Claude creates a centralized environment for writing, coding, and analysis. However, working in a silo often requires copying and pasting context between your browser tabs and the chat interface. Claude’s "Connectors" feature solves this by allowing the AI to interface directly with your external applications and local files.
This tutorial explains how to configure these connections, manage data permissions, and utilize integrations to perform cross-platform tasks without leaving the chat window.
How Connectors Work
Connectors function as a secure API bridge. They grant Claude permission to read from specific data sources (like your document repositories) or perform actions (like creating tickets) within third-party software.
Instead of describing a project to Claude, a connector allows Claude to "read" the project documentation directly. This reduces hallucinations and ensures the AI is working with your most up-to-date data. The directory supports various categories:
- Web Tools: Cloud-based platforms for project management and communication.
- Desktop Extensions: Utilities that interact with your local file system or specific desktop applications.
Step 1: Setting Up a Connection
To begin integrating tools, you will access the configuration menu directly from the chat interface.
- Locate the "Search and Tools" icon (represented by two horizontal lines with arrows) in the bottom-left corner of the input bar.
- Clicking this icon opens a context menu displaying any currently active tools.
- Select "Add connectors" from the menu. This launches the Connectors directory.
- Browse the available integrations. You can filter by "Web" or "Desktop extensions" to find the specific tool you need.
- Click on the desired tool. Most integrations utilize standard OAuth protocols; you will be prompted to open a new browser tab to sign in to the service (e.g., Linear, Google, Notion) and authorize Claude.
- Once you confirm the permissions in the external app, the browser tab will close, and Claude will automatically finalize the configuration.
Step 2: Verifying and Managing Permissions
After installation, it is good practice to verify the connection and review data access levels.
Verification:
You can verify a successful install by asking Claude directly. For example: "Check if you have access to Linear." Claude will query the tool and report back on its connection status.
Managing Permissions:
You maintain granular control over what Claude can see and do.
- Open the "Search and Tools" menu again.
- Click on the specific connector.
- You will see a list of capabilities (e.g., "Read Issues," "Create Comment," "Search Documents"). You can toggle these off individually if you want to restrict Claude to read-only access.
For a system-wide view, navigate to the Settings menu and select the "Connectors" tab. This dashboard allows you to view all active integrations or disconnect tools you no longer use.
Workflow Example: Automating Reports
To understand the utility of connectors, consider a workflow involving Linear (project management) and Notion (knowledge base). The goal is to generate release notes without manually searching through tickets.
The Prompt:
You can instruct Claude to act as an intermediary between these two apps:
"Pull the completed tickets from this week's production sprint in Linear and create product release notes. Format them using the 'Standard Communications Template' found in my Notion."
The Process:
- Data Retrieval: Claude queries the Linear API to filter for tickets marked "Done" within the specified sprint. It extracts technical details and feature summaries.
- Context Retrieval: Simultaneously, it searches your connected Notion workspace to find the specific formatting template.
- User Authorization: Before performing a broad search or accessing specific sensitive files, Claude may pause to request explicit permission to proceed. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized data access.
- Output: Claude synthesizes the Linear data into the Notion structure, outputting a finished document that adheres to your internal style guide.
This method can be applied to various workflows, such as turning meeting transcripts into Linear tasks, or summarizing technical documentation into executive briefs.
Summary
Integrating external tools allows users to reduce context switching and automate data retrieval tasks. By giving Claude direct, permission-controlled access to your applications, you ensure that the generated output is based on your actual project data rather than general knowledge.
To explore available integrations, visit the settings menu or go to claude.ai/directory.
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