From 2e497d1ecf4112b535bd984a63b93c7735c5d450 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Leopere <colin@nixc.us>
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:36:18 -0500
Subject: [PATCH] Document OpenClaw setup requirements and API configuration

Added detailed documentation explaining:
- OpenClaw is open-source but requires AI provider API keys
- Three setup options: interactive wizard, manual config, or web UI
- Links to get API keys from major providers
- Clarified that OpenClaw itself is free, only API usage costs
- Added first-time setup note in Quick Start section

Co-authored-by: Cursor <cursoragent@cursor.com>
---
 README.md | 39 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++-
 1 file changed, 38 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6718856..71e7521 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ Access from any device on your LAN:
 - **Desktop (VNC)**: `http://YOUR_IP:6901` (no password)
 - **OpenClaw Gateway**: `http://YOUR_IP:18789`
 
+**First-time setup:** OpenClaw requires API keys from AI providers (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, etc.). See [OpenClaw Setup](#openclaw-setup) below.
+
 ## Run (Docker Compose)
 
 ```bash
@@ -40,13 +42,48 @@ docker build -t clawtainer:local .
 3. Add port **18789** to the workspace's port configuration
 4. Save and launch a session
 
+## OpenClaw Setup
+
+OpenClaw is an **open-source AI agent orchestration platform** that connects to AI provider APIs (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, etc.). The Gateway auto-starts on port 18789, but you need to configure it with your own API keys.
+
+**Setup Options:**
+
+1. **Interactive Wizard** (easiest):
+   ```bash
+   openclaw onboard
+   ```
+   Walks you through model selection and API key entry.
+
+2. **Manual Configuration**:
+   Edit `~/.openclaw/openclaw.json` or use environment variables:
+   ```bash
+   export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-ant-..."
+   export OPENAI_API_KEY="sk-..."
+   export GOOGLE_API_KEY="AIza..."
+   ```
+
+3. **Via Gateway UI**:
+   - Open `http://localhost:18789` in browser
+   - Navigate to Settings
+   - Add your API keys for desired providers
+
+**Get API Keys:**
+- **Anthropic (Claude)**: https://console.anthropic.com/
+- **OpenAI (GPT)**: https://platform.openai.com/api-keys
+- **Google (Gemini)**: https://makersuite.google.com/app/apikey
+- **OpenRouter**: https://openrouter.ai/keys
+
+**Note:** OpenClaw itself is free and open-source. You only pay for API usage from your chosen AI providers.
+
 ## Usage
 
 After startup, open the desktop at port 6901. Desktop shortcuts are available:
 - **OpenClaw Control** - Opens the gateway UI at `http://localhost:18789`
 - **VS Code** - Launches Visual Studio Code
+- **Cursor** - AI-powered code editor
+- **Antigravity** - Google's AI IDE
 
-You can also access the Control UI in the in-session browser. Run `openclaw onboard --non-interactive` from the terminal if needed, or paste your token in Settings.
+Access the Control UI to configure API keys, set up messaging channels (Telegram, WhatsApp, etc.), and manage AI agents.
 
 ## What's Included