OpenClaw Guide: Build Your AI Assistant

TL;DR

OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant with 135K+ GitHub stars
Runs locally on your machine — your data stays private
Connect via WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, iMessage and more
3,000+ community skills for automation, coding, smart home, and more
Free (you only pay for AI API tokens, typically $10-50/month)
Setup takes ~30 minutes with this guide

What is OpenClaw?

OpenClaw (formerly known as Clawdbot, then Moltbot) is the hottest open-source AI project of 2026. It's a personal AI assistant that:

Runs on your own computer or server
Connects to your favorite messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, etc.)
Has full access to your file system, terminal, and browser
Can automate tasks like a personal assistant on steroids

Think of it as having your own Jarvis — an AI that can search files, run commands, send emails, control smart home devices, and do pretty much anything you can do on a computer.

The Journey: Clawdbot → Moltbot → OpenClaw

The project has had quite a naming adventure:

Date	Name	Reason
Nov 2025	Clawdbot	Original name by creator Peter Steinberger
Dec 2025	Moltbot	Renamed after Anthropic's trademark request
Jan 2026	OpenClaw	Community rebrand for independence

No matter what you call it, the functionality remains the same — an incredibly powerful AI assistant that runs locally.

Why OpenClaw?

vs. ChatGPT / Claude Web

Feature	ChatGPT/Claude	OpenClaw
Runs locally	❌	✅
Access your files	❌	✅
Run terminal commands	❌	✅
Control your computer	❌	✅
Works in WhatsApp	❌	✅
Data privacy	Cloud-based	100% local
Extensible with skills	Limited	3,000+ skills

vs. Other AI Agents

OpenClaw's killer features:

Multi-channel inbox: One AI, accessible from WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, iMessage, and 12+ platforms
Persistent memory: Remembers context across conversations
Skill ecosystem: 3,000+ community plugins via ClawHub
Model agnostic: Works with Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, local Ollama models, etc.
Open source: MIT license, fully auditable code

Prerequisites

Before we start, make sure you have:

[ ] A computer (Mac, Windows with WSL2, or Linux)
[ ] Node.js v22+ installed (download here)
[ ] An AI API key (Anthropic Claude, OpenAI, or others)
[ ] ~30 minutes of time

Hardware Requirements

Setup	RAM	Storage	Notes
Minimum	4GB	1GB	Basic functionality
Recommended	8GB+	2GB+	Smooth experience
With local models	16GB+	50GB+	For running Ollama

Installation Methods

Method 1: One-Line Install (Recommended)

The fastest way to get started:

bash

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.bot/install.sh | bash

This script will:

Check your system requirements

Install OpenClaw

Launch the onboarding wizard

Method 2: Docker (Recommended for Servers)

If you prefer containerized deployment:

bash

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw

# Run the Docker setup
./docker-setup.sh

The Docker setup creates two important directories:

~/.openclaw/ — Configuration, memory, API keys

~/openclaw/workspace/ — Files accessible to the AI agent

Method 3: Build from Source

For developers who want full control:

bash

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw

# Install dependencies
pnpm install

# Build the UI
pnpm ui:build

# Build the project
pnpm build

# Run onboarding
pnpm openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Run the Onboarding Wizard

After installation, the onboarding wizard launches automatically. If it doesn't, run:

bash

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

The wizard walks you through:

Model Provider Selection
API Key Configuration
Messaging Platform Setup
Security Settings

Step 2: Configure Your AI Model

OpenClaw supports multiple AI providers. Choose one:

Option A: Anthropic Claude (Recommended)

bash

# Set your API key
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-xxxxx

# Or use the config command
openclaw config set 'models.default' 'claude-sonnet-4'

Option B: OpenAI

bash

export OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-xxxxx
openclaw config set 'models.default' 'gpt-4o'

Option C: DeepSeek (Budget-Friendly)

bash

openclaw config set 'models.providers.deepseek' --json '{
  "baseUrl": "https://api.deepseek.com/v1",
  "apiKey": "your-api-key",
  "api": "openai-completions",
  "models": [
    { "id": "deepseek-chat", "name": "DeepSeek Chat" },
    { "id": "deepseek-reasoner", "name": "DeepSeek Reasoner" }
  ]
}'

