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The Complete OpenClaw Guide: Build Your AI Executive Assistant

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The Complete OpenClaw Guide: From Beginner to Intermediate – Build Your Own AI Executive Assistant

Have you ever wished your AI could do more than just chat—like actually clean up your desktop files, manage your emails, or schedule meetings without you lifting a finger? Meet OpenClaw, the hottest open‑source AI Agent project of 2026. With over 68,000 stars on GitHub, it’s not another chatbot; it’s a personal assistant that executes tasks for you.

Imagine this: you tell a regular AI “organize my desktop files,” and it gives you a step‑by‑step guide. You tell OpenClaw the same thing, and it renames, sorts, and moves files, then replies: “Done! I’ve organized 47 files into 5 folders based on their type.”

That’s the core difference: from a talker to a doer.

What Is OpenClaw and How Is It Different from Ordinary AI?

OpenClaw (formerly known as ClawdBot / Moltbot) is a truly autonomous AI agent that runs on your own machine. Its power comes from four key features:

  • Local execution – All data stays on your device. No cloud uploads. You keep full control over privacy and security.
  • Real action – It doesn’t just talk; it can actually operate your computer: automate emails, calendar management, file handling, and much more.
  • Multi‑platform messaging – Works with 10+ platforms (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, etc.). Manage all your communication from one entry point.
  • Persistent memory – Remembers your preferences across sessions. The more you use it, the better it knows you.
  • Open source & free – Completely open source. You only need to bring your own API key.
Traditional AI (e.g., ChatGPT) OpenClaw
You: “Help me organize my desktop files.” You: “Help me organize my desktop files.”
AI: “I suggest you do this: 1. Create folders… 2. Sort by type…” OpenClaw: renames, sorts, moves files “Done! 47 files organized into 5 folders.”

That’s the difference between a “chatbot” and an “AI agent.”

Beginner Stage: Laying the Foundation

Step 1: Environment Check

Before installing OpenClaw, make sure your system meets these requirements:

Requirement Details
Operating system macOS, Linux, or Windows (with WSL)
Node.js v18 or higher
AI model API key Claude or GPT API key

🔨 Hands‑on Task 1: Check your environment

Open a terminal and run:

node --version

If the version is below v18, upgrade it:

  • macOS / Linux: use nvm 
    nvm install 18
nvm use 18
  • Windows: download the installer from nodejs.org

✅ Completion standard: terminal shows v18.0.0 or higher.

Step 2: Install OpenClaw

There are three ways to install OpenClaw. Beginners should use the first method.

Method 1: NPM (recommended for beginners)

# Install OpenClaw globally
npm install -g openclaw

# Verify installation
openclaw --version

Method 2: Docker (if you’re comfortable with Docker)

# Pull the image
docker pull openclaw/openclaw:latest

# Run the container
docker run -d --name openclaw \
  -v ~/.openclaw:/root/.openclaw \
  openclaw/openclaw:latest

Method 3: From source (for developers)

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

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Start
npm run start

🔨 Hands‑on Task 2: Complete the installation

Pick one method and install OpenClaw.

✅ Completion standard: Running openclaw --version or openclaw --help shows information without errors.

Step 3: Initial Configuration

After installation, you need to set up OpenClaw:

# Launch the setup wizard
openclaw onboard

The wizard will guide you through:

  1. Choosing an AI model provider (Anthropic Claude / OpenAI GPT / local model)
  2. Entering your API key
  3. Selecting messaging platforms (Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, etc.)
  4. Setting system permissions (start with sandbox mode)

Where to get an API key?

🔨 Hands‑on Task 3: Complete the initial setup

Run openclaw onboard and go through all steps.

✅ Completion standard:

  • API key successfully configured
  • At least one messaging platform selected
  • Permission settings completed (sandbox mode is recommended for now)

Step 4: First Conversation

Start OpenClaw:

# Start OpenClaw (CLI mode)
openclaw

# Or launch the web dashboard
openclaw dashboard

Connect a messaging platform – Telegram example

  1. In Telegram, search for @BotFather.
  2. Send /newbot to create a new bot.
  3. Copy the Bot Token.
  4. Configure it in OpenClaw: 
    openclaw config set channels.telegram.botToken "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN"
openclaw config set channels.telegram.enabled true
  5. In Telegram, search for your bot and start a conversation.

