Claude Beginner Guide: Foundations
From your first chat to confident everyday use.
By Paul B · Edition 1, November 2026
Level 1 is for people who are new to AI assistants, or who already use Claude but get hit-and-miss results. It teaches a simple method you can repeat, with an exercise in every chapter.
Or get all four levels for A$47 — save A$18 with the complete set.
What you’ll learn
- How Claude works, what it can and can't do, and how to use it safely
- A prompting method built on Context, Task and Format
- A five-step Check Habit for catching answers that sound confident but are wrong
- Six everyday workflows, each with a prompt to copy
- Setting up Projects and a prompt library so you stop repeating yourself
- Building simple documents and tools, plus a first look at automation
Also included
- 30-day plan with a tick-box tracker
- One-page cheat sheet
- Plain-English glossary
Who it’s for
Level 1 is for people who are new to AI assistants, or who already use Claude but get hit-and-miss results.
Before you start: None. A free Claude account is enough for most of this guide.
Honest notes. This guide is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Anthropic. Claude’s features, plans and prices change, so it shows you where to check the official sources. It teaches skills and makes no promises about income or results.