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-# 🦞 OpenClaw — Personal AI Assistant
+# OpenClaw 🦞 — Your assistant, on your devices, in your chats
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-**OpenClaw** is a _personal AI assistant_ that learns and grows with you, running on your own devices — developed in the open by the [OpenClaw Foundation](https://openclaw.org), a non-profit.
-It answers you on the channels you already use, can speak and listen on macOS/iOS/Android, and can render a live Canvas you control. The Gateway is just the control plane — the product is the assistant.
+OpenClaw is a personal AI assistant that runs on your devices and meets you in the channels you already use. It is designed for a single operator and connects models, tools, messaging channels, and optional companion apps through one Gateway.
-If you want a personal, single-user assistant that feels local, fast, and always-on, this is it.
-
-Supported channels: WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Google Chat, Signal, iMessage, SMS (Twilio), IRC, Microsoft Teams, Matrix, Feishu, LINE, Mattermost, Nextcloud Talk, Nostr, Synology Chat, Tlon, Twitch, Zalo, Zalo Personal, ClickClack, Raft, Reef, QQ, and the built-in WebChat.
-
-[Website](https://openclaw.ai) · [Docs](https://docs.openclaw.ai) · [Getting Started](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/getting-started) · [Onboarding](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/wizard) · [Updating](https://docs.openclaw.ai/install/updating) · [Showcase](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/showcase) · [FAQ](https://docs.openclaw.ai/help/faq) · [Vision](VISION.md) · [DeepWiki](https://deepwiki.com/openclaw/openclaw) · [Docker](https://docs.openclaw.ai/install/docker) · [Nix](https://github.com/openclaw/nix-openclaw) · [Third-party notices](THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES.md) · [Discord](https://discord.gg/clawd)
-
-## Sponsors
-
-
+[Website](https://openclaw.ai) · [Docs](https://docs.openclaw.ai) · [Getting started](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/getting-started) · [Showcase](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/showcase) · [FAQ](https://docs.openclaw.ai/help/faq) · [Vision](VISION.md) · [DeepWiki](https://deepwiki.com/openclaw/openclaw)
## Install
-Runtime: **Node 24.15+ (recommended), Node 22.22.3+, or Node 25.9+**.
+The installer supports macOS, Linux, and Windows. It provisions a supported Node.js runtime when needed.
```bash
-# macOS / Linux
+# macOS / Linux / WSL2
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
```
```powershell
-# Windows (PowerShell)
+# Windows PowerShell
iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex
```
-Or install via a package manager (npm, pnpm, or bun all work):
+Already manage Node.js? Install the published package instead (Node 22.22.3+, 24.15+, or 25.9+):
```bash
npm install -g openclaw@latest
```
-Then run onboarding:
+See the [installation guide](https://docs.openclaw.ai/install) for npm 12 lifecycle-script requirements, Docker, Nix, and other deployment paths.
+
+## Quick start
```bash
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
+openclaw gateway status
+openclaw dashboard
```
-OpenClaw Onboard guides you step by step through setting up the gateway, workspace, channels, and skills on **macOS, Linux, and Windows**, and installs the Gateway daemon (launchd/systemd user service/Scheduled Task) so it stays running.
-Windows desktop users can also start with the native [Windows Hub](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/windows) companion app for setup, tray status, chat, node mode, and local MCP mode.
+Onboarding 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](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/getting-started) for channel setup and troubleshooting.
-Full beginner guide (auth, pairing, channels): [Getting started](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/getting-started).
+## How it fits together
-## Quick start (TL;DR)
+- The [Gateway](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway) is the local control plane for sessions, tools, events, and channel connections.
+- The [Control UI](https://docs.openclaw.ai/web/control-ui), CLI, and [TUI](https://docs.openclaw.ai/web/tui) connect to the Gateway.
+- [Channels](https://docs.openclaw.ai/channels) bring the assistant to WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Google Chat, Signal, iMessage, and other messaging services.
+- [Companion apps and nodes](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms) add voice, Canvas, camera, screen, and device-local actions on supported platforms.
-After onboarding, the Gateway runs as a daemon:
+OpenClaw works with hosted and local [model providers](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/model-providers). Its [tools](https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools), [skills](https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools/skills), and [plugins](https://docs.openclaw.ai/plugins) extend what an assistant can do.
-```bash
-openclaw gateway status # expect: running on port 18789
-openclaw dashboard # open the Control UI
-```
+## Security
-Send a test message or talk to the assistant:
+Treat inbound messages as untrusted input. DM-capable channels pair unknown senders by default; approve a pairing request with `openclaw pairing approve `.
