Claude AI upgrades free tools, challenges rivals, step-by-step guide

Anthropic has just significantly upped the ante in the AI assistant space, making several of Claude's most powerful features available to all users for free. This move directly challenges competitors like ChatGPT and Gemini, particularly for individuals and businesses seeking advanced AI capabilities without a monthly subscription. Features previously locked behind paid tiers, including file creation, app connectors, and custom skills, are now accessible to everyone.

Democratising Advanced AI Tools

This strategic decision by Anthropic effectively broadens access to sophisticated AI functionalities. What was once a premium offering, often costing ~$30 per month, is now standard for all Claude users. This isn't just about providing a free chatbot; it's about making Claude a genuinely practical work assistant that can create, integrate, and interact across various applications.

File Creation: More Than Just Text

One of the standout additions is the ability to generate files directly within a Claude conversation. Free users can now prompt Claude to produce editable documents such as PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets, PDFs, or Word documents. For instance, you could ask Claude to plan a budget, and it would instantly create a functional spreadsheet complete with formulas. Similarly, it can outline a presentation and generate a ready-made slide deck directly within the chat interface. This moves Claude beyond simple text generation into tangible, actionable output.

Seamless Integration with Connectors

Connectors allow Claude to link directly with the applications you already use, providing it with real-time context. Once a connection is established, Claude can pull information from services like Google Drive, Gmail, calendars, GitHub, and design tools such as Canva and Figma. This eliminates the need for manual copy-pasting; Claude can automatically review documents, reference emails or schedules, and even assist within platforms like Slack. This level of integration marks a significant step towards a truly responsive AI assistant.

For a deeper look into connecting AI with existing systems, you might find our article on tailoring AI strategy to your organisation's needs insightful.

Custom Skills: Personalising Your AI Assistant

Custom skills empower users to tailor Claude's responses for repetitive tasks, transforming it into a more personalised assistant. You can "teach" Claude to draft emails in your preferred style, format reports according to specific guidelines, or follow your workflow preferences. Instead of re-explaining requirements each time, you define a set of instructions once and reuse them as needed. This feature greatly enhances efficiency and consistency, akin to the personalised instructions found in other advanced AI models.

Pro Tip: How To Put This Info To Good Use

Here’s a concise, practical setup guide for each feature.

1. Enable file creation

• Open Claude (web or desktop) and log in.

• Go to Settings → Features (or Settings → Capabilities, wording may vary by build).
  
• Turn on Upgraded file creation and analysis / code execution and file creation.
  
• Back in chat, describe the file you want: “Create an Excel monthly budget with income/expense categories, totals, and a summary sheet." ​“Draft a 10‑slide PPT on AI agents for a non‑technical audience.”
• Download the generated .xlsx / .docx / .pptx / .pdf, or save to a connector (e.g., Google Drive) once those are set up.

2. Set up connectors

• In Claude, open the Connectors or Connectors Directory from the left sidebar or menu bar icon.
  
• Browse the catalog (Google Drive, Gmail, Notion, Canva, Figma, Stripe, etc.).
  
• Click Connect on a service, then complete the OAuth login in the popup. This issues an encrypted token so Claude can read/write data securely.
• ​Once connected, reference tools directly in prompts, for example: “Summarise the latest product requirements from my Notion ‘AIinASIA – Roadmap’ page.”, “Turn the latest Figma file in project X into a component spec table.”
• If a connector misbehaves, return to the directory and use Manage connectors to revoke or re‑auth.
• For your own workflow, you’ll likely want: Google Drive, Notion (or equivalent), GitHub, and maybe Canva/Figma for deck and asset work.

3. Create and use custom skills

At a high level, a custom Skill is a folder (often in a repo) containing a Skill.md plus optional scripts/resources that Claude loads when relevant.​

Create a custom skill

• Create a new folder on your machine (or repo), e.g. yourbrand-email-skill.
• Add a Skill.md file that includes:
• A description: what the Skill is for and when to use it.
  
• Clear instructions (tone, structure, constraints).
  
