OpenClaw: Complete Beginner to Intermediate Tutorial

Last Updated: February 2026

📚 Table of Contents

1. What is OpenClaw
2. Beginner Stage: Getting Started
3. Advanced Stage: Practical Skills
4. Intermediate Stage: Advanced Applications
5. Practical Task Checklist
6. FAQ
7. Learning Resources

What is OpenClaw

OpenClaw (formerly ClawdBot/Moltbot) is the hottest open-source AI Agent project of 2026, with over 68,000 stars on GitHub. It is not just an ordinary chatbot, but a personal AI assistant that can actually execute tasks.

Local Execution

Data is stored on your device; no need to upload to the cloud. Complete control over privacy and data security.

Real Execution

More than just conversation; it can actually operate your computer. Automate tasks like emails, calendars, and file management.

Multi-Platform Messaging

Supports 10+ platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and Slack. Manage all communications from a single entry point.

Persistent Memory

Saves context and user preferences across sessions. It gets to know you better over time, continuously improving efficiency.

Open Source & Free

Completely open source; you only need to provide your own API Key. Free and under your full control.

OpenClaw vs. Traditional AI Assistants

Traditional AI (e.g., ChatGPT):

• You: "Help me organize my desktop files."
• AI: "I suggest you do this: 1. Create folders... 2. Categorize by type..."

OpenClaw:

• You: "Help me organize my desktop files."
• OpenClaw: Directly renames, categorizes, and moves files "Done! I have organized 47 files into 5 folders by type."

This is the fundamental difference between a "chatbot" and an "AI Agent."

Beginner Stage: Getting Started

Step 1: Environment Preparation

System Requirements

• OS: macOS, Linux, or Windows (requires WSL)
• Node.js: v18 or higher
• AI Model API Key: Claude or GPT API key

🔨 Practical Task 1: Check Environment

1# Check Node.js version
2node --version
3
4# If version is lower than v18, upgrade
5# macOS/Linux use nvm
6nvm install 18
7nvm use 18
8
9# Windows visit [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org) to download and install

✅ Completion Standard: Terminal displays Node.js version >= v18.0.0

Step 2: Install OpenClaw

Method 1: NPM Installation (Recommended for beginners)

1# Install OpenClaw globally
2npm install -g openclaw
3
4# Verify installation
5openclaw --version

Method 2: Docker Installation (Recommended for those with Docker experience)

1# Pull image
2docker pull openclaw/openclaw:latest
3
4# Run container
5docker run -d --name openclaw \
6  -v ~/.openclaw:/root/.openclaw \
7  openclaw/openclaw:latest

Method 3: Source Installation (For developers)

1# Clone project
2git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
3cd openclaw
4
5# Install dependencies
6npm install
7
8# Start
9npm run start

🔨 Practical Task 2: Complete Installation

Choose an installation method and complete the OpenClaw setup.

✅ Completion Standard: Running openclaw --version or openclaw --help displays information normally.

Step 3: Initial Configuration

Run the Onboarding Wizard

1# Start initialization wizard
2openclaw 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. Choosing a messaging platform (Telegram / Discord / WhatsApp, etc.)
4. Configuring system permissions (Sandbox mode recommended initially)

Configure API Key

If you don't have an API Key yet, you can get one via:

• Anthropic Claude: anthropic.com (Recommended, $20/month Pro subscription)
• OpenAI GPT: platform.openai.com
• API Aggregators: apiyi.com (Supports multiple models, free credits for new users)

🔨 Practical Task 3: Complete Initialization

Run openclaw onboard and complete all configuration steps.

