How to Use AI Tools to Enhance Productivity: A Practical Guide

2/20/2026
4 min read

How to Use AI Tools to Enhance Productivity: A Practical Guide

In today's rapidly evolving technological environment, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an important tool for improving productivity across various industries. Whether in marketing, video production, or software development, AI can significantly simplify operations, saving time and resources. This article will introduce several practical AI tools and their applications to help you enhance work efficiency.

1. Overview of AI Tools

1.1 Microsoft Copilot and Designer

Microsoft's Copilot and Designer are two AI-based tools designed to improve work efficiency. Copilot can automatically generate code, helping developers quickly build applications; while Designer can optimize the design process, providing users with beautiful design solutions.

Steps to Use:

1. Install Microsoft 365 and activate Copilot and Designer features.
2. Use Copilot in Word or Excel, input "Generate charts based on the provided data."
3. Use Designer in PowerPoint, upload slides, and get design suggestions.

1.2 Claude AI

Claude AI is an AI assistant launched by Anthropic, showcasing great potential in enterprise and application development. It can not only answer complex questions but also assist in market research, copywriting, and other tasks.

Steps to Use:

1. Register for a Claude AI account and choose a suitable plan.
2. Input queries or task content in Claude AI.
3. Adjust and optimize based on the responses provided by Claude to complete tasks.

2. Application of AI in Video Production

2.1 Sider and Seedance

These two tools make video production simple, allowing even users with no experience to create high-quality videos. Sider allows users to edit videos directly on the platform, while Seedance can automatically generate clips.

Steps to Use:

1. Create an account on Sider and choose a template.
2. Import the video files that need editing.
3. Use Seedance to generate short videos, selecting the appropriate format and style.
4. Download and share the final results.

3. Application of AI in Software Development

3.1 OpenAI's API

OpenAI's API provides developers with a smarter way to generate code and documentation, speeding up project progress. For example, GPT-4 can help developers by providing real-time suggestions while writing code.

Steps to Use:

import openai

# Set the API key
openai.api_key = 'your-api-key'

def generate_code(prompt):
    response = openai.ChatCompletion.create(
        model="gpt-4",
        messages=[
            {"role": "user", "content": prompt}
        ]
    )
    return response['choices'][0]['message']['content']

# Example usage
print(generate_code("Write a Python function to calculate the Fibonacci sequence"))

4. Application of AI in Daily Work

4.1 AI Agents

AI agents are effective tools for automating daily tasks. These tools can perform simple repetitive work and continuously improve efficiency through learning, such as scheduling meetings and handling emails.

Steps to Use:

1. Install AI agent software (e.g., Jarvis).
2. Set up workflows and tasks, such as "Schedule a meeting for tomorrow."
3. Regularly check the work of the AI agent and provide feedback.

5. Cost-Effectiveness Considerations

In the fast-developing world of AI technology, choosing the right AI tools should consider not only their functionality but also their cost-effectiveness. For instance, Claude AI has a lower usage cost while being relatively comprehensive in features, which can help businesses effectively control budgets.

Cost Comparison Example:

| Tool          | Main Function      | Annual Cost  |
|---------------|-------------------|--------------|
| Copilot       | Code Generation    | $240        |
| Claude AI     | Task Assistance    | $150        |
| Sider         | Video Editing      | $120        |

6. Conclusion

The continuous advancement of AI tools brings numerous conveniences to businesses and individuals. By using these tools wisely, we can significantly enhance work efficiency and productivity. We hope the above introduction and practical steps can help you better utilize AI to optimize workflows. As technology continues to evolve, staying attentive to new tools will help you remain competitive.

Published in Technology

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