Claude for Google Workspace

Claude for Google Workspace is an Anthropic add-on that puts Claude in a sidebar inside Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It entered public beta on October 6, 2026, for all paid Claude plans. The add-on reads and edits the open file; separate Google connectors let Claude create and edit files from its own chat interface.^[1]

File editing

The Marketplace app covers the following tasks.^[4]

The sidebar can use selected text, cells, or slides as context. Sheets tasks can include pivot tables, native charts, and Python-assisted data processing. Slides can follow the deck's existing layouts and themes. The sidebar also carries the account's models, connectors, and skills.^[1]

Install Claude from the Google Workspace Marketplace, open a file, and choose Extensions > Claude > Open Claude. Google Workspace administrators can deploy it to a domain or selected groups.^[1] The Marketplace lists permissions to manage files where the app is installed and display web content in sidebars.^[4]

Approval and access controls

"Ask before edits" is the default: Claude waits for approval. "Accept all edits" permits ordinary changes without repeated prompts, but adding links or external images and removing access still require approval. The add-on cannot grant access, share files, or change ownership. Edits appear under the user's name in Google's version history and can be undone or restored.^[2]

Beta limitations

The beta has app-specific restrictions.^[2]

The sidebar cannot open or create other Drive files. Enabled connectors provide additional access. The extension does not offer Zero Data Retention or cover protected health information under HIPAA-ready arrangements. Anthropic says extension content is not used for training; inputs and outputs are normally deleted within 30 days, subject to documented exceptions. It advises reviewing proposed actions in externally supplied files, which may contain hidden instructions.^[2]

Editing from Claude through connectors

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides connectors are separate from the sidebar add-on and from the Google Drive connector. They can create files and edit them in a pane beside the conversation. The Docs connector can work with comments and suggestions, unlike the sidebar. Google Drive handles functions such as searching, uploading, and sharing.^[3]

To request a Google file rather than a downloadable local document, specify Google Docs, Google Sheets, or Google Slides, or paste an existing file link. Live panes work in Chrome on Claude's website and in Claude Desktop with its built-in browser enabled. Otherwise, the file card offers "Open in Google." The Google session showing the pane must match the connected account.^[3]

Existing Google sharing permissions apply. On Team and Enterprise plans, an Owner or Primary Owner must enable connectors before members authenticate. Connector-based Slides editing cannot add charts, and changes may not appear live in the pane. These restrictions differ from the add-on's capabilities.^[3]

References

1. ^1 ^2 ^3Anthropic. "Claude now works with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides". October 6, 2026.
2. ^1 ^2 ^3Claude Help Center. "Use Claude in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides". Accessed October 10, 2026.
3. ^1 ^2 ^3Claude Help Center. "Use Google Workspace connectors". Accessed October 10, 2026.
4. ^1 ^2Google Workspace Marketplace, Anthropic. "Claude". Listing updated October 7, 2026.