Option D: Local Models with Ollama

For complete privacy, run models locally:

bash

# Install Ollama first: https://ollama.ai
ollama pull llama3.3

# Configure OpenClaw to use it
openclaw config set 'models.providers.ollama' --json '{
  "baseUrl": "http://localhost:11434/v1",
  "api": "openai-completions",
  "models": [
    { "id": "llama3.3", "name": "Llama 3.3" }
  ]
}'

Step 3: Connect Messaging Platforms

This is where OpenClaw shines — chat with your AI from anywhere.

Telegram (Easiest)

Message @BotFather on Telegram
Send /newbot and follow the prompts
Copy your bot token
Configure OpenClaw:

bash

openclaw config set 'channels.telegram.token' 'YOUR_BOT_TOKEN'
openclaw config set 'channels.telegram.allowlist' '["your_telegram_username"]'

OpenClaw uses WhatsApp Web for connection:

bash

# Enable WhatsApp channel
openclaw config set 'channels.whatsapp.enabled' true

# Restart the gateway
openclaw gateway restart

# Scan the QR code that appears

A QR code will appear in your terminal. Scan it with WhatsApp on your phone (Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device).

Discord

Create a Discord application at discord.com/developers
Create a bot and copy the token
Configure:

bash

openclaw config set 'channels.discord.token' 'YOUR_BOT_TOKEN'
openclaw config set 'channels.discord.allowlist' '["your_discord_user_id"]'

iMessage (Mac Only)

For Mac users, OpenClaw can connect directly to iMessage:

bash

openclaw config set 'channels.imessage.enabled' true

Step 4: Start the Gateway

The gateway is the background service that keeps OpenClaw running:

bash

# Start as a daemon (background service)
openclaw gateway start

# Or run in foreground for debugging
openclaw gateway

# Check status
openclaw gateway status

# View logs
openclaw logs --follow

Step 5: Access the Web Dashboard

OpenClaw includes a web interface for configuration and direct chat:

bash

# Open the dashboard in your browser
openclaw dashboard

This opens http://127.0.0.1:18789/ with a temporary login token.

From the dashboard you can:

Chat directly with your AI

Manage settings

View conversation history

Install skills

Your First Conversation

Once everything is set up, send a message to your bot (via Telegram, WhatsApp, or the web UI):

Hello! Can you tell me what you can do?

OpenClaw will introduce itself and its capabilities. Try some real tasks:

What files are in my Downloads folder?

Search my documents for anything related to "taxes 2025"

Create a Python script that converts CSV to JSON

What's using the most disk space on my computer?

Installing Skills

Skills extend OpenClaw's capabilities. Browse the ClawHub registry or install directly:

Popular Skills

bash

# GitHub integration
openclaw skill install github

# Web browser automation
openclaw skill install agent-browser

# Calendar management
openclaw skill install calendar

# Email automation
openclaw skill install email

# Smart home control
openclaw skill install homeassistant

# Image generation
openclaw skill install dalle

# Voice conversations (Discord)
openclaw skill install discord-voice

Skill Categories

Category	Popular Skills	Use Cases
Developer	github, gitlab, jira, linear	PR reviews, issue management
Productivity	calendar, email, notion, todoist	Scheduling, task management
Automation	agent-browser, puppeteer, selenium	Web scraping, form filling
Smart Home	homeassistant, philips-hue, tuya	Light control, scenes
Finance	crypto-prices, stock-tracker	Portfolio monitoring
Media	spotify, youtube-dl, plex	Music control, downloads

Security Warning

⚠️ Important: Review skills before installing. The open nature of ClawHub means malicious skills can exist. Use openclaw skill inspect to review code, or ask Claude Code / Codex to audit it for you.

