← Back to Lessons
Claude Everywhere

VS Code, Terminal, Desktop, or Web: Which Claude to Use When

Claude shows up in a few different places. Here is a simple map of what each one is best at, so you always reach for the right one.
⏱ About 6 minutes

Why this matters. Claude is not one app. It shows up in your code editor, your terminal, a desktop app, the web, and your browser. They share the same brain but suit different jobs. Pick the wrong one and a task feels harder than it should. This is the quick map.

1
The one-line version
  • Building or editing files? Claude Code in VS Code or the terminal.
  • Getting work done on your computer without code? Claude Desktop with Cowork.
  • Clicking around websites and web apps? Claude in Chrome.
  • Quick questions, chat, brainstorming? The web app or desktop Chat.
2
The surfaces, one by one

Claude Code in VS Code

Claude lives in a panel next to your code, with graphical chat, inline diffs you can accept or reject, and plan review. Best when you want to see the code and the conversation side by side. Start here if you are new to building. See Install on Mac or Windows.

Claude Code in the terminal

The same Claude Code, no editor. Run claude in any folder. Best for quick one-off jobs, running commands, and people who already live in the terminal.

Claude Desktop (Chat + Cowork)

A standalone app for macOS and Windows. Chat is for conversation. Cowork lets Claude do multi-step work across your files and apps with no code. Best for non-coders who want results on their own machine. See Cowork.

The web app (claude.ai)

Claude in your browser. Best for quick questions, writing, and brainstorming when you do not need it to touch your files or code.

Claude in Chrome (extension)

Lets Claude see and control web pages: navigate, click, fill forms, read the screen. Best for anything that happens in a website or web app. See Claude in Chrome.

3
A quick decision guide

Ask yourself what the work touches.

Where does the work happen?

Bad
A website or web app (a form, a dashboard, a CMS) → Claude in Chrome
Good
Files and apps on my computer (no code) → Claude Desktop, Cowork mode
  • Touches code or a project folder → Claude Code (VS Code or terminal)
  • Touches a website → Claude in Chrome
  • Touches local files and apps, no code → Claude Desktop, Cowork
  • Touches nothing, just thinking or writing → web app or desktop Chat
They work together

These are not rivals. Claude Code can drive Chrome to test a site it just built. You might brainstorm in the web app, build in VS Code, and let Cowork tidy the output. Use whichever surface fits the step you are on.

4
What you need for each

A quick note on requirements, since they differ.

  • Claude Code (VS Code or terminal): install Claude Code, paid Claude plan. Mac guide · Windows guide.
  • Claude Desktop and Cowork: the desktop app from claude.com/download, paid plan, and Computer use enabled in Settings. Cowork guide.
  • Claude in Chrome: the Claude extension from the Chrome Web Store, paid plan. Chrome guide.
  • Web app: just sign in at claude.ai. A paid plan unlocks the most capable models.

Questions?

Made by AI Service Engine · pick your first surface: VS Code on Mac · Cowork · Chrome