macOS

OrbStack vs Docker Desktop

OrbStack (Recommended): Faster, lighter (uses 50% less memory), native macOS integration, free for personal use. Starts in ~1 second.
Docker Desktop: Official Docker product, more features, but heavier and requires license for commercial use in larger orgs.

MacBook Sleep Behavior

MacBooks sleep when the lid is closed, stopping OpenClaw. Options: Use a desktop Mac for always-on, use "Amphetamine" app to prevent sleep, or accept that OpenClaw runs only when laptop is open.

When to Use This vs Mac Mini Guide

Use this guide: Personal use, development/testing, occasional AI access.
Use Mac Mini guide: 24/7 server, family/team access, production deployment.

Memory Considerations

8GB Macs work but leave little headroom for other apps. 16GB+ gives comfortable operation. OrbStack is more memory-efficient than Docker Desktop if you're constrained.

Step 1: Install Homebrew (if not installed)

Homebrew is the easiest way to install software on macOS.

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Step 2: Install Docker

Choose Docker Desktop or OrbStack (faster and lighter).

brew install --cask orbstack

brew install --cask docker

After installing, open the app once to complete setup.

Step 3: Create OpenClaw directory

mkdir -p ~/openclaw && cd ~/openclaw

Step 4: Create docker-compose.yml

cat > docker-compose.yml << 'EOF'
version: '3.8'
services:
  openclaw:
    image: openclaw/openclaw:latest
    container_name: openclaw
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "8080:8080"
    environment:
      - ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=${ANTHROPIC_API_KEY}
      - GATEWAY_TOKEN=${GATEWAY_TOKEN}
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
EOF

Step 5: Create .env file

cat > .env << 'EOF'
OPENROUTER_API_KEY=sk-or-your-key-here
GATEWAY_TOKEN=$(openssl rand -hex 32)
EOF

Replace sk-or-your-key-here with your actual BYOK provider API key.

Step 6: Start OpenClaw

docker compose up -d

OpenClaw will be available at http://localhost:8080

Local Network Access

To access OpenClaw from other devices on your network:

1. 1. Find your Mac's IP: System Settings → Network → Your connection → IP address
2. 2. Access from other devices: http://YOUR_MAC_IP:8080

Docker not starting?

Make sure Docker Desktop or OrbStack is running. Check the app in your menu bar.

Port 8080 already in use?

Change the port in docker-compose.yml: "8081:8080" to use port 8081 instead.

Permission denied errors?

Run chmod -R 755 ~/openclaw to fix permissions.