ClaudeTool Switching in Composer
Claude allows users to select and activate different AI capabilities like Code Interpreter, Web Search, and file analysis directly from the composer interface.
Plus (+) icon in composer opening tool selection menu
What's happening
Claude implements tool switching through a plus (+) icon in the composer that opens a dropdown menu. Users can select multiple tools, and active tools are displayed as chips or indicators above the input field.
Patterns
Plus (+) icon opens tool and attach menu
UX Insights
- •Tool selection is discoverable but not immediately obvious
- •Multiple tools can be active simultaneously
- •Visual feedback shows which tools will be used
- •Tools can be removed individually via chip X button or toggle
Design Decisions
The plus (+) icon approach keeps the composer clean but requires users to discover the feature. The chip-based active tool display provides clear feedback about what capabilities are enabled, similar to ChatGPT but with Claude's distinct visual design language.
More case studies
ChatGPTTool Switching in Composer
ChatGPT allows users to select and activate different AI capabilities like Code Interpreter, DALL·E, and Web Search directly from the composer interface.
Google GeminiTool Switching in Composer
Gemini allows users to select and activate different AI capabilities and extensions like Google Workspace, YouTube, and Maps directly from the composer interface.
GrokTool Switching in Composer
Grok displays active tools as dismissible chips above the composer, allowing users to activate capabilities like DeepSearch and see them clearly indicated with the ability to remove them with an X button.
PerplexityTool Switching in Composer
Perplexity allows users to select and activate different AI capabilities and modes directly from the composer interface.