Advanced Configuration

Configuration File Structure

OpenClaw stores configuration in ~/.openclaw/:

~/.openclaw/
├── openclaw.json    # Main configuration
├── env              # Environment variables (API keys)
├── memory/          # Persistent memory storage
├── skills/          # Installed skills
├── backups/         # Configuration backups
└── logs/            # Log files

Editing Configuration

bash

# View current config
openclaw config get

# Set a value
openclaw config set 'key.path' 'value'

# Edit in your default editor
openclaw config edit

Memory Management

OpenClaw maintains persistent memory across conversations:

bash

# View memory stats
openclaw memory stats

# Clear all memory (careful!)
openclaw memory clear

# Export memory for backup
openclaw memory export > memory-backup.json

Running Health Checks

bash

# Comprehensive health check
openclaw doctor

# Check specific components
openclaw doctor --check api
openclaw doctor --check channels
openclaw doctor --check skills

Security Best Practices

OpenClaw has full system access — that's what makes it powerful, but also risky. Follow these guidelines:

1. Use a Dedicated Machine

Don't run OpenClaw on your main work computer. Options:

VPS: DigitalOcean, Vultr, AWS ($5-20/month)
Old laptop: Repurpose old hardware
Raspberry Pi: Works for light usage
Docker: Provides some isolation

2. Enable Sandbox Mode

For non-trusted sessions (group chats, channels):

bash

openclaw config set 'agents.defaults.sandbox.mode' 'non-main'

This runs group/channel sessions inside Docker sandboxes.

3. Use Allowlists

Only allow specific users to interact with your bot:

bash

# Telegram
openclaw config set 'channels.telegram.allowlist' '["username1", "username2"]'

# Discord
openclaw config set 'channels.discord.allowlist' '["user_id_1", "user_id_2"]'

4. Keep Updated

Security vulnerabilities have been found in older versions. Always run the latest:

bash

# Check for updates
openclaw update --check

# Update to latest
openclaw update

Note: Versions before 2026.1.29 have a known security vulnerability. Update immediately if you're on an older version.

5. Audit Skills Before Installing

bash

# Inspect a skill's code
openclaw skill inspect <skill-name>

# Check skill reputation
openclaw skill info <skill-name>

Automation Examples

Here's where OpenClaw gets really powerful:

Morning Briefing

Set up a daily summary at 8 AM:

bash

# In your config, add a cron job
openclaw config set 'automations.morning-briefing' --json '{
  "cron": "0 8 * * *",
  "action": "Send me a summary of: weather forecast, calendar events today, unread important emails, and top 3 news headlines"
}'

GitHub PR Review Bot

Automatically review PRs when assigned:

bash

openclaw skill install github

# Configure webhook or polling
openclaw config set 'automations.pr-review' --json '{
  "trigger": "github.pr.assigned",
  "action": "Review the PR, check for bugs, security issues, and style violations. Post a summary comment."
}'

Smart Home Scenes

bash

openclaw skill install homeassistant

# "Leaving home" automation
openclaw config set 'automations.leaving-home' --json '{
  "trigger": "location.leave_home",
  "action": "Turn off all lights, set thermostat to eco mode, arm security system"
}'

File Organization

Tell OpenClaw to organize your Downloads folder:

Organize my Downloads folder: move images to ~/Pictures, documents to ~/Documents, and delete anything older than 30 days

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

"Command not found: openclaw"

bash

# Add to PATH
export PATH="$HOME/.openclaw/bin:$PATH"
# Add to your shell profile (.bashrc, .zshrc)

"API key invalid"

bash

# Check your environment variables
openclaw config get models

# Re-run onboarding
openclaw onboard

"WhatsApp QR code not appearing"

bash

# Check logs
openclaw logs --channel whatsapp

# Restart the gateway
openclaw gateway restart

"Skills not loading"

bash

# Rebuild skills index
openclaw skill rebuild

# Check for conflicts
openclaw doctor --check skills

Getting Help

Documentation: docs.openclaw.ai
GitHub Issues: github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues
Discord Community: discord.gg/openclaw
Reddit: r/OpenClaw

Cost Breakdown

OpenClaw itself is free. Your costs come from AI API usage:

Usage Level	Monthly Tokens	Estimated Cost
Light	~1M tokens	$3-10
Moderate	~5M tokens	$15-40
Heavy	~20M tokens	$60-150
Power User	50M+ tokens	$150+

Cost-Saving Tips

Use DeepSeek for routine tasks ($0.14/M tokens vs Claude's $3/M)
Local models for simple queries (free after hardware)
Set token limits per conversation
Use caching for repeated queries

What's Next?

