Doc Summary
Category: Installation & Setup
Type: Tutorial
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner
FOUNDATIONS
— “Learn by doing. Build from here.”
This guide walks you through downloading CRAFT Foundations, setting up your first session, and completing your first task. By the end, you’ll understand how CRAFT works — because you’ll have used it.
Time to complete: ~10 minutes
What is CRAFT Foundations? #
Foundations is your guided introduction to structured AI interactions. It teaches you CRAFT concepts naturally as you work, like learning to cook by actually making dishes rather than just reading about them.
Your guide is Julia — named after Julia Child, who taught millions that anyone can cook. Julia explains what’s happening as you work together, helping you understand the “how” and “why” behind CRAFT.
What You’ll Need #
Before you begin:
- An AI assistant that accepts file uploads (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.)
- A few minutes to download the CRAFT files
- Something you want to accomplish (a task, question, or project)
That’s it. No installation. No accounts. No configuration.
The Five Foundations Files #
CRAFT Foundations uses five text files that work together:
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Framework Specification | The rulebook. Defines how CRAFT works — the comment system, recipe structure, and core protocols. The AI reads this to understand CRAFT. |
| Core Cookbook | The recipe collection. Contains ready-to-use recipes for common tasks like session initialization, handoffs, and document creation. |
| Project File | Your workspace. Contains Julia’s persona, educational settings, and the structures that enable guided learning. |
| Chat History | Your continuity. Stores progress between sessions using the handoff system, plus tracks concepts you’ve learned. |
| Beginner’s Cookbook | Your starter recipes. Simplified recipes with extra guidance, designed specifically for learning CRAFT. |
Step 1: Download the Files #
- Go to CRAFTFramework.ai/downloads
- Select “CRAFT Foundations”
- Download the ZIP file
- Extract the five files to a location you’ll remember
Tip: Create a folder called “CRAFT” on your desktop for easy access.
Step 2: Start a New AI Chat #
- Open your preferred AI assistant (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.)
- Start a new conversation
- Look for the file upload button (usually a paperclip or + icon)
Step 3: Attach the Five Files #
Upload all five files to the chat:
CFT-FWK-SPEC-*.txtCFT-FWK-COOKBK-CORE-*.txtCFT-FOUNDATIONS-PROJECT-*.txtCFT-FOUNDATIONS-CHAT-HISTORY-*.txtCFT-FWK-COOKBK-BEGINNER-*.txt
Order doesn’t matter. The AI will read them all before responding.
Step 4: Say Hello #
Once the files are uploaded, simply greet the AI:
Hi! I'm new to CRAFT.
That’s all you need. Julia will introduce herself, explain what’s happening, and ask what you’d like to accomplish.
Your First Session #
Here’s what to expect when you start your first Foundations session:
Julia Introduces Herself #
Julia will greet you warmly and explain that she’s your guide. She’ll ask what you’d like to work on — no special commands needed, just tell her in plain language.
Concepts Are Explained As You Go #
As you work, Julia explains CRAFT concepts when they become relevant:
- When she suggests a recipe, she’ll explain what recipes are
- When you finish a task, she’ll mention how handoffs preserve your work
- When something relates to a cookbook, she’ll connect the dots
You’re learning CRAFT by using it — the way cooking shows teach by doing.
Milestones Are Celebrated #
Foundations tracks your progress and celebrates wins:
- “You just completed your first recipe!”
- “You’ve now used three different CRAFT concepts.”
- “Ready to try something more advanced?”
These aren’t just encouragement — they’re signals that you’re building genuine CRAFT competence.
When You’re Done, Create a Handoff #
At the end of your session, Julia will help you save your progress:
I'm done for now. Can you save where we left off?
She’ll create a handoff — a snapshot of what you accomplished, what’s next, and any context needed to continue. Your next session picks up right where you left off.
Tips for Success #
Be specific about what you want.
“Help me write an email” works, but “Help me write a professional email declining a meeting invitation politely” works better.
Ask questions.
Julia is designed to explain. If something doesn’t make sense, just ask.
Don’t worry about syntax.
Foundations handles the technical details. Talk to Julia like a helpful colleague, not a command line.
Trust the recipes.
When Julia suggests a recipe, let her run it. You’ll learn more from seeing recipes in action than from studying their structure.
Troubleshooting #
“The AI didn’t recognize CRAFT.”
Make sure all five files uploaded successfully. Some AI platforms show upload progress — wait until all files complete before typing.
“Julia isn’t explaining things.”
Try explicitly asking: “Can you explain what just happened?” Julia adapts to your pace — she may assume you understood if you don’t ask.
“I’m not sure what to work on.”
Try one of these starter tasks:
- “Help me write a thank-you note”
- “I need to summarize a meeting”
- “Can you help me brainstorm ideas for [topic]?”
What’s Next #
You’re now running CRAFT Foundations. Here’s where to go from here:
Continue learning:
- Understanding Recipes — How recipe cards guide your AI interactions
- Understanding Cookbooks — How recipes are organized into collections
- The Cooking Metaphor Explained — Why CRAFT uses kitchen language
Ready for more independence?
- Upgrading Between CRAFT Versions — Move to Express or Studio when ready
Need help?
- CRAFT FAQ — Common questions answered
- CRAFT Glossary — Terminology reference
Last Updated: December 2025