Claude: complete guide to getting started (and using Projects) in 2026
What Anthropic’s Claude is, where to use it, requirements (18+), free plan limits and how to create Projects with your documents and instructions.
Claude is Anthropic’s AI assistant, at claude.ai, in Mac and Windows desktop apps and iOS/Android apps. It’s a language model, so it can be wrong.
Requirements and limits
- Age: at least 18.
- Country: must be a supported location.
- Free plan: session limit that resets every five hours; messages vary with demand.
- Model: shown under the text box (web/desktop) or at the top (mobile); click to switch.
How to ask
Talk naturally, be specific and iterate. Use + or type / for more options.
Projects: your workspace with Claude
A Project has its own chat history and knowledge base. Available to everyone; the free plan allows up to five projects. Upload documents and write project instructions (e.g. “formal tone”). Ideas: a “Residents’ association” project with bylaws and minutes; a “Job search” project with your CV.
On paid plans, Claude can switch to retrieval (RAG) mode to expand capacity up to 10x, according to Anthropic. Sharing projects is Team and Enterprise only. A new beta version of projects is rolling out to some paid users.
Before uploading
Don’t upload third-party personal, health or banking data (list). Compare assistants in ChatGPT vs Gemini vs Claude.
In depth: access, limits and first steps
How much does it cost? Compare paid plans in Spain, with the date checked and a link to each official site, in our AI pricing table.
Where to use it. According to Anthropic’s Help Center, you can use Claude on the web (claude.ai), in the desktop app for Mac and Windows and in the iOS and Android apps. You must be in a supported location and at least 18.
Free plan limits. The Free plan has a session-based usage limit that resets every five hours, and the number of messages varies with demand. Claude tells you when you reach the limit or when your prompt exceeds the context window. Paid plans add more usage.
Choosing a model. The model you are chatting with is shown below the text box (web and desktop) or at the top (mobile). From there you can switch it, set the effort and turn on extended thinking.
Languages. Anthropic says Claude is extensively trained in English and performs well in many other common languages, such as Spanish.
Bring your memory from another AI. You cannot import conversations from other assistants, but Free, Pro and Max users can import memory from other providers.
Official tips to start. Start simple, be specific, iterate with follow-up questions and try different tasks: from quick questions to multi-step projects, which fit well with the Projects in this guide.
Latest news: Claude Opus 5.5: Anthropic’s new model, cheaper to run
Plans and prices
| Plan | Price | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic use with limits. |
| Pro | $20/month ($17/month billed yearly: $200) | More usage and Projects. |
| Max | from $100/month | For heavy use. |
Frequently asked questions
Is Claude free?
There’s a free plan with a session-based limit that resets every five hours and varies with demand. Paid plans offer more usage.
What age do I need to be?
At least 18, according to Anthropic.
What is a Claude Project?
A workspace with its own chat history and knowledge base: you upload documents and give instructions Claude uses in every chat in that project. Free users can create up to five.
How much AI costs in Spain: Claude Pro price in Spain (checked 16 Oct 2026)
Keep reading
Sources
- Get started with Claude — Anthropic
- What are projects? — Anthropic
Change log
- : First published with Anthropic’s official help as checked that day.
Educational content, prepared with the help of AI tools, with sources cited. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Tools change fast: if you spot something out of date, write to us at contacto@cognenza.com. How we work.