Open Claw
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Documentation Beta · v0.1

Open Claw Docs

Install the stack, link exchanges, run bots, and keep your setup protected. The docs follow a product-first layout: simple, quick to scan, and stable navigation.

Getting started

Open Claw is a self-hosted trading agent. Connect exchanges using API keys (read + trade only) and let bots run your strategy in the background.

Quick path

Install → connect exchange → create your first DCA bot → set risk limits → finished.

Install

# Install Open Claw + web UI
curl -sSL https://open-claw.ca/install.sh | bash

Connect an exchange

  1. Create a fresh API key on your exchange.
  2. Enable Read + Trade. Keep withdrawals turned off.
  3. In Open Claw: Settings → Exchanges → add the key.

Launch your first bot

  • Select exchange + pair (e.g. BTC/USDT).
  • Pick DCA mode and set the base order size.
  • Define max safety orders and max drawdown.
  • Turn the bot on.

Core concepts

Open Claw is organized around bots, cycles, and reusable risk templates.

Bot

A bot is a strategy setup tied to a specific exchange and market.

Cycle

A cycle is a complete trade from entry to final exit. Open Claw records stats per cycle and per bot.

Risk template

Risk templates apply limits per trade, per bot, and per day.

Modes overview

Mix multiple modes inside one portfolio. Every mode uses the same risk engine and shared logs.

DCA
Scale into volatility and exit on mean reversion.
Grid
Capture ranging markets with layered limit orders.
Signals
Convert external signals into trades with controlled risk.
Terminal
Manual trading with bracket orders and full audit logs.

DCA bots

DCA bots build positions step-by-step with safety orders, then take profit when price returns toward the mean.

  • Base order = starting position size.
  • Safety orders = add size at predefined drawdowns.
  • Take profit = percentage from average entry.
  • Max drawdown enforced by the risk engine.
# Example (pseudo-config)
mode: dca
pair: BTC/USDT
base_order: 200 USDT
safety_orders: 6
safety_step: 2.5%
take_profit: 3%
max_drawdown: 18%

Grid bots

Grid bots place buy/sell ladders within a price band and earn from repeated swings.

  • Set a range (min/max) or let Open Claw estimate it from volatility.
  • Choose grid levels and overall capital allocation.
  • Spot and futures grids are supported (exchange-dependent).

Signal bots

Signal bots trigger trades from your feed (webhook / Telegram / custom source) with built-in risk rules.

  • Filter by pair, time window, and signal source.
  • Risk per signal is defined in the bot configuration.
  • All signals and orders are logged for auditing.

Terminal

Manual trading in Open Claw uses the same risk engine, bracket orders, and logging as automation.

  • Bracket orders: TP/SL plus trailing support.
  • Single view across connected exchanges.
  • Audit trail for every action.

Exchanges

Open Claw links to major exchanges through official APIs. Feature coverage varies by exchange.

ExchangeSpotPerpsNotes
BinanceYesYesComplete beta coverage.
BybitYesYesLinear perps in beta.
OKXYesYesUnified accounts supported.
CoinbaseYesPlannedFutures support is on the roadmap.

Signals & webhooks

Webhooks are the fastest way to deliver signals into Open Claw. 

POST /signals/webhook
Content-Type: application/json
X-Open Claw-Token: <your_secret>

{
  "pair": "ETH/USDT",
  "side": "long",
  "type": "market",
  "confidence": 0.82,
  "strategy": "alpha_feed_v1"
}
Security

Always use a secret token and keep withdrawals disabled on exchange API keys.

HTTP API

Use the API to list bots, inspect positions, and trigger actions from your own tooling. 

GET /api/v1/bots
Authorization: Bearer <api_token>

A full OpenAPI/Swagger reference will be added during the public beta.

Infrastructure

Self-hosting is the default. Recommended: a VPS (2 vCPU / 4 GB RAM) plus an HTTPS reverse proxy. 

# Minimal Docker example
docker run -d --name Open Claw \
  -e OpenClaw_PORT=8080 \
  -v ~/.OpenClaw:/data \
  ghcr.io/openclaw/agent:latest

Security & keys

  • Use API keys with read + trade permissions only.
  • Withdrawals must remain disabled.
  • Rotate keys regularly and after any suspicion.
  • Limit dashboard access (VPN / IP allowlist).

Troubleshooting

Orders rejected

  • Confirm minimum order size and tick size rules.
  • Verify available margin / balance.
  • Ensure the market is tradable with that API key.

Rate limits / disconnects

  • Lower bot polling frequency.
  • Check exchange status pages.
  • Make sure the server IP isn’t blocked.

FAQ

Can Open Claw withdraw funds?

No — Open Claw should only use API keys that have no withdrawal permissions.

Can I run it at home?

Yes, a small server or NAS running Docker works great.

⟩ Request the private beta

Early access for the first 100 traders. No spam — only product updates, invites, and real input on what we ship.

About 37 spots remaining. After that we switch to a waitlist.