-```bash
-# Send a message
-openclaw message send --target +1234567890 --message "Hello from OpenClaw"
+Tools run on the host for the main session unless you configure sandboxing. Read the [security guide](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/security), [exposure runbook](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/security/exposure-runbook), and [sandboxing guide](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/sandboxing) before connecting other users or exposing the Gateway remotely.
-# Talk to the assistant (optionally deliver the reply to any connected channel)
-openclaw agent --message "Ship checklist" --thinking high
-```
+## Documentation
-Foreground/debug mode:
+| Goal | Start here |
+| -------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
+| Configure models and auth | [Models](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/models) · [Model providers](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/model-providers) |
+| Connect a messaging service | [Channels](https://docs.openclaw.ai/channels) |
+| Add tools, skills, and plugins | [Tools](https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools) · [Skills](https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools/skills) · [Plugins](https://docs.openclaw.ai/plugins) · [ClawHub](https://clawhub.ai) |
+| Run apps and device nodes | [Platforms](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms) · [Nodes](https://docs.openclaw.ai/nodes) |
+| Use the CLI and chat commands | [CLI reference](https://docs.openclaw.ai/cli) · [Slash commands](https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools/slash-commands) |
+| Configure or operate the Gateway | [Configuration](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/configuration) · [Architecture](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/architecture) · [Updating](https://docs.openclaw.ai/install/updating) · [Release channels](https://docs.openclaw.ai/install/development-channels) |
-```bash
-openclaw gateway stop
-openclaw gateway --port 18789 --verbose
-```
+## Development
-Upgrading? Run `openclaw update` — see the [Updating guide](https://docs.openclaw.ai/install/updating) — then `openclaw doctor`.
-
-## Models
-
-- Bring the provider you already use: Anthropic, OpenAI, Google (Gemini), xAI (Grok), OpenRouter, GitHub Copilot, MiniMax, and any OpenAI- or Anthropic-compatible endpoint. Details: [Model providers](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/model-providers).
-- Sign in with a subscription (OAuth) instead of an API key: **Anthropic (Claude Pro/Max)**, **OpenAI (ChatGPT/Codex)**, and **GitHub Copilot**.
-- Model note: prefer a current flagship model from the provider you trust and already use. See [Onboarding](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/wizard).
-- Models config + CLI: [Models](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/models). Auth profile rotation + fallbacks: [Model failover](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/model-failover).
-
-## Security defaults (DM access)
-
-OpenClaw connects to real messaging surfaces. Treat inbound DMs as **untrusted input**.
-
-Full security guide: [Security](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/security).
-Before remote exposure, use the [Gateway exposure runbook](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/security/exposure-runbook).
-
-Default behavior on DM-capable channels (Telegram/WhatsApp/Signal/iMessage/Microsoft Teams/Discord/Google Chat/Slack/…):
-
-- **DM pairing** (`dmPolicy: "pairing"`, e.g. `channels.discord.dmPolicy`): unknown senders receive a short pairing code and the bot does not process their message.
-- Approve with: `openclaw pairing approve ` (then the sender is added to a local allowlist store).
-- Public inbound DMs require an explicit opt-in: set `dmPolicy: "open"` and include `"*"` in the channel allowlist (`allowFrom`, e.g. `channels.discord.allowFrom`).
-
-Run `openclaw doctor` to surface risky/misconfigured DM policies.
-
-### Sandboxing (groups + multi-user surfaces)
-
-- Default: tools run on the host for the `main` session, so the agent has full access when it is just you.
-- Group/channel safety: set `agents.defaults.sandbox.mode: "non-main"` to run non-`main` sessions inside sandboxes. Docker is the default sandbox backend; SSH and OpenShell backends are also available.
-- Typical sandbox default: allow `bash`, `process`, `read`, `write`, `edit`, and session tools; deny `browser`, `canvas`, `nodes`, `cron`, `gateway`, and channel actions.
-- Before exposing anything remotely, read [Security](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/security), the [Gateway exposure runbook](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/security/exposure-runbook), [Sandboxing](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/sandboxing), and [Configuration](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/configuration).
-
-## Highlights
-
-- **[Local-first Gateway](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway)** — single control plane for sessions, channels, tools, and events.
-- **[Multi-channel inbox](https://docs.openclaw.ai/channels)** — 25+ channels through bundled plugins (see the list above), plus macOS, iOS, and Android nodes.
-- **[Multi-agent routing](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/configuration)** — route inbound channels/accounts/peers to isolated agents (workspaces + per-agent sessions).
-- **[Voice Wake](https://docs.openclaw.ai/nodes/voicewake) + [Talk Mode](https://docs.openclaw.ai/nodes/talk)** — wake words on macOS/iOS and continuous voice on Android (ElevenLabs + system TTS fallback).
-- **[Live Canvas](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/mac/canvas)** — agent-driven visual workspace with [A2UI](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/mac/canvas#a2ui-in-canvas).
-- **[First-class tools](https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools)** — browser, canvas, nodes, cron, sessions, and Discord/Slack actions.
-- **[Companion apps](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms)** — Windows Hub, macOS menu bar app, and iOS/Android [nodes](https://docs.openclaw.ai/nodes).
-- **[Onboarding](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/wizard) + [skills](https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools/skills)** — onboarding-driven setup with bundled/managed/workspace skills.
-
-## Operator quick refs
-
-- Chat commands: `/status`, `/new`, `/reset`, `/compact`, `/think `, `/verbose on|off|full`, `/trace on|off|raw`, `/usage off|tokens|full|cost`, `/restart`, `/activation mention|always`
-- Session tools: `sessions_list`, `sessions_history`, `sessions_send`
-- Skills registry: [ClawHub](https://clawhub.ai)
-- Architecture overview: [Architecture](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/architecture)
-
-## Docs by goal
-
-- New here: [Getting started](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/getting-started), [Onboarding](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/wizard), [Updating](https://docs.openclaw.ai/install/updating)
-- Channel setup: [Channels index](https://docs.openclaw.ai/channels), [WhatsApp](https://docs.openclaw.ai/channels/whatsapp), [Telegram](https://docs.openclaw.ai/channels/telegram), [Discord](https://docs.openclaw.ai/channels/discord), [Slack](https://docs.openclaw.ai/channels/slack)
-- Apps + nodes: [Windows Hub](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/windows), [macOS](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/macos), [iOS](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/ios), [Android](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/android), [Nodes](https://docs.openclaw.ai/nodes)
-- Config + security: [Configuration](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/configuration), [Security](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/security), [Exposure runbook](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/security/exposure-runbook), [Sandboxing](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/sandboxing)
-- Remote + web: [Gateway](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway), [Remote access](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/remote), [Tailscale](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/tailscale), [Web surfaces](https://docs.openclaw.ai/web)
-- Tools + automation: [Tools](https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools), [Skills](https://docs.openclaw.ai/tools/skills), [Cron jobs](https://docs.openclaw.ai/automation/cron-jobs), [Webhooks](https://docs.openclaw.ai/automation/cron-jobs#webhooks), [Gmail Pub/Sub](https://docs.openclaw.ai/automation/cron-jobs#gmail-pubsub-integration)
-- Internals: [Architecture](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/architecture), [Agent](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/agent), [Session model](https://docs.openclaw.ai/concepts/session), [Gateway protocol](https://docs.openclaw.ai/reference/rpc)
-- Troubleshooting: [Channel troubleshooting](https://docs.openclaw.ai/channels/troubleshooting), [Logging](https://docs.openclaw.ai/logging), [Docs home](https://docs.openclaw.ai)
-
-## Apps (optional)
-
-The Gateway alone delivers a great experience. All apps are optional and add extra features.
-
-If you plan to build/run companion apps, follow the platform runbooks below.
-
-### macOS (OpenClaw.app) (optional)
-
-- Menu bar control for the Gateway and health.
-- Voice Wake + push-to-talk overlay.
-- WebChat + debug tools.
-- Remote gateway control over SSH.
-
-Note: signed builds required for macOS permissions to stick across rebuilds (see [macOS Permissions](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/mac/permissions)).
-
-### iOS node (optional)
-
-- Pairs as a node over the Gateway WebSocket (device pairing).
-- Voice trigger forwarding + Canvas surface.
-- Controlled via `openclaw nodes …`.
-
-Runbook: [iOS connect](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/ios).
-
-### Android node (optional)
-
-- Pairs as a WS node via device pairing (`openclaw devices ...`).
-- Exposes Connect/Chat/Voice tabs plus Canvas, Camera, Screen capture, and Android device command families.
-- Runbook: [Android connect](https://docs.openclaw.ai/platforms/android).
-
-## From source (development)
-
-Use `pnpm` for source checkouts. The repository is a pnpm workspace, and bundled
-plugins load from `extensions/*` during development so their package-local
-dependencies and your edits are used directly. Plain `npm install` at the repo
-root is not a supported source setup.
-
-For the dev loop:
+The repository is a pnpm workspace. Plain `npm install` at the repository root is not supported.
