> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://edgeful.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# how to set up Claude Code | Claude app

> run Claude Code inside the Claude desktop app, no editor and no terminal. ready in about 5 minutes on Mac or Windows.

already have the Claude app with the Code tab working? skip this page and go straight to [set up API with your AI agent](/getting-started/set-it-up-with-ai) to paste the prompt.

<Note>
  two ways to run Claude Code: **in the Claude desktop app** (this guide, the simplest, no editor or terminal), or **in VS Code**. prefer the editor? see [how to set up Claude Code | VS Code](/getting-started/setup-claude-vscode).
</Note>

<Warning>
  this is the part a chat window can't do. claude.ai in your browser can only chat. the Claude desktop app has a built-in **Code** tab that runs on your computer, so it can create files, run commands, and call the edgeful API for you. that's what you're setting up here.
</Warning>

first, the one thing you must have: a **paid Claude plan** — Pro or Max, the same login you use for claude.ai. a free account won't work. the app itself is free.

<Steps>
  <Step title="download the Claude app">
    1. go to <a href="https://claude.com/download" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">claude.com/download</a> and download the app for your computer (Mac or Windows).
    2. **on Mac:** open the downloaded file and drag **Claude** into your **Applications** folder, then open it from there.
    3. **on Windows:** run the downloaded installer, then launch Claude from the Start menu.
  </Step>

  <Step title="sign in">
    open the app and sign in with your Claude Pro or Max account — the same login as claude.ai.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Windows only: install Git first">
    on Windows, the Code tab needs a small free tool called **Git**. most Macs already have it, so **Mac users can skip this step.**

    1. download it from <a href="https://git-scm.com/downloads/win" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">git-scm.com/downloads/win</a> and run the installer, the default options are fine.
    2. important: **quit and reopen the Claude app** after installing Git, or the Code tab won't work yet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="open the Code tab and pick a folder">
    1. at the top of the app, click the **Code** tab (it sits next to **Chat** and **Cowork**). if it asks you to upgrade, your plan isn't a paid one yet.
    2. make sure the environment is set to **Local**, not Remote. Local means it works on your own computer, which is what you need.
    3. click **Select folder**, then create or choose an empty folder to work in (name it `edgeful`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="you're ready">
    Claude Code is now running in the app. head to [set up API with your AI agent](/getting-started/set-it-up-with-ai) and paste the prompt — it connects the edgeful API, installs the dashboard skill, and makes a verified first call.

    <Note>Claude starts in **Ask permissions** mode — it shows you each change or command and waits for you to click **Accept** before doing it. that's normal and keeps you in control; just approve to continue.</Note>
  </Step>
</Steps>