Now that you have OpenClaw running, here are some ideas:

Build Your Own Skills

Create custom skills for your specific needs:

bash

# Create a new skill
openclaw skill create my-custom-skill

# Edit the skill
code ~/.openclaw/skills/my-custom-skill/SKILL.md

Connect More Platforms

Add multiple WhatsApp accounts (personal + work)
Connect Slack for work, Discord for personal
Set up iMessage for Apple ecosystem

Explore the Ecosystem

Browse ClawHub for 3,000+ skills
Join the Discord community for tips and tricks
Follow @OpenClaw for updates

Taking It Further: Deploy Your Own AI Products

Once you've experienced the power of AI assistants, you might want to build products for others. That's where Y Build comes in.

Y Build helps you go from AI-powered idea to launched product:

AI Coding: Describe what you want, AI generates the code
One-Click Deploy: Go live instantly with global CDN
Growth Tools: Demo videos, SEO optimization, analytics

Whether you want to build:

A SaaS tool powered by AI
An automation platform like OpenClaw
A custom chatbot for your business

Y Build handles the deployment and growth so you can focus on building. Try Y Build Free →

Conclusion

OpenClaw represents a new paradigm in personal AI — an assistant that's:

Local: Your data never leaves your machine
Powerful: Full system access means real automation
Extensible: 3,000+ skills and growing
Multi-platform: One AI, accessible everywhere

In 30 minutes, you've set up your own AI assistant that can:

Answer questions from your WhatsApp
Search and organize your files
Automate repetitive tasks
Control your smart home
And much more

The future of AI isn't just chatbots in the cloud — it's personal AI agents running on your own infrastructure, under your control.

Welcome to the OpenClaw community. 🦞

Sources:

TL;DR

OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant with 135K+ GitHub stars
Runs locally on your machine — your data stays private
Connect via WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, iMessage and more
3,000+ community skills for automation, coding, smart home, and more
Free (you only pay for AI API tokens, typically $10-50/month)
Setup takes ~30 minutes with this guide

What is OpenClaw?

OpenClaw (formerly known as Clawdbot, then Moltbot) is the hottest open-source AI project of 2026. It's a personal AI assistant that:

Runs on your own computer or server
Connects to your favorite messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, etc.)
Has full access to your file system, terminal, and browser
Can automate tasks like a personal assistant on steroids

Think of it as having your own Jarvis — an AI that can search files, run commands, send emails, control smart home devices, and do pretty much anything you can do on a computer.

The Journey: Clawdbot → Moltbot → OpenClaw

The project has had quite a naming adventure:

Date	Name	Reason
Nov 2025	Clawdbot	Original name by creator Peter Steinberger
Dec 2025	Moltbot	Renamed after Anthropic's trademark request
Jan 2026	OpenClaw	Community rebrand for independence

No matter what you call it, the functionality remains the same — an incredibly powerful AI assistant that runs locally.

Why OpenClaw?

vs. ChatGPT / Claude Web

Feature	ChatGPT/Claude	OpenClaw
Runs locally	❌	✅
Access your files	❌	✅
Run terminal commands	❌	✅
Control your computer	❌	✅
Works in WhatsApp	❌	✅
Data privacy	Cloud-based	100% local
Extensible with skills	Limited	3,000+ skills

vs. Other AI Agents

OpenClaw's killer features:

Multi-channel inbox: One AI, accessible from WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, iMessage, and 12+ platforms
Persistent memory: Remembers context across conversations
Skill ecosystem: 3,000+ community plugins via ClawHub
Model agnostic: Works with Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, local Ollama models, etc.
Open source: MIT license, fully auditable code

Prerequisites

Before we start, make sure you have:

