1.3: Working with Files

• Time to Complete: 25 minutes

Interactive lesson: Run /start-1-3 in Claude Code

The @ Symbol

@ is how you reference files and folders for Claude:

Claude reads what you reference and uses it in the response.

Pattern 1: Single File → Extract

Point Claude at one messy file, extract structured information.

Example:

Read @meeting-notes.md and extract action items into a new file

Use cases: Meeting notes, handoff documents, research papers, interview transcripts

Pattern 2: Folder → Synthesize

Point Claude at a whole folder, find patterns across all files.

Example:

Look at @feedback/ and synthesize themes across all files

Use cases: Customer feedback, support tickets, survey responses, research notes

Pattern 3: Apply Template

Reference a template file along with content.

Example:

Create a report from @research.md following format in @templates/report.md

Use cases: Weekly reports, proposals, status updates, any recurring document type

Pattern 4: Image → Analyze

Paste images directly into Claude Code.

Important: Use Ctrl+V (not Cmd+V on Mac!)

Use cases: UI screenshots, competitor designs, charts, photos, mockups, flyers

Pattern 5: Web → Research

Ask Claude to search the web.

Example:

Search for best practices in loyalty program design

Claude finds, reads, and synthesizes information. No more 97 browser tabs.

Use cases: Competitive research, best practices, industry trends, current events

Combining Patterns

The real power is in combination:

Read @notes.md, search for best practices, and create a report following @templates/report.md

Mix and match based on what you need.

Best Practices

• Be specific about what you want extracted
• Tell Claude where to put output files
• Use templates for consistent formatting
• Reference multiple files when you need synthesis

What’s Next

1.4: Commands & Navigation → - Slash commands, shortcuts, and power user features