New to OpenClaw?3 Paths10-min Install

Start Here Get Running in 10 Minutes

New to OpenClaw? This is your roadmap. Pick your path: learn the basics, set up your first automation, or have us build it for you.

No fluff. No endless tutorials. Clear next steps based on what you want to accomplish today.

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Choose Your Path

Every operator starts somewhere different. Pick based on your goal right now.

Path 1: Learn What OpenClaw Does

Exploring

Read the overview, understand how it differs from chatbots and Zapier, and see what's possible. Start here if you're still deciding whether OpenClaw fits your use case.

Path 2: Set It Up Yourself (1 hour)

Most Popular

Follow the workshop: install OpenClaw, configure your first agent, run your first automation. Step-by-step instructions, templates included. Most popular path.

Path 3: Have Us Build It For You

Done For You

We handle discovery, setup, custom workflows, and deployment. You get a working system without touching config files. Best for teams with no time to DIY.

Your First Hour with OpenClaw

1

Step 1: Understand what you're building

3 min read

OpenClaw is an AI agent that operates your computer — browsing, clicking, typing, reasoning. Not a chatbot. Not a Zapier connector. A digital worker that does tasks for you.

2

Step 2: Install and configure

5 min

Clone the repo, set environment variables, add your API key. Docker or local install — the [workshop](/workshop) covers both options with copy-paste commands.

3

Step 3: Run your first skill

5 min

Skills are building blocks. Start with a research skill or data lookup. Watch the agent actually work. The [skills guide](/openclaw/skills-guide) explains what's available.

4

Step 4: Chain your first workflow

7 min

Combine skills into a workflow. Trigger from schedule, webhook, or manual run. That's your first real automation. See [use cases](/openclaw/use-cases) for ideas.

Quick Links

Jump directly to what you need.

Installation Guide

VPS vs local. Prerequisites, system requirements, step-by-step commands. Everything to get OpenClaw running.

Skills Guide

What skills are, how to install them, which ones to start with. The [full skills guide](/openclaw/skills-guide) covers categories and examples.

Use Cases

Real automations people run in production. Lead gen, data entry, email sequences, support triage. Find your first workflow.

OpenClaw vs Zapier

When to use OpenClaw, when to use Zapier, when to use both. A direct comparison for decision-making.

Security & API Keys

Best practices for storing credentials, local vs cloud deployment, access control. Keep your setup safe.

Community

Questions answered fast. Share workflows, get feedback, see what others are building. Join the [free Skool community](https://www.skool.com/operator-vault).

Why OpenClaw Instead of Other Tools?

Quick comparison to help you decide.

vs. ChatGPT / Claude

Chatbots answer questions. OpenClaw does work. It browses websites, fills forms, extracts data, sends emails — all automatically. Learn more about [agents vs chatbots](/openclaw/ai-agent-vs-chatbot).

vs. Zapier / Make

No-code tools connect APIs with fixed triggers. OpenClaw uses AI to handle tasks without APIs — logging into dashboards, reading PDFs, making judgment calls. [Full comparison](/openclaw/vs-zapier).

vs. Custom Development

Building automation from scratch takes weeks. OpenClaw is ready out of the box with skills you deploy immediately. Customize later, ship today.

vs. Hiring a VA

VAs cost $500-2,000/month, need training, take vacations. OpenClaw runs 24/7, never forgets steps, costs a fraction. Perfect for repetitive tasks.

Free

Course

Fastest path to a working setup

~1 hr

Workshop Time

From zero to first automation

Local or VPS

Deployment

Run on your machine or always-on in the cloud

No lock-in

Your Stack

Use the tools and models you already have

Getting Started FAQ

Recommended Next Steps

Based on where you are right now.

Still exploring?

Read [What Is OpenClaw](/openclaw/what-is-openclaw) to understand the fundamentals. Then browse [use cases](/openclaw/use-cases) to see what's possible.

Ready to set up?

Recommended

Get the [workshop](/workshop) for step-by-step guidance, templates, and community support. About an hour to your first running automation.

No time to DIY?

Apply for [done-for-you](/done-for-you). We handle discovery, setup, deployment, and training. You get a working system delivered.

Ready to get running?

Start with the free course for the fastest setup. Want it built for you? Go DFY. Need help and examples? Join the free Skool community.

Full video courseMulti-agent setupFree forever
Get the Free CourseDone For You Setup
Or Join the Community, it's free

Get the Free Course

The full OpenClaw course covers multi-agent setup, automation, skills, and making money with AI agents.

Full video courseMulti-agent setupFree forever
Get the Free CourseJoin the Community
Or Done For You Setup, it's free

Keep exploring

Start Here

What Is OpenClaw? The Complete Guide

Discover OpenClaw: the open-source AI agent platform that automates tasks, integrates tools, and scales your business workflows.

Start Here

OpenClaw Glossary: Every Term Explained

Plain-English definitions of every OpenClaw term. Gateway, agents, channels, skills, and more. Your reference guide by The Operator Vault.

Start Here

The Operator Vault

Your command center for OpenClaw automation — guides, workflows, integrations, and tools to scale your business.

Guides

OpenClaw Skills Guide — Extend What Your Agent Can Do

Master OpenClaw skills to supercharge your agent. Learn how plugins and extensions unlock new automation capabilities.

Guides

OpenClaw Prompts & Templates Library

Browse ready-to-use prompts and templates for OpenClaw. Copy, customize, and deploy effective AI agent instructions.

Offers

Free OpenClaw Course: Set Up Your AI Automation in One Hour

Get OpenClaw running with our free course. Step-by-step setup, first automation, and community support.