tools-only Claude AI (claude.ai / Desktop App)
Last verified: 2026-02-17
Models
Default model varies by plan: Opus 4.6 for Pro/Max/Team, Sonnet 4.5 for Free. See models.md for full list.
Plans
| Tier | Key Limits |
|---|---|
| Free | File creation, connectors, skills, longer conversations (expanded Jan 2026) |
| Pro | Higher usage limits, all features |
| Max | Highest limits, Cowork access |
| Team | Collaboration features, admin controls |
| Enterprise | SSO, audit logs, custom retention |
Skills
Upload via Settings > Capabilities > Skills. Format: zip archive containing SKILL.md + optional scripts/, references/, assets/. Skills trigger based on YAML frontmatter description field. Available on all plans including Free.
MCP Connectors
Connected via UI (Settings > Connectors). Current first-party connectors include Gmail, Google Chat, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Tasks, Cloudflare, Mermaid Chart. Third-party connectors available through partner integrations.
Interactive Apps
Launched Jan 26, 2026. Powered by "MCP Apps" protocol extension. Nine launch partners:
- Slack, Canva, Figma, Box, Clay, Asana, Amplitude, Hex, Monday.com
These deliver interactive UI within the Claude conversation. Different from MCP connectors — they're rich, embedded app experiences. Available on Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise.
Artifacts
Render inline in conversation:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| HTML | Full web pages with CSS/JS |
| React/JSX | Interactive components |
| Mermaid | Diagrams and charts |
| SVG | Vector graphics |
| Markdown | Formatted documents |
| Code | Syntax-highlighted, copyable |
File Creation
Can create and download: DOCX, PPTX, XLSX, PDF, code files, images (via tool use). Output path: /mnt/user-data/outputs/. Use present_files tool to share files with the user.
Memory
Automatic cross-conversation memory from chat history. Claude remembers facts, preferences, and context from previous conversations. No explicit memory management by user — it just works.
Search
- Web search: Built-in with citations. Automatic when current information is needed.
- Conversation search:
conversation_searchandrecent_chatsinternal tools for searching past conversations. Not accessible from external tools or APIs.
Beta Features
- Claude in Chrome: Browser automation agent. Controls Chrome tabs, fills forms, navigates. Beta access.
- Claude in Excel: Spreadsheet automation agent. Beta access.
Container Environment
Ubuntu-based sandbox. Python available for skill script execution. Key paths:
/mnt/user-data/outputs/— file output directory/mnt/skills/— loaded skill files
No persistent bash shell. No local filesystem access beyond the container. Cannot install arbitrary packages. No git, no deployment tools, no CLI access to external services.
What Claude AI Cannot Do
- Access the user's local filesystem
- Run bash commands on the user's machine
- Deploy code (no wrangler, vercel, etc.)
- Use subagents or Agent Teams
- Access Claude Code conversation logs
- Run persistent background processes