Sort 400 PDFs into folders
A user had Claude Cowork read 400 PDF files and sort them into different folders.
What they did
The user put all the PDFs in one local folder, selected that folder in Claude Cowork, and gave a plain-language instruction saying how many files were there, what text to look for, and which matching files should be moved into one or more subfolders. They said Cowork handled text-based PDFs, could also group related PDFs for merging, and after sorting they could ask it to generate an XLSX index showing what went where.
How it went
They reported Cowork sorted 400 PDFs without trouble; in the more detailed follow-up they described the same workflow on 382 files. The source gives no measured accuracy, speed, or examples of mistakes, only that it worked for text rather than image content.
Worth knowing
Their main tip was to be very explicit in the prompt, like briefing a smart new coworker; they only made a reusable skill if it was something they wanted to repeat.
Labels
A user had Claude Cowork read 400 PDF files and sort them into different folders.
A user had Claude Cowork read 400 PDF files and sort them into different folders.
They reported Cowork sorted 400 PDFs without trouble; in the more detailed follow-up they described the same workflow on 382 files.
The “Material” label failed its quality check and is not used for selection.
Details
- Agents
- Claude Cowork
- Source
- Source date
- Jul 1, 2026
- Accounts
- 1
- In registry since
- Oct 12, 2026