🔨 Hands‑on Task 4: First conversation

Test these commands:

Hello, introduce yourself.
What can you help me with?
What time is it?

✅ Completion standard: Your bot replies properly.

Step 5: Understand the Core Concepts

Gateway – How OpenClaw interacts with the outside world:

  • Message gateways: Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp
  • API gateway: HTTP API interface
  • CLI gateway: command‑line interaction

Skills – OpenClaw’s capabilities, similar to “plugins” or “apps”:

  • Each Skill defines a set of specific tasks.
  • You can install third‑party Skills from Clawhub.
  • You can also write your own custom Skills.

Memory – OpenClaw remembers:

  • Your preferences and habits
  • Context from previous conversations
  • Important information and tasks

Sandbox – Restricts OpenClaw’s system access to protect your computer:

  • Sandbox mode: limits file system, network, and shell access.
  • Full access mode: complete permissions (use with caution).

🔨 Hands‑on Task 5: Explore the workspace

# View OpenClaw’s working directory
ls ~/.openclaw

# View configuration
openclaw config list

# List installed Skills
openclaw skills list

# Run a security audit
openclaw security audit

✅ Completion standard: You understand OpenClaw’s file structure and basic configuration.

Intermediate Stage: Practical Skills

Step 6: Install and Use Skills

Browse the Skills marketplace

Visit clawhub.openclaw.org or use the command line:

# Search for Skills
openclaw skills search email

# View Skill details
openclaw skills info @author/skill-name

Install popular Skills

# Email management
openclaw skills install @openclaw/email-manager

# Calendar management
openclaw skills install @openclaw/calendar

# File organizer
openclaw skills install @openclaw/file-organizer

# Web search (uses Tavily instead of Brave)
openclaw skills install @openclaw/tavily-search

🔨 Hands‑on Task 6: Install and test Skills

  1. Install at least 3 Skills.
  2. Test each Skill’s functionality.
  3. Note which Skills are most useful to you.

✅ Completion standard: Successfully installed and used at least 3 Skills.

Step 7: Google Workspace Integration

OpenClaw can manage your Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and more.

Configuration steps

  1. Create a Google Cloud project

  2. Create a service account

    • In IAM & Admin → Service Accounts, create a new service account
    • Download the JSON key file

  3. Configure OpenClaw

    openclaw config set integrations.google.enabled true
openclaw config set integrations.google.credentialsPath "/path/to/credentials.json"

  4. Authorize access

    openclaw integrations google authorize

🔨 Hands‑on Task 7: Google integration practice

Complete these tasks:

  1. Calendar management: Have OpenClaw create a meeting invitation.

    Create a 1-hour meeting for tomorrow at 3 PM titled "Project Review".

  2. Email handling: Ask OpenClaw to check unread emails.

    Check my unread emails and summarize the three most important ones.

  3. Document editing: Create a Google Doc.

    Create a new Google Doc titled "Weekly Report Template" with a framework for the week’s summary.

✅ Completion standard: At least 2 Google Workspace tasks completed successfully.

Step 8: Set Up Scheduled Tasks (Cron Jobs)

OpenClaw can run tasks automatically on a schedule.

Create a daily briefing

I want you to send me a briefing every morning at 8 AM containing:
1. Today’s weather
2. My calendar events
3. Number of unread emails
4. An inspiring quote

OpenClaw will automatically create a cron job.

Manage scheduled tasks

# List all cron jobs
openclaw cron list

# View details of a specific task
openclaw cron show <task-id>

# Disable a task
openclaw cron disable <task-id>

# Delete a task
openclaw cron delete <task-id>

🔨 Hands‑on Task 8: Create scheduled tasks

Create the following tasks:

  1. Daily briefing: weather and calendar every morning.
  2. Weekly summary: send statistics every Friday afternoon.
  3. Daily reminder: remind you to stop working at 6 PM.

