Cowork can read, create, rename, and organise files in a folder you choose. That is useful for repetitive office work, but the folder is also the safety boundary. Begin with copies, not the only version of anything important.
Example task: Rename five copied documents and create an index
Before you start
Create a folder called Cowork Test and add five harmless sample documents. Remove customer details, passwords, API keys, contracts, and financial records. Keep the originals elsewhere and make sure the test folder can be deleted without consequence.
Rename or sort copies with a clear rule.
Contracts, finance files, and customer records.
Permanent deletion or sending files outside the company.
Follow these steps
Use copies of five non-sensitive files.
State the name format and what must not change.
Stop it if work moves outside the folder.
Check file count, names, contents, and index.
Try one clear request: 'Rename these files as YYYY-MM-DD - subject, create an index in Markdown, and do not change the text inside the documents.' Watch the first run, then compare the result with the original folder before trying a larger batch.
Check your result
- The original files are still untouched.
- No hidden or sensitive file entered the test folder.
- The output follows the exact naming rule.
- Temporary access is removed after the test.
When the task works, write down the request and the review check. Increase the number of files slowly, and keep publishing, sending, deletion, and the only copy of a document outside the automated folder.