Master the Claude Code Desktop App: A 10x AI Development Workflow
The Claude Code Desktop App represents a significant leap forward in AI-assisted development. While many users simply enter a prompt and wait, there is a “master workflow” that can exponentially increase the speed and efficiency of building applications. By combining local coding, cloud agents, and strategic prompting within a unified interface, you can orchestrate a team of AI agents to build complex software like an infinite canvas app.
[00:21.466] [Claude Code Desktop Interface]
The new desktop application for Mac introduces a dedicated Claude Code section, distinct from the standard chat interface. This integration allows developers to manage their chats and their code generation in a single window. However, to truly leverage this tool, you need to understand the hidden features and how to tie together Claude Chat, Claude Code, and Cloud Agents.
Setting Up the Local Worktree
To begin, you initiate a project in the Local worktree. This means Claude will write code directly to your local machine, just as you would in a traditional development environment. For this example, we are building an infinite canvas app similar to Excalidraw, utilizing Next.js, local storage, and specific libraries like Konva.
[01:51.366] [Setting up Local Worktree]
Here is the prompt used to kickstart the infinite canvas application. It specifies the tech stack and the core functionality required:
I want to build an infinite canvas app where I can draw on it with my mouse, add text, add different shapes, change colors, add images, and use it as an infinite creative canvas. Let's use NextJS and local storage for this and any other libraries you think are appropriate. First, let me know what libraries you think are appropriate.
By using Opus 4.5, the most capable coding model currently available (and priced the same as Sonnet 4.5 within Claude Code), you ensure high-quality architectural decisions from the start.
The Secret “Plan Mode” Workflow
One current limitation of the desktop app is the lack of a visible “Plan Mode” button. However, there is a powerful workaround. Claude Code Desktop is essentially a wrapper for your terminal. By opening the CLI (Command Line Interface) view within the app, you can access advanced controls.
[03:20.100] [CLI Terminal View]
“What Claude Code Desktop actually is, is just a wrapper for your terminal. It literally takes your terminal… and then it just wraps it into this very nice UI.”
To activate Plan Mode, open the terminal view and press Shift + Tab twice. This cycles the interface into planning mode. Additionally, you can hit Tab to toggle Thinking Mode, giving the model extra processing time to formulate a robust architecture.
[04:26.500] [Generated Architecture Plan]
Once the plan is generated—covering dependencies, state management with Zustand, and component structure—you can auto-accept the steps. The speed of Opus 4.5 in generating the foundational code, including the drawing tools and toolbar UI, is remarkable.
The Co-Pilot CEO Strategy
A critical part of this workflow is utilizing the Claude Chat section (separate from the coding section) to act as your “Co-Pilot CEO.” Instead of constantly switching context between different apps, you can keep your high-level strategy and your code implementation in the same window.
[06:33.400] [Co-Pilot CEO Strategy]
By feeding the original prompt to a new chat and assigning it the persona of a CEO or Product Manager, you can brainstorm unique features.
I want you to be my copilot CEO for this app. What do you think of the idea and what features would you add to it?
This “CEO” agent can suggest differentiators, such as an AI-native canvas that generates images directly onto the board or a “Vibe Coder Workbench.” This feedback loop allows you to generate ideas in one tab and implement them in the other.
Scaling with Cloud Agents and GitHub
To move beyond single-threaded development, you can employ Cloud Agents. These are instances of Claude Code that run on the cloud rather than your local machine, allowing you to offload tasks. To enable this, your project must be pushed to a GitHub repository.
[07:52.566] [GitHub Repository Setup]
Once the code is committed to GitHub, you can switch the environment in Claude Code from Local worktree to Default (Cloud). This connects the agent to your repository.
[08:48.866] [Selecting Default Cloud Environment]
You can now instruct this Cloud Agent to build a complex feature in the background, such as AI image generation using the Nano Banana model. While this agent is working on the cloud, your local machine is free for other tasks.
Parallel Development with Local Agents
While the Cloud Agent builds the AI image feature, you can switch back to the Local worktree to build a different feature simultaneously. For example, implementing an “Export to PNG” button.
[10:19.466] [VS Code Integration Button]
If you need to inspect the code or make manual adjustments, the VS Code button instantly opens your project in Visual Studio Code, maintaining the exact context of your workflow. This allows for a seamless transition between AI generation and manual coding.
The Multi-Agent Result
This workflow results in a powerful parallel process:
- Cloud Agents implementing backend logic or complex integrations via GitHub.
- Local Agents building UI features on your machine.
- Co-Pilot CEO strategizing marketing plans and roadmaps in the chat.
[11:13.200] [Final Canvas App with Features]
The result is a fully functional app built in a fraction of the time. You can verify the local changes instantly—such as testing the new PNG export functionality—while waiting for the cloud tasks to complete.
[13:06.633] [Cloud Agent Code Changes]
Finally, you can review the work done by the Cloud Agent. Claude Code allows you to see the file changes and even creates a Pull Request on GitHub automatically. This enables you to review the code (like the AI image generation integration) before merging it into your main project.
“You have multiple developers working… You have a Co-Pilot CEO building out a marketing plan… This is how you get the most out of Claude Code Desktop.”
By orchestrating these different agents, you transform from a single developer into a manager of an AI development team, all contained within a single application.