✅ Completion Standard:

• Successfully configured API Key
• Selected at least one messaging platform
• Completed permission settings (Sandbox mode recommended)

Step 4: First Conversation

Start OpenClaw

1# Start OpenClaw
2openclaw
3
4# Or start the Dashboard (Web interface)
5openclaw dashboard

Connect Messaging Platform

Telegram Example:

1. Search for @BotFather in Telegram
2. Send /newbot to create a new bot
3. Get the Bot Token
4. Configure it in OpenClaw:

1openclaw config set channels.telegram.botToken "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN"
2openclaw config set channels.telegram.enabled true

1. Search for your bot in Telegram and start a conversation

🔨 Practical Task 4: First Conversation

Have your first conversation with your OpenClaw assistant and test the following commands:

1Hello, introduce yourself

1What can you help me with?

1What time is it now?

✅ Completion Standard: The bot replies to your messages normally.

Step 5: Understand Core Concepts

Gateway

Gateways are how OpenClaw interacts with the outside world:

• Message Gateway: Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp
• API Gateway: HTTP API interfaces
• CLI Gateway: Command-line interaction

Skills

Skills are capability extensions for OpenClaw, similar to "plugins" or "apps":

• Each Skill defines a specific set of tasks
• Third-party Skills can be installed from Clawhub
• You can also write your own custom Skills

Memory

OpenClaw remembers:

• Your preferences and habits
• Previous conversation context
• Important information and tasks

Sandbox

Sandbox mode limits OpenClaw's system access permissions to protect your computer:

• Sandbox Mode: Limits file system, network, and Shell access
• Full Access Mode: Complete permissions (use with caution)

🔨 Practical Task 5: Explore Workspace

1# View OpenClaw's working directory
2ls ~/.openclaw
3
4# View configuration file
5openclaw config list
6
7# View installed Skills
8openclaw skills list
9
10# Run security audit
11openclaw security audit

✅ Completion Standard: Understand OpenClaw's file structure and basic configuration.

Advanced Stage: Practical Skills

Step 6: Installing and Using Skills

Browse the Skills Market

Visit Clawhub or use the command:

1# Search for Skills
2openclaw skills search email
3
4# View Skill details
5openclaw skills info @author/skill-name

Install Common Skills

1# Install email management Skill
2openclaw skills install @openclaw/email-manager
3
4# Install calendar management Skill
5openclaw skills install @openclaw/calendar
6
7# Install file organizer Skill
8openclaw skills install @openclaw/file-organizer
9
10# Install web search Skill (using Tavily instead of Brave)
11openclaw skills install @openclaw/tavily-search

🔨 Practical Task 6: Install and Test Skills

1. Install at least 3 Skills
2. Test the functionality of each Skill
3. Record 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, etc.

Configuration Steps

1. Create Google Cloud Project

Visit console.cloud.google.com and create a new project. Enable Gmail API, Google Calendar API, and Google Drive API.

2. Create Service Account

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

3. Configure OpenClaw

1openclaw config set integrations.google.enabled true
2openclaw config set integrations.google.credentialsPath "/path/to/credentials.json"

4. Authorize Access

1openclaw integrations google authorize

🔨 Practical Task 7: Google Integration Practice

Complete the following tasks:

1. Calendar Management: Have OpenClaw create a meeting invitation for you
``text
Help me create a 1-hour meeting tomorrow at 3 PM with the subject "Project Review"
``

2. Email Processing: Have OpenClaw check unread emails
``text
Check my unread emails and summarize the 3 most important ones
``

3. Document Editing: Create a Google Doc
``text
Create a new Google Doc titled "Weekly Report Template" containing a framework for this week's work summary
``

✅ Completion Standard: Successfully completed at least 2 Google Workspace tasks.

Step 8: Setting Up Cron Jobs

OpenClaw can execute tasks automatically on a regular basis.

Create Daily Briefing
``text
I want you to send me a briefing every morning at 8 AM containing:
1. Today's weather
2. My calendar schedule
3. Number of unread emails
4. An inspirational quote
``

OpenClaw will automatically create a cron job.

