Open-source AI assistant guide

Make OpenClaw Accessible to Everyone

Install, connect models, integrate chat tools, enable web search, and add skills — all in one guided path.

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Multi-platform

Chat Integrations

Marketplace

Skill Ecosystem

Why OpenClaw

All-platform access, extensible skills, and ownership of your data.

All-platform access

Connect to WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Feishu, DingTalk, Teams, and more.

Skill expansion

Official and community skills with one-click install.

Data ownership

Self-hosted, permissioned, and secure by design.

Build in 5 steps

Follow the path and dive into details whenever you need.

02

Configure models

Claude, Codex, Alibaba Cloud, and proxy APIs.

Configure modelsGuide

Claude

Set API keys and select the Claude model preset.

Configure modelsGuide

Codex

Connect Codex for coding workflows and agents.

Configure modelsGuide

Alibaba & Proxy

Configure Alibaba Cloud or proxy APIs for routing.

03

Connect chat tools

Integrate Feishu, DingTalk, and enterprise chat tools.

Connect chat toolsGuide

Feishu

Create a bot, configure callbacks, and test events.

Visit
Connect chat toolsGuide

DingTalk

Set permissions and verify signature handling.

Connect chat toolsGuide

Other tools

Prepare Slack/Telegram/Discord integrations.

04

Enable web search

Web Search Browser with safe proxy and caching.

Enable web searchGuide

Built-in

Enable Web Search Browser and test a query.

Enable web searchGuide

Custom search

Connect your own search endpoint or engine.

Enable web searchGuide

Safe proxy

Add rate limits, caching, and safe proxy rules.

05

Add skills

Access skill marketplace and private skills.

Add skillsGuide

Official

Install curated skills with trusted defaults.

Add skillsGuide

Community

Browse community skills and check permissions.

Add skillsGuide

Private

Ship internal skills with scoped access.

What OpenClaw Is and Why It Matters Now

If you are looking for a self-hosted, extensible, and maintainable AI platform, OpenClaw offers a clearer path and a safer choice.

Origin and goal

OpenClaw started as a weekend project, but the goal was always clear: make a self-hosted AI assistant available to everyone. OpenClaw chooses the open path because tools should be inspectable, replaceable, and portable.

OpenClaw does not lock your data into a black box. You can run OpenClaw on your own laptop, home server, or cloud, and reach your team through the chat apps you already use.

Installation philosophy

OpenClaw is not tied to a single install path: quick local trials, cloud server deployment, Docker containers, and K8s clusters are all supported. OpenClaw turns complexity into readable guides so you can choose what fits.

If you just want to validate value in 10 minutes, OpenClaw provides the shortest path. If you need production-grade stability, OpenClaw also offers a more complete deployment plan.

How OpenClaw works

OpenClaw runs on infrastructure you choose, yet works through WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, and more. OpenClaw keeps model capability close to the business context.

OpenClaw is not a single tool, but a composable capability set: model routing, knowledge integration, permission control, and tool execution. OpenClaw makes automation traceable and reversible.

Security and data ownership

OpenClaw defaults to least privilege and auditability. OpenClaw lets you keep keys on your own infrastructure to avoid exposing sensitive data to third parties.

Prompt injection remains an industry-wide problem, so OpenClaw bakes security reminders into the workflow to help you build safer configurations. OpenClaw continues to strengthen its security baseline.

Key OpenClaw benefits

  • Supports multiple installation paths with clear migration routes.
  • Runs on your own machines and networks; data stays inside.
  • Built for team collaboration and permission control.
  • Skills are extensible, auditable, and easy to customize.
  • Emphasizes observability and reliability.
  • Designed for long-term maintenance.

Common questions about OpenClaw

Is OpenClaw for individuals or teams?

OpenClaw fits both solo developers and teams. You can start locally and scale as needed.

How is OpenClaw different from SaaS assistants?

OpenClaw runs on infrastructure you choose. You keep your data and keys, with more flexible deployment options.

Is OpenClaw hard to deploy?

We provide tiered guides from local to cloud, so beginners can finish quickly.

Does OpenClaw support custom models?

OpenClaw supports multi-model access and routing, and can be extended to fit your needs.

Skill scenarios

Pick a category and launch quickly.

Productivity

  • Gmail automation
  • Calendar reminders
  • TODO tracking
  • File organization

Marketing

  • SEO analysis
  • Keyword research
  • Competitor monitoring
  • Report generation

Development

  • GitHub integration
  • Code review
  • CI/CD monitoring
  • Log alerts

Content

  • Content planning
  • Multi-channel publishing
  • Video scripting
  • SEO writing

Life

  • Habit tracking
  • Fitness logs
  • Travel planning
  • Expense reminders

Wellness

  • Mood tracking
  • Meditation guide
  • Sleep routines
  • Stress management

Ecosystem & integrations

Works with popular models and collaboration platforms.

Chat platforms

Visit
FeishuDingTalkWhatsAppTelegramDiscordSlackSignaliMessage (AppleScript)iMessage (BlueBubbles)Microsoft TeamsNextcloud TalkMatrixNostrTlon MessengerZaloZalo PersonalWebChat

Model providers

Visit
ClaudeCodexAlibaba CloudProxy APIs

Web & tools

Web Search BrowserCustom searchSafe proxyCaching & rate limits