✅ Completion standard: At least 2 scheduled tasks created and verified to run.

Step 9: Configure Persistent Memory

OpenClaw’s memory system lets it remember your preferences.

Train your assistant
Tell OpenClaw about yourself:

Remember this about me:
- My name is [your name]
- My job is [your profession]
- My working hours are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM
- I like concise replies, not too wordy
- I communicate in English
- My time zone is GMT+8

View memory

# View the memory file
cat ~/.openclaw/memory/long-term.json

# Or ask during a conversation
What do you remember about me?

🔨 Hands‑on Task 9: Personalize your assistant

  1. Give your assistant a name.
  2. Tell it your basic information and preferences.
  3. Set your work habits and schedule.
  4. Test whether it remembers this information.

✅ Completion standard: OpenClaw demonstrates that it remembers your preferences during conversation.

Advanced Stage: Going Further

Step 10: Write a Custom Skill

Skills are defined in YAML or Markdown format.

Basic Skill structure

Create the file ~/.openclaw/skills/my-first-skill.yaml:

name: "Daily Tech News"
description: "Fetch and summarize today's tech news"
version: "1.0.0"

triggers:
  - "tech news"
  - "daily tech"

steps:
  - action: web_search
    query: "latest tech news today"
    max_results: 5
    
  - action: summarize
    content: "{{search_results}}"
    style: "bullet_points"
    
  - action: respond
    message: "📰 Today's tech news summary:\n{{summary}}"

Install the custom Skill

# Reload Skills
openclaw skills reload

# Test the Skill
openclaw skills test "Daily Tech News"

🔨 Hands‑on Task 10: Create a custom Skill

Create a custom Skill that does one of the following:

  1. Weather assistant: query weather for a given city and format the output.
  2. Task manager: add, view, and complete to‑do items.
  3. Website monitor: periodically check if a website is accessible.
  4. Price tracker: monitor price changes for a specific product.

✅ Completion standard: Custom Skill created and runs successfully.

Step 11: Multi‑Agent Management

You can run multiple OpenClaw instances, each with different configurations and purposes.

Create multiple agents

# Create a work agent
openclaw create-agent work
openclaw config --agent work set ai.model "claude-sonnet-4.6"

# Create a personal agent
openclaw create-agent personal
openclaw config --agent personal set ai.model "gpt-5.3"

# Switch between agents
openclaw switch-agent work
openclaw switch-agent personal

# List all agents
openclaw list-agents

Use cases

  • Work agent: connected to company email, project management tools.
  • Personal agent: manages personal schedule, family tasks.
  • Experimental agent: tests new features and Skills.

🔨 Hands‑on Task 11: Configure multiple agents

Create at least 2 agents for different purposes, each with different:

  • AI models
  • Messaging platforms
  • Skills
  • Permission levels

✅ Completion standard: Able to switch between agents and use them.

Step 12: Docker Sandbox Security Practices

The Docker sandbox provides the strongest security isolation.

Configure Docker sandbox

# Install Docker if you haven’t
# macOS: download Docker Desktop
# Linux: sudo apt install docker.io

# Set OpenClaw to use Docker sandbox
openclaw config set sandbox.mode "docker"
openclaw config set sandbox.docker.image "openclaw/sandbox:latest"

# Test the sandbox
openclaw sandbox test

Sandbox restrictions

Docker sandbox limits:

  • File system access: only to designated directories.
  • Network access: can be whitelisted.
  • System command execution: restricted.
  • Resource usage: CPU and memory limits.

🔨 Hands‑on Task 12: Security configuration

  1. Enable Docker sandbox mode.
  2. Run a deep security audit: openclaw security audit --deep
  3. Fix any security issues according to the audit results.
  4. Test that sandbox restrictions are in effect.

✅ Completion standard: Security audit passes, sandbox works correctly.

Step 13: Browser Control

OpenClaw can control a browser to perform complex web operations.

Enable browser control

# Install the browser control plugin
openclaw plugins install @openclaw/browser-control

# Configure browser
openclaw config set browser.enabled true
openclaw config set browser.headless false   # false shows the browser window

Usage examples

Open a browser, go to GitHub, search for "openclaw", and tell me the first 3 results.