View Cron Jobs
``text
# List all cron jobs
openclaw cron list

# View task details
openclaw cron show <task-id>

# Disable task
openclaw cron disable <task-id>

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

🔨 Practical Task 8: Create Cron Jobs

Create the following cron jobs:

1. Daily Briefing: Send weather and schedule every morning
2. Weekly Summary: Send weekly statistics every Friday afternoon
3. Timed Reminder: Remind you to finish work at 6 PM daily

✅ Completion Standard: Created at least 2 cron jobs and verified they run normally.

Step 9: Configuring Persistent Memory

OpenClaw's memory system allows it to remember your preferences.

Train Your Assistant

Tell OpenClaw information about yourself:
``text
Remember the following information about me:
- My name is [Your Name]
- My job is [Your Profession]
- My working hours are Monday to Friday 9:00-18:00
- I prefer concise replies, don't be too wordy
- I communicate in English
- My time zone is GMT+8
``

View Memory
``text
# View memory file
cat ~/.openclaw/memory/long-term.json

# Or ask in conversation
What information do you remember about me?
``

🔨 Practical 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 if it remembers this information

✅ Completion Standard: OpenClaw reflects knowledge of you in conversation.

Intermediate Stage: Advanced Applications

Step 10: Writing Custom Skills

Skills are defined using YAML or Markdown formats.

Basic Skill Structure

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

1name: "Daily News Summary"
2description: "Get and summarize today's tech news"
3version: "1.0.0"
4
5triggers:
6  - "today's news"
7  - "tech news"
8
9steps:
10  - action: web_search
11    query: "latest tech news today"
12    max_results: 5
13
14  - action: summarize
15    content: "{{search_results}}"
16    style: "bullet_points"
17
18  - action: respond
19    message: "📰 Today's Tech News Summary:\n\n{{summary}}"

Install Custom Skill
``text
# Reload Skills
openclaw skills reload

# Test Skill
openclaw skills test "Daily News Summary"
``

🔨 Practical Task 10: Create Custom Skill

Create a custom Skill to implement one of the following:

1. Weather Assistant: Query weather for a specific city and format the output
2. Task Manager: Add, view, and complete to-do items
3. Website Monitor: Regularly check if a website is accessible
4. Price Tracker: Monitor price changes for a specific product

✅ Completion Standard: Successfully created and ran a custom Skill.

Step 11: Multi-Agent Management

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

Create Multiple Agents
``text
# Create work Agent
openclaw create-agent work
openclaw config --agent work set ai.model "claude-sonnet-4.6"

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

# Switch Agent
openclaw switch-agent work
openclaw switch-agent personal

# List all Agents
openclaw list-agents
``

Use Cases

• Work Agent: Connects to company email, project management tools
• Personal Agent: Manages personal schedule, family affairs
• Experimental Agent: Tests new features and new Skills

🔨 Practical Task 11: Configure Multi-Agents

Create at least 2 Agents for different purposes and configure them with different:

• AI Models
• Messaging Platforms
• Skills
• Permission Levels

✅ Completion Standard: Able to switch between and use different Agents.

Step 12: Docker Sandbox Security Practices

Docker sandboxing provides the strongest security isolation.

Configure Docker Sandbox
``text
# Install Docker (if not already installed)
# macOS: Download Docker Desktop
# Linux: sudo apt install docker.io

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

# Test sandbox
openclaw sandbox test
``

Sandbox Restrictions

Docker sandbox limits:

• File system access (only specific directories)
• Network access (configurable whitelist)
• System command execution
• Resource usage (CPU, memory limits)

🔨 Practical Task 12: Security Configuration

1. Enable Docker sandbox mode
2. Run security audit: openclaw security audit --deep
3. Fix security issues based on audit results
4. Test if sandbox restrictions are effective

✅ Completion Standard: Security audit passed, sandbox working normally.

Step 13: Browser Control

OpenClaw can control a browser to perform complex web operations.

