Essential OpenClaw Commands
What This Article Covers
- Core commands for getting started with OpenClaw.
- Setup, onboarding, and basic configuration.
- Models, gateway, agents, and sessions.
- Security, diagnostics, and maintenance.
- Practical examples for daily use.
Introduction: Essential OpenClaw Commands
OpenClaw is controlled from the command line. Knowing the core commands lets you set up the tool faster, narrow down errors, and work more efficiently in production. This article lists the commands you’ll reach for most often during installation, configuration, and day-to-day operation.
All commands follow the pattern openclaw <command>. To see all available options, run openclaw --help or openclaw <command> --help.
Key Terms
- CLI: Command Line Interface, the command line.
- Gateway: Network interface for OpenClaw.
- Agent: Executable instance that performs tasks.
- Channel: Connection to a messenger or service.
- Skill: Pre-built capability for agents.
- Plugin: Extension for OpenClaw.
- Session: Active conversation or task.
Setup and Onboarding
| Command | Purpose |
|---|
openclaw or openclaw setup | Start the setup wizard. |
openclaw onboard | Interactive onboarding. |
openclaw onboard --classic | Classic onboarding mode. |
openclaw onboard --non-interactive | Automated onboarding. |
openclaw configure | Change configuration. |
openclaw config | Open configuration UI. |
openclaw config file | Show path to active configuration. |
Configuration
| Command | Purpose |
|---|
openclaw config get <path> | Read value from configuration. |
openclaw config set <path> <value> | Set a value. |
openclaw config unset <path> | Remove a value. |
openclaw config schema | Show JSON schema for configuration. |
openclaw config validate | Validate configuration. |
Example:
openclaw config set models.default.primary "anthropic/claude-opus-4-8"
openclaw config set models.default.fallbacks '["ollama/llama3.1:8b"]'
Models
| Command | Purpose |
|---|
openclaw models list | Show available models. |
openclaw models list --provider anthropic | Filter models by provider. |
openclaw models list --provider ollama | Show Ollama models. |
openclaw models status | Check model status. |
openclaw models set <name> | Set default model. |
openclaw models fallbacks list | Show fallbacks. |
openclaw models fallbacks add <name> | Add a fallback. |
Gateway
| Command | Purpose |
|---|
openclaw gateway install | Install gateway as a service. |
openclaw gateway start | Start the gateway. |
openclaw gateway stop | Stop the gateway. |
openclaw gateway restart | Restart the gateway. |
openclaw gateway status | Check gateway status. |
openclaw gateway health | Perform health check. |
openclaw gateway call <action> | Invoke a gateway action. |
Agents and Sessions
| Command | Purpose |
|---|
openclaw agent | Start an agent. |
openclaw agents list | List agents. |
openclaw agents add <name> | Add an agent. |
openclaw agents delete <name> | Remove an agent. |
openclaw sessions | Show active sessions. |
openclaw message | Send message to agent. |
Security
| Command | Purpose |
|---|
openclaw security audit | Run security audit. |
openclaw security audit --deep | Run in-depth security audit. |
openclaw security audit --fix | Fix issues found. |
openclaw security audit --json | Output audit as JSON. |
openclaw secrets reload | Reload secrets. |
openclaw secrets audit | Audit secrets. |
Diagnostics and Maintenance
| Command | Purpose |
|---|
openclaw doctor | Run health check. |
openclaw doctor --fix | Apply automatic repairs. |
openclaw doctor --lint | Structured validation. |
openclaw doctor --lint --json | Output lint as JSON. |
openclaw doctor --deep | Run deep checks. |
openclaw status | General status. |
openclaw health | Health check. |
Backup and Updates
| Command | Purpose |
|---|
openclaw backup create | Create a backup. |
openclaw backup verify | Verify backup. |
openclaw update | Update OpenClaw. |
openclaw update status | Check update status. |
openclaw update repair | Repair installation. |
Plugins and Skills
| Command | Purpose |
|---|
openclaw plugins list | Show installed plugins. |
openclaw plugins install <name> | Install a plugin. |
openclaw plugins uninstall <name> | Uninstall a plugin. |
openclaw skills list | Show available skills. |
openclaw skills install <name> | Install a skill. |
Logs and System
| Command | Purpose |
|---|
openclaw logs | Show logs. |
openclaw system event | Show system events. |
openclaw dashboard | Open web dashboard. |
Common Command Sequences
After Installation
openclaw --version
openclaw doctor
openclaw config file
openclaw config validate
Connect to Ollama
openclaw config set models.providers.ollama.apiKey "ollama-local"
openclaw config set models.providers.ollama.baseUrl "http://127.0.0.1:11434"
openclaw models list --provider ollama
Start and Check Gateway
openclaw gateway install
openclaw gateway start
openclaw gateway status
openclaw gateway health
Check Security
openclaw security audit
openclaw security audit --deep
openclaw doctor --fix
Common Gotchas
- Command not found: Verify your path, run
which openclaw.
- Gateway won’t start: Validate configuration, use
openclaw doctor.
- Model not visible: Check provider settings and API keys.
- Security audit blocked: Provide
--password or --token for deep audit.
- Config changes not taking effect: Restart gateway or service.
FAQ: OpenClaw Commands
Where can I find the complete list?
Run openclaw --help and openclaw <command> --help.
What’s the difference between doctor and security audit?
doctor checks health and configuration; security audit focuses on security.
Can I use OpenClaw completely non-interactively?
Yes, with --non-interactive and --yes on most commands.
How do I start the gateway?
Use openclaw gateway start or via the systemd service.
Where are the logs?
Check openclaw logs or journalctl -u openclaw.
Sources and Further Reading
Summary: Essential OpenClaw Commands
OpenClaw provides a comprehensive CLI for setup, configuration, models, gateway, security, and maintenance. The core commands are onboard, config, models, gateway, doctor, security audit, and logs. Master these, and you can install, connect, monitor, and troubleshoot OpenClaw quickly. For automated setups, use --non-interactive and --fix.
