Quick Start
Get started with OpenClaw in 5 minutes
1Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure your system meets the following requirements:
- Node.js 22 or higher
- macOS, Linux, or Windows (WSL2)
- Stable internet connection (for initial installation)
2One-line Install
Open your terminal and run:
npx clawdbot@latest3Configure API Key
After installation, configure your AI model API key:
# Configure Anthropic API
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="your-api-key"
# Or configure OpenAI API
export OPENAI_API_KEY="your-api-key"4Start Using
Once configured, start OpenClaw:
clawdbot startTips
- •Claude models are recommended for the best experience
- •API keys can be configured in ~/.clawdbot/config.json
- •First run will automatically create config files
Warning
- •Keep your API keys secure, do not share with others
- •API usage incurs costs, monitor your usage
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for OpenClaw?▾
You need Node.js 22 or higher, running on macOS, Linux, or Windows (WSL2), plus a stable internet connection for the initial installation.
How long does it take to install OpenClaw?▾
The entire setup takes about 5 minutes: one command to install, then configure your API key and start the service.
Which AI models does OpenClaw support?▾
OpenClaw supports Claude (Opus 4.6), GPT-5.3-Codex, Grok, Gemini, DeepSeek, and local models via Ollama. Claude models are recommended for best results.
Is OpenClaw free to use?▾
Yes, OpenClaw itself is 100% free and open source. However, using cloud AI APIs (Anthropic, OpenAI) incurs API usage costs billed by the provider.