• Example inputs and outputs so Claude sees what “good” looks like.
• ​(Optional, advanced) Add scripts or supporting files the Skill can reference for more complex workflows.
  
• Upload the Skill to Claude following the “create custom Skills” guide in the help center or Skills docs.

• In Claude, go to Settings → Capabilities → Skills.
  
• Toggle your Skill on. Disabled Skills are ignored.
• ​Test with several prompts that should trigger it (e.g., “Draft a reply to this sponsor email in my usual tone”).
• ​Open Claude’s reasoning/inspection tools (where available) to confirm that the Skill is being loaded.
• ​Iterate on Skill.md if Claude doesn’t consistently use it; adjust description, triggers, or examples.
• ​To remove a Skill later, go back to Settings → Capabilities → Skills, locate it, and click delete/remove, then confirm.

Example Skill: Customer Support Reply Skill

Goal: Automatically draft friendly, on‑brand responses to customer support emails and tickets.

What the Skill does:

• Detects when you paste or reference a customer email, chat, or ticket.​
  
• Generates a reply that follows your support tone, apology standards, and resolution rules.
  
• Checks for required elements: greeting with name, acknowledgement of issue, clear next steps, and sign‑off.
  
• Sample Skill.md outline
• You’d include something like this inside the file:
  
• Name: Customer Support Reply Skill.
  
• Description: Draft empathetic, on‑brand replies to customer support messages, ensuring all required policy and tone guidelines are followed.

Instructions section (simplified example):
Always:

• Start with the customer’s name if provided.
  
• Acknowledge the issue in your own words so the customer feels heard.
  
• Apologise briefly when the company is at fault or the customer is frustrated.
  
• Explain the solution in simple, non‑technical language, with numbered steps if there is more than one action.
  
• Confirm what the company will do next and by when.
  
• Close with a friendly sign‑off that matches the brand voice (warm, concise, not over‑familiar).
  

• Promise things you cannot guarantee (refunds, deadlines) unless explicitly stated in the message or policy.
  
• Blame the customer, partners, or colleagues.
  
• Example input (in the Skill file): “Here’s a customer email about a late delivery. Draft a reply following our support style.”
• Example output (in the Skill file): A 2–3 paragraph email that hits all of the above rules, so Claude has a clear model of what “good” looks like.
  

Once uploaded and enabled, whenever a user says something like “Reply to this customer complaint in our usual support style” and pastes the message, Claude can automatically invoke this Skill and apply the consistent structure, tone, and checks you encoded.

The Competitive Edge

Anthropic's decision comes at a time when OpenAI has introduced advertisements into some of its free and lower-cost ChatGPT plans. Anthropic has capitalised on this by running advertisements that highlight Claude's ad-free experience. This move is a clear competitive play, positioning Claude as a clean, productivity-focused alternative that prioritises user experience.

This shift could set a new benchmark for free AI tools, potentially pressuring Google and OpenAI to reassess their own free-tier offerings or pricing structures. As AI capabilities become more accessible, the battle for user adoption will increasingly hinge on features, integration, and user experience, rather than just raw processing power. The growing importance of ethical considerations and user trust in AI is also becoming a critical factor, as explored in discussions around whether AI chatbots are really your friends.

"By making advanced tools free and keeping the experience ad-free, Anthropic is positioning Claude as a serious alternative to ChatGPT and Gemini, especially for users who want useful features without committing to a subscription."

The impact of such changes on the broader AI market is significant. As AI capabilities become commoditised, the focus will shift towards specialised applications and ethical deployment. Recent reports highlight that 95% of AI projects fail, often due to a poor understanding of integration and user needs. Anthropic's approach aims to mitigate some of these challenges by providing robust, user-friendly tools upfront.

This aggressive move by Anthropic has certainly escalated the AI assistant "arms race," giving everyday users powerful tools that were once considered premium. It will be fascinating to observe how competitors respond and what this means for the future of AI accessibility.

What are your thoughts on Anthropic's decision to offer these advanced features for free? Do you think this will significantly impact the AI assistant market? Share your predictions in the comments below.