[ ] A computer (Mac, Windows with WSL2, or Linux)
[ ] Node.js v22+ installed (download here)
[ ] An AI API key (Anthropic Claude, OpenAI, or others)
[ ] ~30 minutes of time

Hardware Requirements

Setup	RAM	Storage	Notes
Minimum	4GB	1GB	Basic functionality
Recommended	8GB+	2GB+	Smooth experience
With local models	16GB+	50GB+	For running Ollama

Installation Methods

Method 1: One-Line Install (Recommended)

The fastest way to get started:

bash

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.bot/install.sh | bash

This script will:

Check your system requirements

Install OpenClaw

Launch the onboarding wizard

Method 2: Docker (Recommended for Servers)

If you prefer containerized deployment:

bash

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw

# Run the Docker setup
./docker-setup.sh

The Docker setup creates two important directories:

~/.openclaw/ — Configuration, memory, API keys

~/openclaw/workspace/ — Files accessible to the AI agent

Method 3: Build from Source

For developers who want full control:

bash

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw

# Install dependencies
pnpm install

# Build the UI
pnpm ui:build

# Build the project
pnpm build

# Run onboarding
pnpm openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Run the Onboarding Wizard

After installation, the onboarding wizard launches automatically. If it doesn't, run:

bash

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

The wizard walks you through:

Model Provider Selection
API Key Configuration
Messaging Platform Setup
Security Settings

Step 2: Configure Your AI Model

OpenClaw supports multiple AI providers. Choose one:

Option A: Anthropic Claude (Recommended)

bash

# Set your API key
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-xxxxx

# Or use the config command
openclaw config set 'models.default' 'claude-sonnet-4'

Option B: OpenAI

bash

export OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-xxxxx
openclaw config set 'models.default' 'gpt-4o'

Option C: DeepSeek (Budget-Friendly)

bash

openclaw config set 'models.providers.deepseek' --json '{
  "baseUrl": "https://api.deepseek.com/v1",
  "apiKey": "your-api-key",
  "api": "openai-completions",
  "models": [
    { "id": "deepseek-chat", "name": "DeepSeek Chat" },
    { "id": "deepseek-reasoner", "name": "DeepSeek Reasoner" }
  ]
}'

Option D: Local Models with Ollama

For complete privacy, run models locally:

bash

# Install Ollama first: https://ollama.ai
ollama pull llama3.3

# Configure OpenClaw to use it
openclaw config set 'models.providers.ollama' --json '{
  "baseUrl": "http://localhost:11434/v1",
  "api": "openai-completions",
  "models": [
    { "id": "llama3.3", "name": "Llama 3.3" }
  ]
}'

Step 3: Connect Messaging Platforms

This is where OpenClaw shines — chat with your AI from anywhere.

Telegram (Easiest)

Message @BotFather on Telegram
Send /newbot and follow the prompts
Copy your bot token
Configure OpenClaw:

bash

openclaw config set 'channels.telegram.token' 'YOUR_BOT_TOKEN'
openclaw config set 'channels.telegram.allowlist' '["your_telegram_username"]'

OpenClaw uses WhatsApp Web for connection:

bash

# Enable WhatsApp channel
openclaw config set 'channels.whatsapp.enabled' true

# Restart the gateway
openclaw gateway restart

# Scan the QR code that appears

A QR code will appear in your terminal. Scan it with WhatsApp on your phone (Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device).

Discord

Create a Discord application at discord.com/developers
Create a bot and copy the token
Configure:

bash

openclaw config set 'channels.discord.token' 'YOUR_BOT_TOKEN'
openclaw config set 'channels.discord.allowlist' '["your_discord_user_id"]'

iMessage (Mac Only)

For Mac users, OpenClaw can connect directly to iMessage:

bash

openclaw config set 'channels.imessage.enabled' true

Step 4: Start the Gateway

The gateway is the background service that keeps OpenClaw running:

bash

# Start as a daemon (background service)
openclaw gateway start

# Or run in foreground for debugging
openclaw gateway

# Check status
openclaw gateway status

# View logs
openclaw logs --follow

Step 5: Access the Web Dashboard

OpenClaw includes a web interface for configuration and direct chat:

bash

# Open the dashboard in your browser
openclaw dashboard

This opens http://127.0.0.1:18789/ with a temporary login token.

