How to Get Started with OpenClaw on Mac

Why OpenClaw Matters

OpenClaw is the fastest-growing AI agent framework. Over 150 projects in the ecosystem. Agents that actually make money. FelixCraft generated $62K revenue in 12 days. This isn't a toy.

OpenClaw runs locally. You control the data. You own the agent. Connect it to Telegram, Discord, or any messaging platform. Build agents that work while you sleep.

Prerequisites

Node.js version 20 or later. Check your version:

node --version

Install via Homebrew if needed:

brew install node

No Homebrew? Get it from brew.sh:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

You need an API key from Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (GPT), or another provider. Have it ready.

Installation

Install via npm:

npm install -g openclaw

Verify it works:

openclaw --version

Command not found? Check your PATH. Find where npm installs globals:

npm config get prefix

Add that path's bin subdirectory to your ~/.zshrc.

Initial Setup

Run the setup wizard:

openclaw setup

Pick your AI provider. Enter your API key. Set timezone. Choose workspace location (defaults to ~/.openclaw/).

Start the gateway:

openclaw gateway start

Check it's running:

openclaw gateway status

Should show active status.

Connecting to Messaging Platforms

Telegram

Message @BotFather. Send /newbot. Follow prompts. Copy the bot token. Add it:

openclaw channel add telegram --token YOUR_BOT_TOKEN

Restart gateway. Message your bot. It responds.

Discord

Create bot in Discord Developer Portal. Copy token. Enable Message Content intent. Invite to server. Add token:

openclaw channel add discord --token YOUR_DISCORD_TOKEN

Your First Agent Configuration

Your workspace contains key files:

• SOUL.md - Agent personality and behavior
• USER.md - Information about you
• AGENTS.md - Workspace conventions

Edit your agent's personality:

cd ~/.openclaw/workspace
nano SOUL.md

Start simple. Define tone, priorities, behavior. Refine over time.

Edit USER.md with your name, timezone, preferences. The agent reads this each session.

The OpenClaw Ecosystem

Three platforms power the OpenClaw community:

ClawIndex (clawindex.org) - Directory of agents, skills, and projects. Find what others have built. Share your work.

ClawHub - Skill marketplace. Install pre-built capabilities. Weather, email, crypto tracking, social media. Plug and play.

ClawPrice (clawprice.io) - Token tracking and analytics. Monitor your usage. Optimize costs.

Tips and Common Issues

Gateway won't start: Check port conflicts. Run openclaw gateway status. View logs with openclaw gateway logs.

No Telegram response: Verify bot token with openclaw channel list. Gateway must be running.

Slow responses: Depends on AI provider. Anthropic Claude has consistent latency. Check internet and provider status.

Updates: Keep current:

npm update -g openclaw

What's Next

Your agent runs. Now make it useful. Read our Top 5 Skills guide for essential capabilities.

Browse the ClawIndex directory for inspiration. Over 150 projects to explore. Find agents solving real problems. Build on their work.

The ecosystem grows daily. Your agent can too.