```bash
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
-
pnpm install
-
-# First run only (or after resetting local OpenClaw config/workspace)
-pnpm openclaw setup
-
-# Optional: prebuild Control UI before first startup
-pnpm ui:build
-
-# Dev loop (auto-reload on source/config changes)
-pnpm gateway:watch
-```
-
-If you need a built `dist/` from the checkout (for Node, packaging, or release validation), run:
-
-```bash
pnpm build
pnpm ui:build
```
-`pnpm openclaw setup` writes the local config/workspace needed for `pnpm gateway:watch`. It is safe to re-run, but you normally only need it on first setup or after resetting local state. `pnpm gateway:watch` hands the configured Gateway port from the installed service to a durable tmux pane; run `pnpm openclaw gateway start` when you want the installed service back. It does not rebuild `dist/control-ui`, so rerun `pnpm ui:build` after `ui/` changes or use `pnpm ui:dev` when iterating on the Control UI. If you want this checkout to run onboarding directly, use `pnpm openclaw onboard --install-daemon`.
-
-Note: `pnpm openclaw ...` runs TypeScript directly (via `tsx`). `pnpm build` produces `dist/` for running via Node / the packaged `openclaw` binary, while `pnpm gateway:watch` rebuilds the runtime on demand during the dev loop.
-
-## Release channels
-
-- **stable**: tagged releases (`vYYYY.M.PATCH` — `PATCH` is a sequential release number, not the calendar day), npm dist-tag `latest`.
-- **extended-stable**: the trailing supported month's maintenance releases, npm dist-tag `extended-stable`.
-- **beta**: prerelease tags (`vYYYY.M.PATCH-beta.N`), npm dist-tag `beta` (macOS app may be missing).
-- **dev**: moving head of `main`, npm dist-tag `dev` (when published).
-
-Switch channels (git + npm): `openclaw update --channel stable|extended-stable|beta|dev`.
-Details: [Release channels](https://docs.openclaw.ai/install/development-channels).
-
-## Agent workspace + skills
-
-- Workspace root: `~/.openclaw/workspace` (configurable via `agents.defaults.workspace`).
-- Injected prompt files: `AGENTS.md`, `SOUL.md`, and other workspace context files.
-- Skills: `~/.openclaw/workspace/skills//SKILL.md`.
-
-## Configuration
-
-Minimal `~/.openclaw/openclaw.json` (model + defaults):
-
-```json5
-{
- agents: {
- defaults: {
- model: "/",
- },
- },
-}
-```
-
-[Full configuration reference (all keys + examples).](https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/configuration)
-
-## Star History
-
-[View OpenClaw's star history](https://www.star-history.com/#openclaw/openclaw&type=date&legend=top-left).
-
-## Molty
-
-OpenClaw was built for **Molty**, a space lobster AI assistant, by Peter Steinberger and the community. 🦞
-
-- [openclaw.ai](https://openclaw.ai)
-- [soul.md](https://soul.md)
-- [steipete.me](https://steipete.me)
-- [@openclaw](https://x.com/openclaw)
+See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for the contribution workflow and the [source setup guide](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/setup) for the development loop.
## Community
-See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for guidelines, maintainers, and how to submit PRs.
-Use the [issue chooser](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/new/choose) for bugs, docs bugs, and feature requests;
-ask setup/support questions in [Discord](https://discord.gg/clawd); and report vulnerabilities through [SECURITY.md](SECURITY.md).
-Most new features fit best as plugins built on the [plugin SDK](https://docs.openclaw.ai/plugins/building-plugins) and shared via [ClawHub](https://clawhub.ai), keeping core lean.
-PRs should link the relevant issue when possible and follow the [PR template](.github/pull_request_template.md) with problem, impact, and evidence.
-AI/vibe-coded PRs welcome! 🤖
+OpenClaw is developed in the open by the [OpenClaw Foundation](https://openclaw.org), a non-profit. See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for maintainers and contribution guidelines; AI-assisted PRs are welcome.
-Special thanks to [Mario Zechner](https://mariozechner.at/) for his support and for
-[pi](https://github.com/earendil-works/pi).
-Special thanks to Adam Doppelt for the lobster.bot domain.
+Use the [issue chooser](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues/new/choose) for bugs and feature requests, ask setup questions in [Discord](https://discord.gg/clawd), and report vulnerabilities through [SECURITY.md](SECURITY.md). New capabilities usually belong in plugins built on the [plugin SDK](https://docs.openclaw.ai/plugins/building-plugins) and shared through [ClawHub](https://clawhub.ai).
+
+OpenClaw was built for **Molty**, a space lobster AI assistant, by Peter Steinberger and the community. Explore the [project lore](https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/lore), [soul.md](https://soul.md), [Peter's site](https://steipete.me), [Star History](https://www.star-history.com/#openclaw/openclaw&type=date&legend=top-left), and [@openclaw](https://x.com/openclaw).
+
+Special thanks to [Mario Zechner](https://mariozechner.at/) for his support and for [pi](https://github.com/earendil-works/pi), and to Adam Doppelt for the lobster.bot domain.
+
+## Sponsors
+
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