OpenClaw Install and Use Guide

April 6, 2026 ยท View on GitHub

This document summarizes the most common commands, default target root, and follow-up notes for installing VibeSkills into OpenClaw.

Why This Guide Exists

  • the generic install prompts can already install openclaw
  • this guide does not replace the generic install prompts; it expands OpenClaw-specific details
  • it is split out because OpenClaw also needs clearer coverage of its default target root, attach / copy / bundle paths, and host-local boundaries, which would make the common install docs too noisy

Default Install Information

  • default target root: OPENCLAW_HOME or the real host root ~/.openclaw
  • default install style: one-shot setup + check
  • host-local configuration still stays on the OpenClaw side

Common Install Paths

Attach Path

Goal: connect and validate an existing OpenClaw root.

Example:

bash ./check.sh --host openclaw --target-root "${OPENCLAW_HOME:-$HOME/.openclaw}" --profile full --deep

Copy Path

Goal: copy the repo-distributed content into OPENCLAW_HOME or the real host root ~/.openclaw through the install entrypoint.

Example:

bash ./scripts/bootstrap/one-shot-setup.sh --host openclaw --profile full
bash ./check.sh --host openclaw --profile full --deep

Bundle Path

Goal: consume the OpenClaw distribution package through distribution manifests.

Manifest entrypoints:

  • dist/host-openclaw/manifest.json
  • dist/manifests/vibeskills-openclaw.json

Current Focus

  • keep the target root consistent as OPENCLAW_HOME or the real host root ~/.openclaw
  • focus on install, validation, and distribution of the repo-distributed content
  • keep host-local configuration on the OpenClaw side

Contract Sources

If you need the deeper adapter contract or distribution references, continue with:

  • adapters/index.json
  • adapters/openclaw/host-profile.json
  • adapters/openclaw/closure.json
  • adapters/openclaw/settings-map.json