Desktop", "Git initialization" |226| Cloud sessions unavailable | "cloud session launch", "remote environment" |227| Extension won't install | "Desktop extensions", ".mcpb files" |228| Environment variables not working | "Desktop environment variables", "PATH extraction" |229| Windows ARM64 local sessions | "Windows ARM64", "Desktop limitations" |230| MCP config location | "claude_desktop_config.json" + platform |231232## References233234**Reference files:**235236- [Setup Guide](references/setup-guide.md) - Installation and environment configuration237- [Worktrees](references/worktrees.md) - Parallel sessions and .worktreeinclude238- [MCP Configuration](references/mcp-configuration.md) - Desktop MCP and extensions239- [Cloud Sessions](references/cloud-sessions.md) - Cloud execution and teleport240- [Troubleshooting](references/troubleshooting.md) - Common issues and diagnostics241242**Official Documentation (via docs-management skill):**243244- Primary: "desktop" documentation245- Related: "mcp", "settings", "quickstart"246247## Cross-References248249- **MCP Integration**: For detailed MCP configuration, use the `mcp-integration` skill250- **Settings Management**: For general settings, use the `settings-management` skill251252## Version History253254- **v1.0.0** (2026-01-12): Initial release255 - Pure delegation architecture256 - Comprehensive keyword registry257 - Quick decision tree258 - Topic coverage for all Desktop features259 - Troubleshooting quick reference260261---262263## Last Updated264265**Date:** 2026-01-12266**Model:** claude-opus-4-5-20251101267268---269> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/melodic-software) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.270<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->
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