OpenClaw Command Handbook
A practical OpenClaw command guide organized by real usage frequency and architecture.
This is a structured command tree with 100+ subcommands, not just a random list.
Unified syntax: openclaw <module> <subcommand> [args]
Commands checked against the current official CLI reference. Always run --help for the version installed on your machine. Official reference
Top 15 Commands (90% of Daily Use)
Initialization & Startup
One-click onboarding
Open Web UI dashboard
Start core gateway service
System Diagnostics
Check runtime health
Auto-fix detected issues
Deep dependency scan
Messaging & Auth
Module Commands
Gateway
Channels
Skills
Models
Real Workflows
Workflow 1: Let AI send Telegram messages
Workflow 2: Auto-clean email every day at 9:00
Three-Layer Architecture
3️⃣ Extensions (Advanced)
browser, nodes, hooks...
2️⃣ Functional Modules (High Frequency)
channels, skills, plugins...
1️⃣ Core System (Foundation)
gateway, onboard, doctor, config
Advanced Commands
Browser automation
Schedule recurring tasks
Inspect trigger hooks
Pitfalls to Avoid
1.There are many CLI commands, but only 10-15 are truly high frequency.
2.Configuration is the core. Runtime behavior is determined by config.
3.Permissions equal risk. Be careful with browser, file, and system access.
Need Advanced Playbooks?
Build on top of these commands with reusable automation templates and stronger defaults.
Explore More