OpenClaw Configuration Reference

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DANGER - Read This First

openclaw.json uses strict schema validation. Unknown keys cause the Gateway to refuse to start. Before editing config:

1. Always back up first: cp ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json.bak
2. Never guess field names - check this reference or the official docs
3. Always validate JSON after editing: cat ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json | python3 -m json.tool
4. Run doctor after changes: openclaw doctor (or openclaw doctor --fix to auto-repair)

Recovery from Broken Config

If the Gateway won't start after a config change: