Get Started with OpenClaw

The fastest way to get started is with npm. Open your terminal and run:

npm install -g openclaw
openclaw init

The openclaw init wizard will walk you through setting up your API key and preferences.

Choose your preferred method:

npm install -g openclaw
openclaw init
openclaw gateway start

docker pull openclaw/openclaw:latest
docker volume create openclaw-config
docker run -it \
  -v openclaw-config:/home/openclaw/.openclaw \
  -p 3000:3000 \
  openclaw/openclaw:latest init

git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
npm install
npm run build
npm link

You know the drill. Quickest path:

npm i -g openclaw && openclaw init && openclaw gateway start

Or use Docker with compose for a production-like setup. See hosting options for VPS and cloud deploys.

You'll need an API key from an AI provider. We recommend Anthropic (Claude) for the best experience:

1. Go to console.anthropic.com
2. Sign up and create an API key
3. Run openclaw config and paste your key when prompted

Configure via CLI or edit ~/.openclaw/config.yaml directly:

# ~/.openclaw/config.yaml
ai:
  provider: anthropic
  model: claude-sonnet-4-20250514
  apiKey: ${ANTHROPIC_API_KEY}

gateway:
  host: 127.0.0.1
  port: 3000

Supports OpenAI, Anthropic, OpenRouter, and local models via Ollama. See docs for all provider options.

Set up environment variables and configure multiple providers for model routing:

ai:
  providers:
    anthropic:
      apiKey: ${ANTHROPIC_API_KEY}
    openai:
      apiKey: ${OPENAI_API_KEY}
  routing:
    simple: claude-3-haiku
    complex: claude-3-opus
    code: gpt-4-turbo

Check the advanced guides for model routing strategies and cost optimization.

Time for the magic moment! Start a chat:

openclaw chat

Try saying:

• What can you help me with?
• Summarize quantum computing in 3 bullets
• Write a haiku about coffee

Quick verification:

# One-shot test
openclaw chat "Hello! List 3 ways you can help developers."

# Interactive mode
openclaw chat

# Check status & logs
openclaw status
openclaw logs --tail 20

The gateway exposes a local API at http://localhost:3000 — useful for integrating with your own tools.

Verify, then jump straight into connecting channels:

openclaw chat "System check: confirm all providers are accessible"
openclaw status --verbose

Now bring your AI into an app you already use:

For personal use, WhatsApp or Telegram is easiest. Just run:

openclaw connect whatsapp

Scan the QR code with your phone, and you're connected!

Connect programmatically or via the CLI. Full channel reference at channels page.

# Telegram (bot token from @BotFather)
openclaw connect telegram

# Discord (bot token from developer portal)
openclaw connect discord

# Slack (app manifest install)
openclaw connect slack

See the integrations page for webhooks, APIs, and custom channel development.

Connect multiple channels simultaneously and configure per-channel behavior:

channels:
  whatsapp:
    enabled: true
    personality: casual
  slack:
    enabled: true
    personality: professional
  discord:
    enabled: true
    personality: fun

You're up and running! Here's where to go from here: