openclaw/openclaw

Tools run on the host for the main session unless you configure sandboxing. Read the security guide, exposure runbook, and sandboxing guide before connecting other users or exposing the Gateway remotely.

Documentation

| Goal | Start here | | -------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Configure models and auth | Models · Model providers | | Connect a messaging service | Channels | | Add tools, skills, and plugins | Tools · Skills · Plugins · ClawHub | | Run apps and device nodes | Platforms · Nodes | | Use the CLI and chat commands | CLI reference · Slash commands | | Configure or operate the Gateway | Configuration · Architecture · Updating · Release channels |

Development

The repository is a pnpm workspace. Plain npm install at the repository root is not supported.

git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
pnpm install
pnpm build
pnpm ui:build

See CONTRIBUTING.md for the contribution workflow and the source setup guide for the development loop.

Governance

OpenClaw is developed in the open by the OpenClaw Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3). The Foundation employs the core team and signs releases. Donors and infrastructure sponsors support the Foundation; none of them own or direct the project. OpenAI is a donor, not an owner.

Community

See CONTRIBUTING.md for maintainers and contribution guidelines; AI-assisted PRs are welcome.

Use the issue chooser for bugs and feature requests, ask setup questions in Discord, and report vulnerabilities through SECURITY.md. New capabilities usually belong in plugins built on the plugin SDK and shared through ClawHub.

OpenClaw was built for Molty, a space lobster AI assistant, by Peter Steinberger and the community. Explore the project lore, soul.md, Peter's site, Star History, and @openclaw.

Special thanks to Mario Zechner for his support and for pi, and to Adam Doppelt for the lobster.bot domain.

Donors and sponsors

The Foundation is funded by donors including Amazon, Lobster Computer Company, Offline Holdings, OpenAI, Red Hat, and the University of Michigan, with infrastructure support from Blacksmith, Convex, GitHub, NVIDIA, and Vercel.

Contributors

Thanks to all clawtributors: