# Connect your project workspace

Choose one route. Start with the AI access you already have.

## ChatGPT desktop Work or Codex
Open the project menu, choose Edit project and Add folder. Select this project folder and verify access by asking the AI to read PROJECT.md and quote one project-specific line. Confirm where it can save changes. Availability depends on your app and workspace settings.
Official guide: https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/projects

## Claude Project knowledge
Create a Project and upload the relevant files through the knowledge panel. Start a chat inside that project. Uploaded files are shared project context; they are not a live mirror of your laptop. After approved changes, save the replacement files and update the uploaded versions.
Official guide: https://support.claude.com/en/articles/9519177-how-can-i-create-and-manage-projects

## Claude desktop Cowork or a coding tool
Connect this local folder using the access controls available in the tool. Ask it to list the files it can read and confirm its writable location. A regular chat or an uploaded file does not automatically grant local-folder write access.
Official guide: https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13345190-get-started-with-claude-cowork

## Regular web or mobile chat
Attach the individual files needed for the step, or paste their contents. Ask for downloadable replacements or complete file text when direct editing is unavailable. Keep one main copy of the folder current. Do not assume a typed local path shares the file.

## Access-check prompt
Read PROJECT.md and START-HERE.md from my attached files or explicitly connected folder. List the files you actually read and quote one short, project-specific line. Tell me whether you can edit the original folder, create downloadable replacements or only return text. Tell me where changes will be saved before changing anything.

Checked against official documentation on 14 November 2026. Menus, availability and plan limits can change; use the linked official setup pages.