OpenClaw is an AI assistant that runs on your devices and meets you in the channels you already use. It connects models, tools, messaging channels, and optional companion apps through one Gateway, for a single operator or for a team whose members trust each other: the same gateway runs as a personal assistant on one laptop or as a shared team deployment, and configuration is the only difference. The architecture case — trusted gateway, untrusted execution, deterministic policy — is in Why OpenClaw.
Website · Docs · Getting started · Why OpenClaw · Showcase · FAQ · Vision · DeepWiki
The installer supports macOS, Linux, and Windows. It provisions a supported Node.js runtime when needed.
# macOS / Linux / WSL2
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash# Windows PowerShell
iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iexAlready manage Node.js? Install the published package instead (Node 22.22.3+, 24.15+, or 25.9+):
npm install -g openclaw@latest --allow-scripts=openclawThat command is for npm 12 or npm 11.16+. On npm 11.15 and earlier, omit
--allow-scripts=openclaw. See the
installation guide for the lifecycle script
contract, Docker, Nix, and other deployment paths.
On a fresh install, the installer scripts start onboarding automatically. Complete the wizard they open. If you installed the package directly with npm, pnpm, or Bun, run:
openclaw onboard --install-daemonAfter onboarding:
openclaw gateway status
openclaw dashboardOnboarding verifies model access, creates the workspace, and configures the Gateway. The last command opens the Control UI; send a message there to confirm the assistant is working. See the getting started guide for channel setup and troubleshooting.
- The Gateway is the local control plane for sessions, tools, events, and channel connections.
- The Control UI, CLI, and TUI connect to the Gateway.
- Channels bring the assistant to WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Google Chat, Signal, iMessage, and other messaging services.
- Companion apps and nodes add voice, Canvas, camera, screen, and device-local actions on supported platforms.
OpenClaw works with hosted and local model providers. Its tools, skills, and plugins extend what an assistant can do.
Treat inbound messages as untrusted input. DM-capable channels pair unknown senders by default; approve a pairing request with openclaw pairing approve <channel> <code>.
Tools run on the host for the main session unless you configure sandboxing. Read the security guide, exposure runbook, and sandboxing guide before connecting other users or exposing the Gateway remotely.
| Goal | Start here |
|---|---|
| Configure models and auth | Models · Model providers |
| Connect a messaging service | Channels |
| Add tools, skills, and plugins | Tools · Skills · Plugins · ClawHub |
| Run apps and device nodes | Platforms · Nodes |
| Use the CLI and chat commands | CLI reference · Slash commands |
| Configure or operate the Gateway | Configuration · Architecture · Updating · Release channels |
The repository is a pnpm workspace. Plain npm install at the repository root is not supported.
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
pnpm install
pnpm build
pnpm ui:buildSee CONTRIBUTING.md for the contribution workflow and the source setup guide for the development loop.
OpenClaw is developed in the open by the OpenClaw Foundation, a non-profit. See CONTRIBUTING.md for maintainers and contribution guidelines; AI-assisted PRs are welcome.
Use the issue chooser for bugs and feature requests, ask setup questions in Discord, and report vulnerabilities through SECURITY.md. New capabilities usually belong in plugins built on the plugin SDK and shared through ClawHub.
OpenClaw was built for Molty, a space lobster AI assistant, by Peter Steinberger and the community. Explore the project lore, soul.md, Peter's site, Star History, and @openclaw.
Special thanks to Mario Zechner for his support and for pi, and to Adam Doppelt for the lobster.bot domain.
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Thanks to all clawtributors:
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MIT © OpenClaw Foundation. See THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES.md for incorporated or adapted code.
