# OpenClaw 🦞 — Your assistant, on your devices, in your chats
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.
[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
The installer supports macOS, Linux, and Windows. It provisions a supported Node.js runtime when needed.
```bash
# macOS / Linux / WSL2
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
```
```powershell
# Windows PowerShell
iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex
```
Already manage Node.js? Install the published package instead (Node 22.22.3+, 24.15+, or 25.9+):
```bash
npm install -g openclaw@latest
```
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
```
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.
## How it fits together
- 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.
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.
## Security
Treat inbound messages as untrusted input. DM-capable channels pair unknown senders by default; approve a pairing request with `openclaw pairing approve `.
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.
## Documentation
| 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) |
## Development
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
pnpm build
pnpm ui:build
```
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
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.
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