How to Install OpenClaw on macOS

A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing OpenClaw on Mac, Running Onboarding, Setting Up Your Workspace, and Getting Your AI Agent Ready for Daily Use

Why Install OpenClaw on macOS?

OpenClaw on macOS gives you a local, action-capable AI environment that can help with workflows, tools, automation, and system-level tasks. Running it on a Mac is useful for users who want a local-first setup, direct terminal access, and a development-friendly environment without needing to deploy everything on a remote Linux server first.

The current OpenClaw documentation recommends using the installer script for macOS, because it detects the environment, installs what is needed, and starts the onboarding flow. That makes it one of the easiest ways to get started on a Mac.

In this guide, you will learn how to install OpenClaw on macOS, verify the installation, run onboarding, and understand the first setup steps after installation.

Quick Summary

Open Terminal on your Mac.
Run the official OpenClaw installer script.
Let OpenClaw start onboarding.
Complete workspace and model setup.
Verify the installation with the CLI.

1) Open Terminal on Your Mac

The simplest way to install OpenClaw on macOS is through the Terminal. You can open Terminal from Applications, Spotlight Search, or Launchpad. Once Terminal is open, you are ready to run the official install command.

This installation method is currently the recommended path in the official documentation because it automates setup and launches onboarding for you.

2) Run the Official Installer Script

In Terminal, run the official OpenClaw installation command below:

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

This is the install method currently recommended by the official install documentation for macOS and Linux.

3) Let OpenClaw Launch Onboarding

After the installer finishes, OpenClaw should launch onboarding. This setup flow helps you configure the gateway, workspace, channels, and skills so the system is ready to use.

If you ever need to start the guided setup again manually, the OpenClaw repository points new users to the onboard command:

openclaw onboard

This onboarding path is described in the official repository as the preferred setup flow for new installs.

4) Optional: Install Without Running Onboarding Immediately

If you want to install OpenClaw first and skip onboarding for the moment, the official docs include a no-onboard option:

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash -s — –no-onboard

This is useful if you want to script installation, prepare a system in advance, or handle onboarding later.

5) Verify That OpenClaw Is Installed

After installation, it is a good idea to confirm that the command-line tool is available. Run:

openclaw –version

If a version number appears, the installation succeeded and OpenClaw is available from your terminal session.

6) Complete Initial Setup

During onboarding, OpenClaw will guide you through the initial setup process. This usually includes choosing or connecting your model provider, setting up your workspace, and preparing the system so it can run your workflows correctly.

After this stage, you can begin using OpenClaw from the CLI and continue expanding your setup with channels, skills, tools, and other integrations as needed.

Common macOS Installation Notes

Issue	What to Do
Command not found	Restart Terminal and run `openclaw --version` again.
Onboarding did not start	Run `openclaw onboard` manually.
You want install only	Use the `--no-onboard` flag during installation.

Final Notes

Installing OpenClaw on macOS is currently straightforward if you use the official installer script. The fastest path is to run the install command, let onboarding complete the setup, and then verify the CLI is working correctly.

Once installation is complete, you can continue customizing your OpenClaw environment, connect providers, add skills, and shape the system around the workflows you want to automate.