From the dashboard you can:

Chat directly with your AI

Manage settings

View conversation history

Install skills

Your First Conversation

Once everything is set up, send a message to your bot (via Telegram, WhatsApp, or the web UI):

Hello! Can you tell me what you can do?

OpenClaw will introduce itself and its capabilities. Try some real tasks:

What files are in my Downloads folder?

Search my documents for anything related to "taxes 2025"

Create a Python script that converts CSV to JSON

What's using the most disk space on my computer?

Installing Skills

Skills extend OpenClaw's capabilities. Browse the ClawHub registry or install directly:

Popular Skills

bash

# GitHub integration
openclaw skill install github

# Web browser automation
openclaw skill install agent-browser

# Calendar management
openclaw skill install calendar

# Email automation
openclaw skill install email

# Smart home control
openclaw skill install homeassistant

# Image generation
openclaw skill install dalle

# Voice conversations (Discord)
openclaw skill install discord-voice

Skill Categories

Category	Popular Skills	Use Cases
Developer	github, gitlab, jira, linear	PR reviews, issue management
Productivity	calendar, email, notion, todoist	Scheduling, task management
Automation	agent-browser, puppeteer, selenium	Web scraping, form filling
Smart Home	homeassistant, philips-hue, tuya	Light control, scenes
Finance	crypto-prices, stock-tracker	Portfolio monitoring
Media	spotify, youtube-dl, plex	Music control, downloads

Security Warning

⚠️ Important: Review skills before installing. The open nature of ClawHub means malicious skills can exist. Use openclaw skill inspect to review code, or ask Claude Code / Codex to audit it for you.

Advanced Configuration

Configuration File Structure

OpenClaw stores configuration in ~/.openclaw/:

~/.openclaw/
├── openclaw.json    # Main configuration
├── env              # Environment variables (API keys)
├── memory/          # Persistent memory storage
├── skills/          # Installed skills
├── backups/         # Configuration backups
└── logs/            # Log files

Editing Configuration

bash

# View current config
openclaw config get

# Set a value
openclaw config set 'key.path' 'value'

# Edit in your default editor
openclaw config edit

Memory Management

OpenClaw maintains persistent memory across conversations:

bash

# View memory stats
openclaw memory stats

# Clear all memory (careful!)
openclaw memory clear

# Export memory for backup
openclaw memory export > memory-backup.json

Running Health Checks

bash

# Comprehensive health check
openclaw doctor

# Check specific components
openclaw doctor --check api
openclaw doctor --check channels
openclaw doctor --check skills

Security Best Practices

OpenClaw has full system access — that's what makes it powerful, but also risky. Follow these guidelines:

1. Use a Dedicated Machine

Don't run OpenClaw on your main work computer. Options:

VPS: DigitalOcean, Vultr, AWS ($5-20/month)
Old laptop: Repurpose old hardware
Raspberry Pi: Works for light usage
Docker: Provides some isolation

2. Enable Sandbox Mode

For non-trusted sessions (group chats, channels):

bash

openclaw config set 'agents.defaults.sandbox.mode' 'non-main'

This runs group/channel sessions inside Docker sandboxes.

3. Use Allowlists

Only allow specific users to interact with your bot:

bash

# Telegram
openclaw config set 'channels.telegram.allowlist' '["username1", "username2"]'

# Discord
openclaw config set 'channels.discord.allowlist' '["user_id_1", "user_id_2"]'

4. Keep Updated

Security vulnerabilities have been found in older versions. Always run the latest:

bash

# Check for updates
openclaw update --check

# Update to latest
openclaw update

Note: Versions before 2026.1.29 have a known security vulnerability. Update immediately if you're on an older version.