Enable Browser Control
``text
# Install browser control plugin
openclaw plugins install @openclaw/browser-control

# Configure browser
openclaw config set browser.enabled true
openclaw config set browser.headless false # false means show browser window
``

Usage Examples
``text
Open the browser, visit GitHub, search for "openclaw", and tell me the top 3 results
`
`text
Help me search for "mechanical keyboard" on Amazon, find the 3 highest-rated products, and record the prices
``

🔨 Practical Task 13: Browser Automation

Use browser control to complete the following:

1. Information Gathering: Scrape data from a website and organize it
2. Form Filling: Automatically fill out an online form
3. Price Comparison: Compare prices for the same product across multiple websites

✅ Completion Standard: Successfully completed at least 1 browser automation task.

Step 14: Integration with Other Tools

Linear Integration (Project Management)
``text
# Install Linear Skill
openclaw skills install @openclaw/linear

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

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

Obsidian Integration (Notes)
``text
# Install Obsidian Skill
openclaw skills install @openclaw/obsidian

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

Example: Create a new note in Obsidian titled "OpenClaw Learning Notes"

🔨 Practical Task 14: Integrate Third-Party Tools

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

• Project Management: Linear, Jira, Trello
• Notes: Obsidian, Notion, Evernote
• Code: GitHub, GitLab
• Communication: Slack, Discord, Teams

✅ Completion Standard: Successfully integrated and used at least 2 third-party tools.

Step 15: Advanced Configuration Optimization

Performance Optimization
``text
# Configure cache
openclaw config set cache.enabled true
openclaw config set cache.ttl 3600

# Configure concurrent requests
openclaw config set ai.maxConcurrentRequests 3

# Configure timeout
openclaw config set ai.timeout 30000
``

Cost Control
``text
# 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
``text
# Enable detailed logging
openclaw config set logging.level "debug"

# View logs
openclaw logs

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

# Export logs
openclaw logs --export logs.txt
``

🔨 Practical Task 15: Optimize Configuration

1. Optimize performance configuration based on your usage
2. Set cost controls to avoid unexpected high fees
3. Configure logging for easier debugging
4. Monitor usage and cost for one week

✅ Completion Standard:

• Configured cost control
• Able to view usage statistics
• Understand the logging system

Practical Task Checklist

Beginner Stage (Mandatory)

• Task 1: Check and install Node.js v18+
• Task 2: Complete OpenClaw installation
• Task 3: Run onboarding wizard, configure API Key
• Task 4: Complete first conversation with OpenClaw
• Task 5: Explore workspace and config files

Advanced 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 cron jobs
• Task 9: Personalize your assistant and configure memory

Intermediate Stage (Advanced)

• Task 10: Create a custom Skill
• Task 11: Configure multiple Agents for different scenarios
• Task 12: Enable Docker sandbox and pass 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

Real-World Projects (Challenge)

• Project 1: Build an automated workflow to send personalized daily briefings
• Project 2: Create an automatic email classification and reply system
• Project 3: Build a multi-channel message aggregation center
• Project 4: Develop a price monitoring and alert system
• Project 5: Build an automated content publishing system (Blog/Social Media)

FAQ

Q1: What are the technical requirements for OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is primarily aimed at users with some technical background. You need to:

• Be comfortable with the command line
• Understand environment variable configuration
• Understand the concept of API Keys However, the installation process has been greatly simplified; if you can run npm commands, you can use OpenClaw.

Q2: How to manage security risks?

Key Security Recommendations:

1. Use Sandbox Mode: Use sandbox mode during initial testing.
2. Don't store sensitive passwords: Do not store plaintext passwords in config files.
3. Regular Review: Regularly check automation rules.
4. Understand Permissions: Only enable permissions you need.
5. Dedicated Device: Recommended to run on a dedicated device (e.g., Mac Mini, old laptop).
6. Independent Accounts: Create separate emails and accounts for OpenClaw.

