#+TITLE: OpenClaw Setup Guide - Complete Walkthrough
#+author: User
#+created: [2026-03-16 Mon 14:28]
#+DATE: 2026-03-08
#+FILETAGS: :tutorial:openclaw:setup

* The 15-Minute OpenClaw Setup

** Prerequisites

- Linux/macOS machine (ARM64 or x64)
- Node.js 18+ installed
- Git configured

** Step 1: Install OpenClaw

#+BEGIN_SRC bash
npm install -g openclaw
openclaw doctor
#+END_SRC

This checks your system and suggests fixes.

** Step 2: Configure Signal (Optional but Recommended)

OpenClaw works great with Signal for secure messaging.

1. Install signal-cli: https://github.com/AsamK/signal-cli
2. Link your phone: signal-cli link -n "OpenClaw"
3. Configure OpenClaw to use it

** Step 3: Set Up Your Workspace

#+BEGIN_SRC bash
mkdir -p ~/.openclaw/workspace
cd ~/.openclaw/workspace
git init
#+END_SRC

Add these files:
- SOUL.md — who you are
- USER.md — who you're helping
- AGENTS.md — your workflow rules

** Step 4: Connect to AI Models

Edit ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json:

Set your primary model (Gemini is free):
#+BEGIN_SRC json
{
  "agents": {
    "defaults": {
      "model": {
        "primary": "google-gemini-cli/gemini-2.0-flash"
      }
    }
  }
}
#+END_SRC

** Step 5: Test Your Setup

Send a message to your Signal number or run:
#+BEGIN_SRC bash
openclaw status
#+END_SRC

** Next Steps

- Set up skills for repeated tasks
- Configure GitOps workflow
- Add sub-agent capabilities

* Common Issues

** "Command not found"
Add to ~/.bashrc:
export PATH="$PATH:$(npm bin -g)"

** Signal not connecting
Check signal-cli is running:
signal-cli daemon

** Model errors
Verify your API keys are set in ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json