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Test version · build of 28.10.26 · prototypes · direction note

Tested on 28.10.26

Claude, the chat

Never opened Claude? In 5 minutes you have a free account and your first answer on screen.

When you finishA free Claude account, on your computer or phone, and a first real question asked.

Let’s go
What you need (2)
  • An email address or a Google account.
  • 5 minutes. No credit card.
  • Level 0 · I know nothing
  • 5 min
  • Free: Yes
  • 4 steps
My mascot writing in a notebook, the Claude bubble next to it

Chapter 01 / 04 · 2 min

Create your free account

No plan to pick to get started. The free plan already gives you chat, memory, web search, 5 Projects and connectors (checked on 10/28/2026 on claude.com/pricing).

  1. Step 1.1: Go to claude.ai.
  2. Step 1.2: Choose "Continue with Google", or enter your email address.
  3. Step 1.3: By email, open the message you got and click the login link.
  4. Step 1.4: If you're asked, verify your phone number.
Plan BIf you get stuck

Email not arriving? Check your spam and the address you typed. Otherwise, start again with "Continue with Google": no email to wait for.

Chapter 02 / 04 · 2 min

Type your first thing

You land on a page with a big text box. That's where you write, like to a friend, then send. No commands, no syntax.

Claude+ New chat1Projects32You+4Ask anything●
  1. New chat: start from a blank page.
  2. The history of your chats, on the left.
  3. Projects: one folder per topic, for later.
  4. The + to attach a file or a photo.

Pick something real from your week. This is how I always start:

Your first sentence
Help me with [what you have to do]. Here's the situation: [2 or 3 sentences]. Ask me your questions before answering.
Weak

Write me an email.

Better

Write an email to my landlord to report a water leak in the bathroom. Firm but polite tone, I want a repair within 48 hours.

Chapter 03 / 04 · 1 min

Reread, fix, try again

The first draft is never the right one, and that's normal. Answer it like you would a person: "shorter", "warmer", "you forgot the date". It fixes it.

Chapter 04 / 04 · 1 min

What if it fills up?

You'll see a message when your usage limit is full. Nothing is broken: you wait, or you move to a paid plan. What I know as of 10/28/2026: Pro costs $17 a month on an annual subscription ($20 if you pay monthly), and adds more usage, Claude Code and deep research. Prices move: check claude.com/pricing the day you want to pay.

Plan BIf you get stuck

Want it to work on your files or to code? Read Claude Cowork or Get started with Claude Code, when you're ready.

The cheat sheet

The whole guide in 6 lines

Copy it into your notes.

Cheat sheet · Claude, the chat
1. claude.ai, "Continue with Google", it's free.
2. Write like to a friend, with your real situation.
3. Ask it to question you before answering.
4. Correct it: shorter, warmer, you forgot that.
5. Reread before sending, never a secret in the chat.
6. Limit full: you wait, or you go paid.
Next guide · level 1The 6 habits to pick up from day one