How to Use OpenClaw: A Beginners Guide to Your First 30 Minutes

If you have not installed OpenClaw yet, start with the install guide. If you are not sure what OpenClaw is, read What is OpenClaw? first.

Your First 30 Minutes with OpenClaw

1. Summarize a Webpage

Ask OpenClaw to pull content from a URL and give you a summary. Works with news articles, blog posts, and documentation.

2. Draft an Email

Tell OpenClaw what to say and who you are writing to. Refine tone, add details, or connect Gmail automation.

3. Manage Your Calendar

Add events, check your schedule, avoid conflicts. Natural language works: “move my dentist appointment to Friday.”

4. Search Your Files

Search by name, file type, date range, or content. “Find all spreadsheets mentioning budget.”

5. Run a Shell Command

“How much free disk space do I have?” OpenClaw always asks confirmation before modifying or deleting files.

6. Create a Reminder

Quick reminders including recurring ones without opening a separate app.

7. Browse the Web and Research

Search the web, visit multiple pages, compile findings. Great for comparison research.

8. Control Smart Home Devices

Conversational control with custom routines if you have connected integrations.

9. Summarize and Organize Notes

Paste messy meeting notes, get action items with owners and due dates.

10. Generate and Explain Code

Write scripts, explain code, automate small tasks.

Tips for Getting Better Results

Be Specific

More context means less back-and-forth.

Use Skills

Check available skills with “what skills do you have?” and activate them for specialized tasks.

Check Memory

Tell OpenClaw your preferences once and it remembers them across sessions.

What to Try Next

• Set up Gmail automation
• Choose the best local model
• Understand what OpenClaw is
• Revisit the install guide