Claude’s connector directory lists more than 1,000 apps now. Most people use 3. Here are the 10 worth the 20 seconds it takes to install each one, with the prompts I’d run on them.
A connector is a bridge between Claude and an app you already use. You add it, sign in if the app needs it, and Claude can search it, pull from it or take actions in it. No code.
Directory connectors work on every Claude plan, including Free, on the web, desktop and mobile. Some need an account with the app itself. On Team and Enterprise, an admin turns each one on first. (Claude Help Center)
01
Open the directory
In any chat, click + in the lower left, hover Connectors and pick Manage connectors. Or go to Customize (now being renamed Plugins, so click whichever you see), then Connectors. Click the + next to Connectors.
02
Pick the app
Search by name or browse by category. You can also browse the full list at claude.com/connectors.
03
Click Connect and sign in
A normal sign-in window opens for that app. Log in and approve what Claude can access.
04
Use it
When a chat needs that app, Claude uses it. To disconnect or change permissions later, go back to Connectors and click the app.
Privacy Note
Anthropic says it doesn’t train on the raw content Claude pulls from your connected apps. If Model Improvement is on in your Privacy Settings, the chat itself can be used, including anything from your apps that gets copied into it. Full walkthrough in Is Claude Safe.
01
ZipRecruiter
For job hunters. Searches live openings by title, company, salary, location and remote or hybrid. Claude can then tailor your resume and cover letter to the best ones. You apply on ZipRecruiter. Indeed and Dice have connectors too.
02
AllTrails
For weekend hikers. Finds trails near a place or by name, pulls trail details and gives you a weather overview for each one. Claude adds the packing list.
03
Resy
For date-night planners. Checks real-time availability at restaurants across the US and books the table for you. You sign in with your Resy account.
04
Instacart
For anyone losing an hour to groceries. Finds nearby stores, checks what’s in stock and turns a meal plan or recipe into a cart. You review it and check out in Instacart.
05
Expedia + Booking.com
For trip planners who dread it. Expedia searches flights and hotels with live prices. Booking.com searches hotels, homes and apartments. Claude compares them and builds the itinerary around your budget, then you book on their sites.
06
TurboTax + Credit Karma
For side hustlers. TurboTax gives you a quick federal tax estimate, shows your filing options and can connect you with a tax expert. Credit Karma rates the factors behind your credit score. Attach your bank statements and Claude can flag likely deductions too.
07
Canva
For people designing their own content. Searches your designs, creates new ones, fills your templates with new copy and exports them. Your fonts and colors stay on-brand because it works from your own templates.
08
Notion
For anyone with a second brain. Searches every page and database in your workspace at once, and can update pages when you ask. One question pulls from docs you’d never find by hand.
09
Granola
For anyone in back-to-back meetings. Granola takes notes and transcripts of your calls. The connector lets Claude ask about any meeting and turn it into follow-ups and action items.
10
Gamma
For anyone making slides. Generates presentations, docs, social posts and simple sites from your notes, using your Gamma themes. Export to PDF or PowerPoint when you’re done.
Don’t install all 10 in one sitting. Spread them over 4 days and use each one once before moving on.
01
Notion, Granola, Canva
The 3 that touch your daily work the most. Run one real prompt on each before bed.
02
TurboTax and Credit Karma
Money day. Spend 15 minutes on your tax estimate and credit factors before year end.
03
AllTrails, Resy, Instacart
Life admin. Plan a real hike, a real dinner or a real grocery run this weekend.
04
ZipRecruiter, Expedia and Booking.com, Gamma
The on-demand ones. You won’t use them daily, so set them up now and they’re ready when you need them.
01
Stack 2 connectors in one chat
"Pull yesterday’s Granola notes, then make 3 Canva graphics on the biggest takeaways." That’s a meeting recap and a social post in one chat.
02
Build a Project around your top connector
If you live in Notion, make a Claude Project and add your role, team and goals to its instructions. Every Notion search in that Project starts with that context.
03
Add plugins on top
Plugins bundle skills that use your connectors. The Marketing plugin uses Canva, Sales uses Notion and HubSpot, and the Small Business plugin works with about 35 apps. Here are the 10 plugins I’d install.
Brand new to Claude? Start with Become AI Fluent in 7 Days. Connectors make a lot more sense once you have the basics.