Overview
Computer use, the Skills API, and the Files API are now generally available on the Claude Platform, and a new browser use tool extends computer use to web applications. Together they are the building blocks for production agents that operate the same software people do and work with reusable procedures and documents.
Key features
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Computer use — multiple actions per turn
The computer use tool enables agents to operate software by taking screenshots, then clicking, typing, and scrolling like a human operator would. Previously it executed one action per model call, so longer tasks meant more round trips. With general availability it executes multiple actions per turn, reducing task completion time. It is also now eligible for HIPAA-regulated workloads under Anthropic’s Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
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Browser use — a new tool that reads page structure
Targeting elements by screen position breaks easily when a web page’s layout shifts. The new browser use tool extends computer use to web applications, allowing agents to read page structure and interact with specific elements rather than screen positions. Like computer use, it works in multi-action turns.
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Skills API — upload and version your skills
The Skills API allows developers to upload, version, and attach folders containing instructions, scripts, and templates to requests. These skills execute in Claude’s code sandbox without requiring additional hosting. General availability brings a simplified upload and versioning interface.
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Files API — automatic expiration, 5x rate limits, 1 TB per organization
Re-uploading the same document on every request costs both money and time. The Files API provides document storage, enabling agents to read and write files: upload a PDF or spreadsheet once and reference it by ID in subsequent requests. General availability adds automatic expiration, 5x higher rate limits, and 1 TB of storage per organization.
Notes
- Availability — all three are available on the Claude Platform, with the Skills API and Files API also accessible through Microsoft Foundry.
- Coming soon — the updated computer use and browser use tools are coming to Google Cloud’s Vertex AI.
- Regulated workloads — computer use is eligible for HIPAA-regulated workloads under Anthropic’s BAA.