Help me search Amazon for "mechanical keyboard", find the 3 highest‑rated products, and record their prices.

🔨 Hands‑on Task 13: Browser automation

Use browser control to complete one of these tasks:

  1. Information gathering: scrape data from a website and organize it.
  2. Form filling: automatically fill out an online form.
  3. Price comparison: compare the price of the same product on multiple websites.

✅ Completion standard: At least one browser automation task completed successfully.

Step 14: Integrate with Other Tools

Linear integration (project management)

# Install Linear Skill
openclaw skills install @openclaw/linear

# Configure API key
openclaw config set integrations.linear.apiKey "YOUR_LINEAR_API_KEY"

Usage example:

Create a new task in Linear: "Fix login page bug", priority high.

Obsidian integration (note‑taking)

# Install Obsidian Skill
openclaw skills install @openclaw/obsidian

# Configure Obsidian vault path
openclaw config set integrations.obsidian.vaultPath "/path/to/obsidian/vault"

Usage example:

Create a new note in Obsidian titled "OpenClaw Learning Notes".

🔨 Hands‑on Task 14: Integrate third‑party tools

Choose at least 2 tools you frequently use and integrate them with OpenClaw:

  • Project management: Linear, Jira, Trello
  • Note‑taking: Obsidian, Notion, Evernote
  • Code hosting: GitHub, GitLab
  • Communication: Slack, Discord, Teams

✅ Completion standard: At least 2 third‑party tools successfully integrated and used.

Step 15: Advanced Configuration Tuning

Performance optimization

# Enable caching
openclaw config set cache.enabled true
openclaw config set cache.ttl 3600

# Set concurrent request limit
openclaw config set ai.maxConcurrentRequests 3

# Set timeout
openclaw config set ai.timeout 30000

Cost control

# Set daily API call limit
openclaw config set ai.dailyLimit 1000

# Set monthly budget (USD)
openclaw config set ai.monthlyBudget 50

# View usage statistics
openclaw stats usage
openclaw stats cost

Logging and debugging

# Enable verbose logging
openclaw config set logging.level "debug"

# View logs
openclaw logs

# View logs from a specific date
openclaw logs --since "2026-02-20"

# Export logs
openclaw logs --export logs.txt

🔨 Hands‑on Task 15: Optimize configuration

  1. Tune performance settings based on your usage.
  2. Set cost controls to avoid unexpected high bills.
  3. Configure logging to help debug issues.
  4. Monitor usage and costs for one week.

✅ Completion standard:

  • Cost controls are set.
  • You can view usage statistics.
  • You understand the logging system.

Hands‑on Task Checklist

Beginner stage (must do)

  • [ ] Task 1: Check and install Node.js v18+
  • [ ] Task 2: Complete OpenClaw installation
  • [ ] Task 3: Run the setup wizard and configure API key
  • [ ] Task 4: Have your first conversation with OpenClaw
  • [ ] Task 5: Explore the workspace and configuration files

Intermediate stage (recommended)

  • [ ] Task 6: Install and test at least 3 Skills
  • [ ] Task 7: Complete Google Workspace integration (at least 2 functions)
  • [ ] Task 8: Create at least 2 scheduled tasks
  • [ ] Task 9: Personalize your assistant and configure memory

Advanced stage (for power users)

  • [ ] Task 10: Create a custom Skill
  • [ ] Task 11: Configure multiple agents for different scenarios
  • [ ] Task 12: Enable Docker sandbox and pass a security audit
  • [ ] Task 13: Complete a browser automation task
  • [ ] Task 14: Integrate at least 2 third‑party tools
  • [ ] Task 15: Optimize configuration and set cost controls

Challenge projects

  • [ ] Project 1: Build an automated daily briefing workflow
  • [ ] Project 2: Create an email auto‑classification and reply system
  • [ ] Project 3: Set up a multi‑channel message hub
  • [ ] Project 4: Develop a price monitoring and alert system
  • [ ] Project 5: Build an automated content publishing system (blog/social media)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What technical background do I need for OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is aimed at users with some technical comfort. You should be able to:

  • Use the command line
  • Understand environment variables
  • Know what an API key is

However, the installation process has been greatly simplified – if you can run an npm command, you can use OpenClaw.