5. Audit Skills Before Installing

bash

# Inspect a skill's code
openclaw skill inspect <skill-name>

# Check skill reputation
openclaw skill info <skill-name>

Automation Examples

Here's where OpenClaw gets really powerful:

Morning Briefing

Set up a daily summary at 8 AM:

bash

# In your config, add a cron job
openclaw config set 'automations.morning-briefing' --json '{
  "cron": "0 8 * * *",
  "action": "Send me a summary of: weather forecast, calendar events today, unread important emails, and top 3 news headlines"
}'

GitHub PR Review Bot

Automatically review PRs when assigned:

bash

openclaw skill install github

# Configure webhook or polling
openclaw config set 'automations.pr-review' --json '{
  "trigger": "github.pr.assigned",
  "action": "Review the PR, check for bugs, security issues, and style violations. Post a summary comment."
}'

Smart Home Scenes

bash

openclaw skill install homeassistant

# "Leaving home" automation
openclaw config set 'automations.leaving-home' --json '{
  "trigger": "location.leave_home",
  "action": "Turn off all lights, set thermostat to eco mode, arm security system"
}'

File Organization

Tell OpenClaw to organize your Downloads folder:

Organize my Downloads folder: move images to ~/Pictures, documents to ~/Documents, and delete anything older than 30 days

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

"Command not found: openclaw"

bash

# Add to PATH
export PATH="$HOME/.openclaw/bin:$PATH"
# Add to your shell profile (.bashrc, .zshrc)

"API key invalid"

bash

# Check your environment variables
openclaw config get models

# Re-run onboarding
openclaw onboard

"WhatsApp QR code not appearing"

bash

# Check logs
openclaw logs --channel whatsapp

# Restart the gateway
openclaw gateway restart

"Skills not loading"

bash

# Rebuild skills index
openclaw skill rebuild

# Check for conflicts
openclaw doctor --check skills

Getting Help

Documentation: docs.openclaw.ai
GitHub Issues: github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues
Discord Community: discord.gg/openclaw
Reddit: r/OpenClaw

Cost Breakdown

OpenClaw itself is free. Your costs come from AI API usage:

Usage Level	Monthly Tokens	Estimated Cost
Light	~1M tokens	$3-10
Moderate	~5M tokens	$15-40
Heavy	~20M tokens	$60-150
Power User	50M+ tokens	$150+

Cost-Saving Tips

Use DeepSeek for routine tasks ($0.14/M tokens vs Claude's $3/M)
Local models for simple queries (free after hardware)
Set token limits per conversation
Use caching for repeated queries

What's Next?

Now that you have OpenClaw running, here are some ideas:

Build Your Own Skills

Create custom skills for your specific needs:

bash

# Create a new skill
openclaw skill create my-custom-skill

# Edit the skill
code ~/.openclaw/skills/my-custom-skill/SKILL.md

Connect More Platforms

Add multiple WhatsApp accounts (personal + work)
Connect Slack for work, Discord for personal
Set up iMessage for Apple ecosystem

Explore the Ecosystem

Browse ClawHub for 3,000+ skills
Join the Discord community for tips and tricks
Follow @OpenClaw for updates

Taking It Further: Deploy Your Own AI Products

Once you've experienced the power of AI assistants, you might want to build products for others. That's where Y Build comes in.

Y Build helps you go from AI-powered idea to launched product:

AI Coding: Describe what you want, AI generates the code
One-Click Deploy: Go live instantly with global CDN
Growth Tools: Demo videos, SEO optimization, analytics

Whether you want to build:

A SaaS tool powered by AI
An automation platform like OpenClaw
A custom chatbot for your business

Y Build handles the deployment and growth so you can focus on building. Try Y Build Free →

Conclusion

OpenClaw represents a new paradigm in personal AI — an assistant that's:

Local: Your data never leaves your machine
Powerful: Full system access means real automation
Extensible: 3,000+ skills and growing
Multi-platform: One AI, accessible everywhere

In 30 minutes, you've set up your own AI assistant that can:

Answer questions from your WhatsApp
Search and organize your files
Automate repetitive tasks
Control your smart home
And much more

The future of AI isn't just chatbots in the cloud — it's personal AI agents running on your own infrastructure, under your control.

Welcome to the OpenClaw community. 🦞

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