Q3: What is the approximate API cost?

Depends on usage intensity:

• Light Use (10-20 conversations/day): ~$5-10/month
• Medium Use (50-100 conversations/day + cron jobs): ~$20-30/month
• Heavy Use (Massive automation + browser control): ~$50-100/month

Money-Saving Tips:

• Use API aggregators for better pricing
• Set daily/monthly usage limits
• Prioritize cheaper models
• New users usually have free credits

Q4: Can I use local models?

Note: Local models are generally not as capable as cloud-based large models and may perform poorly on complex tasks.

Q5: Does OpenClaw support Chinese?

Fully supported! There is a localized version maintained by the Chinese community:

• GitHub: MaoTouHU/OpenClawChinese
• Provides Chinese interface and documentation
• Automatically syncs official updates hourly You can also use the English version; it understands and replies in Chinese.

Q6: How do I back up my configuration?

1# Backup entire working directory
2cp -r ~/.openclaw ~/.openclaw-backup
3
4# Or use Git sync (recommended)
5cd ~/.openclaw
6git init
7git add .
8git commit -m "Initial backup"
9git remote add origin YOUR_GITHUB_REPO
10git push -u origin main

OpenClaw supports GitHub sync functionality for automatic configuration backups.

Q7: How to debug when encountering problems?

1# 1. View logs
2openclaw logs
3
4# 2. Run health check
5openclaw doctor
6
7# 3. Run security audit
8openclaw security audit
9
10# 4. Enable debug mode
11openclaw config set logging.level "debug"
12openclaw
13
14# 5. View configuration
15openclaw config list

Q8: Can it run 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 Application Server
• Cloudflare Workers ($5/month plan)

Precautions:

• Ensure server security configuration
• Use HTTPS connections
• Configure firewall
• Regularly update the system

Learning Resources

Official Resources

• Official Website: https://openclaw.ai/
• GitHub Repository: github.com/openclaw/openclaw
• Official Documentation: https://docs.openclaw.ai/zh-CN
• Skills Market: github.com/VoltAgent/awesome-openclaw-skills

Video Tutorials

• freeCodeCamp Full Tutorial (1 hour): YouTube
• OpenClaw Beginner Guide (30 mins): YouTube
• Master OpenClaw in 30 Minutes: YouTube
• OpenClaw Crash Course: YouTube

Written Tutorials

• freeCodeCamp Beginner Tutorial: freecodecamp.org
• DigitalOcean Deployment Tutorial: digitalocean.com
• Reddit Detailed Guide: reddit.com/r/clawdbot

Chinese Resources

• CSDN Localized Tutorial: blog.csdn.net
• OpenClaw Chinese Usage Tutorial: lua.ren
• Alibaba Cloud Deployment Tutorial: help.aliyun.com
• Apifox Installation Guide: apifox.com

Community

• Reddit: r/clawdbot, r/AiForSmallBusiness
• Discord: Official OpenClaw Discord Server
• GitHub Discussions: Ask questions in the Discussions section of the GitHub repo
• Chinese Community: MaoTouHU/OpenClawChinese

Next Steps

After completing this tutorial, you should have mastered most core skills of OpenClaw from basic to intermediate. Next, you can:

1. Deep Dive: Choose a field you're most interested in (e.g., browser automation, email management) for in-depth study.
2. Join the Community: Contribute code on GitHub or share your Skills on Clawhub.
3. Build Real Projects: Use OpenClaw to solve problems in your actual work or life.
4. Explore Advanced Features: Research multi-agent collaboration, custom plugin development, and other advanced topics.

OpenClaw represents the next step for AI assistants: from "tools that talk" to "assistants that do." For users willing to spend time on configuration, it can become a true digital twin.

Wishing you a fruitful journey of exploration with OpenClaw! 🦞✨

Last Updated: February 24, 2026

Version: 1.0

Author: YouMind (Compiled based on latest web resources)