Configuration

Learn how to configure OpenClaw to match your workflow and preferences.

Configuration File

OpenClaw uses a YAML configuration file located at ~/.openclaw/config.yaml. This file controls all aspects of your AI assistant's behavior.

Basic Structure

# ~/.openclaw/config.yaml

# AI Model Configuration
model:
  provider: anthropic
  model: claude-sonnet-4-20250514
  apiKey: sk-ant-your-api-key

# Gateway Settings  
gateway:
  port: 3000
  host: localhost

# Channel Configuration
channels:
  telegram:
    enabled: true
    token: your-bot-token

Model Configuration

OpenClaw supports multiple AI providers. Configure your preferred model in the model section:

Anthropic (Claude)

model:
  provider: anthropic
  model: claude-sonnet-4-20250514
  apiKey: sk-ant-api03-xxxxx

OpenAI (GPT-4)

model:
  provider: openai
  model: gpt-4-turbo
  apiKey: sk-xxxxx

Google (Gemini)

model:
  provider: google
  model: gemini-pro
  apiKey: your-google-api-key

Gateway Configuration

The gateway is the core service that handles all communication:

gateway:
  port: 3000           # Port to listen on
  host: 0.0.0.0        # Host to bind to
  cors: true           # Enable CORS
  rateLimit:
    enabled: true
    maxRequests: 100
    windowMs: 60000

Channel Configuration

Connect OpenClaw to various messaging platforms:

Telegram

channels:
  telegram:
    enabled: true
    token: "123456789:ABCdefGHIjklMNOpqrsTUVwxyz"
    allowedUsers:
      - 123456789

Discord

channels:
  discord:
    enabled: true
    token: "your-discord-bot-token"
    allowedGuilds:
      - "guild-id-here"

Environment Variables

You can also use environment variables for sensitive values:

model:
  provider: anthropic
  model: claude-sonnet-4-20250514
  apiKey: ${ANTHROPIC_API_KEY}

Then set the environment variable:

export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-api03-xxxxx

Advanced Options

Heartbeat Configuration

heartbeat:
  enabled: true
  intervalMs: 300000   # 5 minutes
  prompt: "Check for updates"

Memory Settings

memory:
  enabled: true
  maxTokens: 8000
  summarizeThreshold: 6000

Tool Permissions

tools:
  exec:
    enabled: true
    allowlist:
      - "git"
      - "npm"
      - "node"
  browser:
    enabled: true
  files:
    enabled: true
    workspace: "~/.openclaw/workspace"