The definitive OpenClaw setup guide
Step-by-step instructions for deploying a resilient OpenClaw environment on your infrastructure.
Deploying OpenClaw correctly from day one is essential for building a stable, scalable AI operations platform. A rushed setup often leads to fragile networking, persistent database errors, and security vulnerabilities.
Technical resource.
For Clovrin's commercial implementation offer, start with the Executive Inbox Pilot.
The recommended method for deploying OpenClaw is via Docker Compose. This allows you to manage the OpenClaw application, its PostgreSQL database, and Redis instance as a single, cohesive unit. Ensure you use named volumes for data persistence and an .env file for secrets.
Table of contents
Infrastructure Prerequisites
Before beginning the deployment, ensure your host machine meets the necessary hardware and software requirements.
Compute
A modern multi-core CPU. If you plan to run local inference (e.g., via Ollama) on the same machine, adequate RAM (16GB minimum, 32GB+ recommended) and ideally a dedicated GPU or Apple Silicon are required.
Software & Network
Docker and Docker Compose must be installed and up to date. A static IP address or reliable DNS resolution is required if deploying to a VPS.
Docker Compose Configuration
The recommended method for deploying OpenClaw is via Docker Compose. This allows you to manage the OpenClaw application, its database, and any message queues as a single, cohesive unit.
Structuring the Deployment
Create a dedicated directory for your OpenClaw deployment. Within this directory, you will define your docker-compose.yml file. This file should define the core OpenClaw service, a PostgreSQL database for persistence, and a Redis instance if required for task queuing.
Crucial Step: Ensure you use named volumes for your database data to prevent data loss when containers are recreated.
Environment Variables
OpenClaw relies heavily on environment variables for configuration. Never hardcode secrets into your docker-compose.yml file. Instead, use an .env file.
Critical Configurations
- Database Credentials: Set strong, unique passwords for your PostgreSQL database.
- API Keys: Define the authentication keys required to access the OpenClaw API.
- Inference Endpoints: Specify the URLs for your local (Ollama) or external LLM providers.
POSTGRES_PASSWORD=your_secure_password
OPENCLAW_API_KEY=generate_a_secure_random_key
The Clovrin Verified Baseline
While the steps above provide a functional setup, a true production environment requires a fundamentally different approach. The Clovrin Verified Baseline is our standard for secure, reliable AI operations.
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Instead of spending weeks configuring Docker networks, writing firewall rules, and debugging API connections, our team deploys this entire architecture for you. You get a turnkey, secure environment ready for your operational workflows.
Book Executive Inbox QuickscanOfficial References
For further reading and the most up-to-date technical specifications, please consult the official documentation:
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