The short answer
Claude Projects keep shared background in one place: custom instructions and uploaded files that apply to every chat in the Project. Skills are reusable procedures, written instructions with optional scripts and reference files, that Claude loads only when a task calls for them, such as your quote format or contract checklist. Use a Project for standing context about a client or topic, and a Skill for a repeatable task done the same way every time. On Team and Enterprise plans, Projects can be shared with colleagues.
- Projects hold standing context: instructions and files that apply to every chat inside.
- Skills teach Claude a repeatable procedure it loads when a task needs it.
- Sharing a Project shares its files, so keep sensitive material out of wide-access Projects.
- Plugins bundle skills and connectors so a team can install them together.
What a Project is
A Project is a workspace inside Claude with its own instructions and its own uploaded knowledge. Every conversation in it starts with that context, so you stop re-explaining who your client is or how you write. Anthropic lists Projects among the features on Pro and the business plans. Projects are the simplest way for a team to stay consistent, and most people start there before touching Skills. Keep the instructions short and specific. Sources: Claude pricing
What a Skill is
A Skill is a set of written instructions, optionally with scripts and reference files, that Claude reads when your request needs them. Anthropic’s examples include a release-note format, a contract checklist and a weekly report. The point is consistency: the task is done your way, not a different way each time. A good Skill reads like a clear instruction to a new employee, with the steps, the format and an example of a good result. Sources: Claude docs: connectors, skills and plugins
Projects or Skills?
Use a Project when Claude needs to know things: a client brief, a price list, a style guide. Use a Skill when Claude needs to do something the same way: produce the weekly report, check an invoice, format a proposal. They work together, and a Project can sit alongside Skills you have switched on. If you are unsure, start with a Project, because it is quicker to set up and easier to adjust. Sources: Claude docs: connectors, skills and plugins
Sharing with your team
Project sharing is a feature of the Team and Enterprise plans. Everyone with access sees the instructions and files, and anyone with edit access can change them for everyone. Give edit rights to one or two owners, and keep contracts, personal information and pricing you do not want staff to see out of shared Projects. Review who has access when someone leaves, and treat a Project like any shared folder. Sources: Claude pricing
Plugins package it all
A plugin bundles skills, connectors, commands and agents into one install, so a team can add a complete setup at once. On Team and Enterprise, Owners choose which plugins members can add and can install some for everyone, which gives you a controlled way to roll out your standard setup. Plugins are a later step for most small teams, once you have Skills and connectors that are working well. Sources: Claude docs: connectors, skills and plugins
A practical rollout
Pick the three tasks your team repeats most. Build one Project per client or function, and one Skill per task. Name them clearly and assign an owner who reviews them monthly. A downside is upkeep: stale instructions give stale answers, so someone has to own them. Start with one team and one Project before you roll anything out company-wide, then ask the team what saved time.
Questions people ask
Are Claude Projects free?
Anthropic’s pricing page lists Projects with the paid plans. Check the page for current availability.
What is a Claude Skill?
Reusable written instructions, with optional scripts and files, that Claude loads when a task calls for them.
Can my whole team edit a Project?
On Team and Enterprise you can share it and control who can edit. Limit editing to a few people.
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