OpenClaw for Beginners: Your Complete Getting Started Guide
New to OpenClaw? This beginner-friendly guide walks you through what OpenClaw is, how to install it, and how to have your first productive conversation. No prior experience required.
Why This Is Hard to Do Yourself
These are the common pitfalls that trip people up.
Information Overload
OpenClaw documentation covers advanced topics, but beginners just want to get started. Too many options can be paralyzing.
Choosing Deployment Method
OpenClaw supports Docker, Node.js, cloud deployments, and more. Beginners need a simple, reliable starting point.
First Configuration
Setting up API keys, configuring models, and understanding skills can be daunting. Beginners need step-by-step guidance.
Understanding Skills
Skills extend OpenClaw's capabilities, but finding, installing, and using them isn't obvious to beginners.
Step-by-Step Guide
Understand What OpenClaw Does
OpenClaw is a self-hosted AI assistant that runs on your computer or server. Unlike ChatGPT, you control the data, integrations, and behavior. Think of it as ChatGPT, but running on your own infrastructure with full customization. OpenClaw supports multiple AI models (GPT-4, Claude, local models), you can add custom skills (integrations, workflows, tools), and your data stays on your network — no cloud required.
Choose Deployment Method (Docker Recommended)
For beginners, Docker is the easiest path. It bundles all dependencies and works on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Install Docker Desktop, then run OpenClaw with a single command.
docker --version # Verify Docker is installed
docker run -d -p 3000:3000 openclaw/openclaw:latestInstall and Start OpenClaw
Run the Docker command above. OpenClaw will download, start, and be available at http://localhost:3000. The first launch may take 1-2 minutes. Open your browser and navigate to the URL. If port 3000 is in use, change to -p 3001:3000. You'll see a welcome screen with setup instructions. Bookmark http://localhost:3000 for easy access.
docker ps # Verify OpenClaw is running
docker logs <container-id> # Check logs if neededHave Your First Conversation
In the OpenClaw web UI, you'll be prompted to configure your first AI model. Add an OpenAI API key (or Anthropic, Gemini, etc.) and select a model like GPT-4. Then ask a question: "What can you help me with?" to verify everything works. Start with OpenAI's GPT-4 for the best beginner experience. API keys go in Settings > Models. Your conversations are stored locally, not in the cloud.
Install Your First Skill
Skills extend OpenClaw. Go to Settings > Skills, browse the skill marketplace, and install a simple skill like "Web Search" or "Calculator". Test it by asking OpenClaw to search for something or solve a math problem. Skills are like ChatGPT plugins but self-hosted. Start with pre-built skills before creating custom ones. Each skill has its own documentation and examples.
Explore the Dashboard
OpenClaw's dashboard shows conversation history, system status, API usage, and settings. Familiarize yourself with the layout: Conversations (left), Chat (center), Settings (right). Review your first conversation and check API token usage. Conversations auto-save locally, usage stats help you monitor API costs, and settings let you customize models, skills, and behavior.
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