Claude Desktop Links: Open Chats, Code and Cowork with claude://

1 day ago

2 min read

⚡ TL;DR Claude Desktop responds to claude:// links that open a new chat, an existing one, or a new Code or Cowork session. Add q= to prefill a prompt, URL-encoded, up to about 14,000 characters.

Want an 'Open in Claude' button in your own tools? Claude Desktop links make it possible.

Developer guide. 🔗

🔗 How Claude Desktop Links Work

On macOS, Windows and Linux, the desktop app handles claude:// links the way a browser handles https://.

🧭 Link Formats

Common destinations:

💬 claude://claude.ai/new for a new chat
📄 claude://claude.ai/chat/{conversation-id} for an existing chat
👩‍💻 claude://code/new for a new Code session
🧑‍💼 claude://cowork/new for a new Cowork session

Add q= to prefill the prompt, with URL-encoded values.

🛠️ Uses

Add Open in Claude Code or Open in Claude Cowork buttons to internal tools, or open a prefilled chat from a script.

💡 Pro tip Test links from Terminal or Command Prompt before adding them to a tool.

⚠️ Limits

Prompts truncate around 14,000 characters. Folders passed by link always need confirmation, and only the first applies in Code. The file parameter isn't supported yet; invalid IDs open your recents.

Claude Desktop links connect your tools to Claude in one click. Want Claude buttons in your apps? Lord Of The Wix can build them. ✨

❓ Claude Desktop links FAQ

What are Claude Desktop links?

claude:// links that open the desktop app at a destination.

How do I open a new Cowork session?

Use claude://cowork/new.

Can I prefill a prompt?

Yes, with the q parameter, URL-encoded.

Is there a length limit?

Prompts truncate around 14,000 characters.

Do folder links open automatically?

No. They always require confirmation.

🙏 Credit: This article is based on public information from the Claude Help Center. Claude is a product of Anthropic. Source: support.claude.com.

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