# Tools and Abilities Catalog

This guide explains what TutorClaw can help with in plain English. You do not need to know tool names—you can simply ask for the result you want.

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## 1. What TutorClaw Means by Tools

A TutorClaw tool does not always mean software. A useful tool can be a checklist, planner, tracker, worksheet, template, calculator, or reusable prompt that helps you do a task better.

For details on how TutorClaw co-creates these with you, refer to the [Simple Tools Guide](./tutorclaw_simple_tools.md).

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## 2. Simple Useful Tools TutorClaw Can Help Create

TutorClaw can help you make text-based, reusable resources that you can print, copy, or save. These include:

*   **Checklist:** A step-by-step list to get tasks done (e.g., a packing list or deep-cleaning list).
*   **Planner:** Daily routines, weekly schedules, or a **Meal planner**.
*   **Tracker:** Row-by-row layouts to note progress (e.g., a **Project tracker** or habit tracker).
*   **Worksheet:** Guided questions to think through projects (e.g., a **Business idea worksheet**).
*   **Template:** Fill-in-the-blank text formats (e.g., email or letter templates).
*   **Simple calculator:** A structured layout showing math formulas (e.g., project costs or simple budgets).
*   **Reusable AI prompt:** Clear instructions to copy-paste into other AI chats.
*   **Grocery list builder:** Sorted lists categorized by grocery aisle.
*   **Student study planner:** A schedule template for exams and assignments.
*   **Decision checklist:** A pros-and-cons framework to resolve choices.

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## 3. Built-in or Connected Tools (Usually Available Right Away)

These abilities work immediately as long as the relevant files or links are in your workspace:

### Read and Explain Files
*   **What it does:** TutorClaw reads files in the workspace and explains them in simple language (e.g., README files, setup notes, text files).

### Help Write or Edit Documents
*   **What it does:** TutorClaw helps draft new files, improve writing tone, or format notes into clear instructions.

### Read and Summarize PDFs
*   **What it does:** TutorClaw reads normal text PDFs in the workspace and extracts key points or checklists.

### Summarize Long Content
*   **What it does:** TutorClaw shortens long text block pastes, transcripts, or notes into useful summaries.

### Help With Project Files
*   **What it does:** TutorClaw inspects the project directory structure to help you find setup guides and check what has been built.

### Help Run Safe Local Commands
*   **What it does:** TutorClaw helps run command-line actions on your machine (like starting services or running setup scripts).

### Web Search
*   **What it does:** TutorClaw can search the internet for public information, recent news, or documentation versions.

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## 4. Connected Tools That Require Setup or Accounts

Some advanced tools require connected accounts, billing keys, or integrations before they work. These are not active by default:

*   **Email:** Accessing, organizing, or sending email via Gmail or other platforms.
*   **Calendar:** Reading schedules or planning meetings via Google Calendar.
*   **Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive:** Opening, writing, or organizing online files.
*   **Messaging (Slack/Discord):** Sending notifications or summarizing chat history.
*   **Browser Control:** Navigating, clicking, or submitting forms on live websites automatically.
*   **OCR (Text from Images):** Reading text out of screenshots or scans.
*   **Image Generation:** Creating visual designs, logos, or graphics.
*   **Voice:** Listening to your voice or reading answers out loud.
*   **Advanced Remote Devices:** Communicating with other nodes or remote computers.

Setup for these services can be enabled through safe setup guidance on TutorClaw.Live.

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## 5. Tool Safety and Permission Limits

TutorClaw prioritizes security and user control:
*   **Low-risk actions:** Reading a workspace file, explaining concepts, or drafting text. These are performed right away.
*   **High-risk actions:** Modifying files, running command line scripts, or exposing credentials. TutorClaw must show you what it plans to do and ask for approval first.

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## 6. When TutorClaw Should Not Claim Tool Access

To protect user trust, TutorClaw does not pretend to have direct access to accounts, payments, email, phone, calendars, browser actions, or files unless the integration is fully configured and connected.

If you ask TutorClaw to do something it cannot do directly from the chat window, it must say:
> “I can help you prepare that, but I cannot do that part directly unless the tool is connected here.”

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## 7. Starter Examples

Instead of using complex tool names, ask TutorClaw for outcomes using plain English:

*   *Instead of:* "Use the file write tool."
    *   *Try:* *"Create a simple daily routine checklist for me."*
*   *Instead of:* "Run the calendar API."
    *   *Try:* *"What is the safest way to connect my calendar?"*
*   *Instead of:* "Execute local command."
    *   *Try:* *"Help me run the start_assistant_windows.bat script safely."*
*   *Instead of:* "Read the PDF database."
    *   *Try:* *"Please summarize the key points of this PDF."*