Q2: How do I manage security risks?

Key security recommendations:

  1. Use sandbox mode – start with sandbox mode during testing.
  2. Never store plain‑text passwords in configuration files.
  3. Review regularly – periodically check your automation rules.
  4. Understand permissions – enable only what you need.
  5. Dedicated device – consider running OpenClaw on a spare machine (e.g., Mac Mini, old laptop).
  6. Separate accounts – create dedicated email and service accounts for OpenClaw.

Q3: How much will API costs be?

Costs depend on usage intensity:

  • Light use (10–20 conversations/day): about $5–10/month
  • Moderate use (50–100 conversations/day + scheduled tasks): about $20–30/month
  • Heavy use (extensive automation + browser control): about $50–100/month

Money‑saving tips:

  • Use API aggregation services for better rates.
  • Set daily/monthly usage limits.
  • Prefer cheaper models when possible.
  • New users often get free credits.

Q4: Can I use local models?

Yes! OpenClaw supports local models via Ollama:

# Install Ollama
curl -fsSL https://ollama.ai/install.sh | sh

# Download a model
ollama pull llama3.2

# Configure OpenClaw
openclaw config set ai.provider "ollama"
openclaw config set ai.model "llama3.2"
openclaw config set ai.baseUrl "http://localhost:11434"

Note: Local models are usually less powerful than cloud models and may struggle with complex tasks.

Q5: Does OpenClaw support languages other than English?

Absolutely! OpenClaw can understand and respond in many languages. There is also a community‑maintained Chinese version:

You can also use the English version – it understands and replies in Chinese (or other languages) naturally.

Q6: How do I back up my configuration?

# Back up the entire working directory
cp -r ~/.openclaw ~/.openclaw-backup

# Or use Git (recommended)
cd ~/.openclaw
git init
git add .
git commit -m "Initial backup"
git remote add origin YOUR_GITHUB_REPO
git push -u origin main

OpenClaw also has a built‑in GitHub sync feature that can automatically back up your config.

Q7: How do I debug when something goes wrong?

# 1. Check logs
openclaw logs

# 2. Run a health check
openclaw doctor

# 3. Run a security audit
openclaw security audit

# 4. Enable debug mode
openclaw config set logging.level "debug"
openclaw

# 5. View current configuration
openclaw config list

Q8: Can I run OpenClaw on a server?

Yes! Many users run OpenClaw on VPS or cloud servers.

Recommended platforms:

  • DigitalOcean (one‑click deployment available)
  • AWS EC2
  • Alibaba Cloud Lightweight Server
  • Cloudflare Workers ($5/month plan)

Things to keep in mind:

  • Ensure proper server security
  • Use HTTPS connections
  • Configure a firewall
  • Update the system regularly

Learning Resources

Official Resources

Video Tutorials

Written Tutorials

Chinese Resources (for reference)

Community

  • Reddit: r/clawdbot, r/AiForSmallBusiness
  • Discord: Official OpenClaw Discord server
  • GitHub Discussions: Ask questions in the repository’s Discussions section
  • Chinese community: MaoTouHU/OpenClawChinese

What’s Next?

After finishing this guide, you should have mastered most of the core OpenClaw skills from beginner to intermediate. Now you can:

  1. Dive deeper into one area – choose a feature you find most interesting (like browser automation, email management, etc.) and explore it further.
  2. Join the community – contribute code on GitHub or share your own Skills on Clawhub.
  3. Build real‑world projects – use OpenClaw to solve actual problems in your work or daily life.
  4. Explore advanced topics – study multi‑agent collaboration, custom plugin development, and other advanced features.

OpenClaw represents the next step for AI assistants: from tools that talk to assistants that act. For those willing to invest some time in configuration, it can become a true digital twin.

Happy exploring with OpenClaw! 🦞✨

Last updated: February 25, 2026

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