Using Claude's Extended Context for Document Analysis

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

• Use Claude's extended context window to analyse lengthy documents effectively
• Apply systematic approaches to summarise complex texts
• Compare multiple documents and identify key differences
• Structure your research workflow for better results

Introduction

Claude handles large amounts of text in a single conversation, which makes it brilliant for research tasks. While other AI tools might lose track of earlier information, Claude can work with documents that would take hours to read manually.

This ability changes how you approach research. Instead of switching between multiple tools or losing context halfway through, you can analyse entire reports, compare lengthy documents, and build comprehensive summaries without starting over.

Lessons

Understanding Claude's Context Window

Claude can process roughly 200,000 tokens in one go. That's about 150,000 words or 300 pages of typical text. This means you can upload entire research papers, reports, or multiple documents without hitting limits.

The key advantage is continuity. Claude remembers everything from the start of your conversation, so it can reference earlier documents when analysing new ones.

Summarising Long Documents

Here's how to get useful summaries from lengthy texts:

Step 1: Upload your document
Paste the text directly or upload files in supported formats (PDF, Word, plain text).

Step 2: Specify your summary requirements
Don't just ask for "a summary". Be specific:

• "Summarise the main findings and methodology in 500 words"
• "Extract the key recommendations from this report"
• "Give me the three most important points for project planning"

Step 3: Request the right structure
Ask for bullet points, numbered lists, or specific sections based on how you'll use the information.

Step 4: Refine as needed
If the first summary misses something important, ask Claude to focus on specific sections or add missing elements.

Comparing Multiple Documents

Document comparison becomes straightforward when you can load everything into one conversation:

Step 1: Load all documents
Upload or paste each document, clearly labelling them ("Document A: Marketing Strategy", "Document B: Q3 Results").

Step 2: Define your comparison criteria
Specify what you want compared:

• "Compare the budget allocations between these two proposals"
• "Identify where these policy documents contradict each other"
• "Show me how the recommendations differ across these three reports"

Step 3: Ask for structured output
Request tables, side-by-side comparisons, or categorised lists to make differences clear.

Analysing Complex Documents

For detailed analysis of multi-page documents, break down your approach:

Start with overview questions:

• "What are the main themes in this document?"
• "Who are the key stakeholders mentioned?"
• "What decisions need to be made based on this information?"

Then drill into specifics:

• "What evidence supports the main conclusion?"
• "Where do the authors acknowledge limitations?"
• "What data would strengthen this analysis?"

Finally, synthesise:

• "Based on this analysis, what are the three priority actions?"
• "How does this information change our current approach?"

Practice

Choose a long document you need to analyse (a work report, research paper, or detailed article). Practice this workflow:

1. Upload the document to Claude
2. Ask for a 200-word executive summary
3. Request three key insights you might have missed on first reading
4. Have Claude identify any gaps or questions the document doesn't address

Compare Claude's analysis with your initial understanding. Note what you learned from the structured approach.

FAQs

Can Claude handle technical documents in specialised fields?
Yes, but provide context about your field and define any unusual terminology. Claude performs better when you explain what type of analysis you need.

What if my document exceeds the context limit?
Break longer documents into sections and analyse them systematically. Start with the most important sections, then add others as needed.

How accurate are Claude's document comparisons?
Claude is excellent at identifying explicit differences and similarities. For nuanced interpretation or domain-specific implications, verify key findings yourself.

Can I analyse documents in languages other than English?
Claude handles many languages, but performance varies. For critical analysis, consider working with English translations.

Jargon Buster

Context Window: The amount of text Claude can process and remember in a single conversation thread.

Token: The basic unit Claude uses to process text. Roughly equivalent to 0.75 words in English.

Extended Context: Claude's ability to maintain awareness of large amounts of information throughout a conversation, unlike tools that forget earlier inputs.

Document Analysis: The systematic examination of text to extract insights, identify patterns, and answer specific questions.

Wrap-up

Claude's extended context transforms document analysis from a fragmented process into a flowing conversation. You can work with substantial texts, maintain context across multiple documents, and build comprehensive analyses without losing your place.

The key is being specific about what you need. Instead of asking for generic summaries, define the exact insights, comparisons, or analysis that will help your work.

Start with simpler documents to build confidence, then tackle more complex analysis as you get comfortable with structuring your requests effectively.

Ready to put these skills into practice? Join our community for more advanced AI techniques and hands-on support.