The openclaw.json Config File
Open ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json and learn how its JSON5 format shapes OpenClaw's behavior.
The openclaw.json Config File is a free OpenClaw Academy lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 1 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the OpenClaw Academy learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
Where Config Lives
OpenClaw reads its settings from a single config file. Edit it and you change how your assistant behaves, all in one place. 🛠️
The Exact Path
The file lives at ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json in your home folder. That hidden folder is where OpenClaw keeps its setup.
cat ~/.openclaw/openclaw.jsonIt Is JSON5
The file uses JSON5, a friendlier flavor of JSON. It allows comments and trailing commas, so the config is easier to read and edit.
Why JSON5 Helps
Because it is JSON5, you can leave yourself notes with comments. That keeps a growing config clear about why each setting is there.
{
// who can message me
channels: {}
}What the File Shapes
This one file shapes your assistant's behavior: which channels connect, who is allowed in, and when it should reply.
The Top-Level Shape
At the root you will mostly see a channels object plus a messages object. Each holds settings grouped by what they control.
{
channels: { },
messages: { }
}Channels Object
The channels object groups settings per platform, like WhatsApp or Telegram. Each platform gets its own block of options.
channels: {
whatsapp: { },
telegram: { }
}Editing Safely
Open the config in any text editor you like. Save your change, then restart OpenClaw so it picks up the new settings.
nano ~/.openclaw/openclaw.jsonKeep It Valid
Even with JSON5, structure matters. A misplaced brace can stop the file from loading, so keep your braces and quotes balanced.
Small Edits Win
Change one setting at a time, then test. Small steps make it easy to see what each option actually does to your assistant.
Your Control Panel
Think of openclaw.json as your control panel. Everything you tune in this course flows from edits to this single file.
Quick Check
Let us confirm where and what the config file is.
Recap
You found OpenClaw's brain: ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json, a JSON5 file. One place to shape channels, access, and replies. Next, who gets in. ✅
Frequently asked questions
Is the “The openclaw.json Config File” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “The openclaw.json Config File” is free to read here on the web, and the OpenClaw Academy course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the OpenClaw Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “The openclaw.json Config File”?
Open ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json and learn how its JSON5 format shapes OpenClaw's behavior. You practise OpenClaw Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start OpenClaw Academy?
No prior experience is required. OpenClaw Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 1 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “The openclaw.json Config File” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this OpenClaw Academy lesson?
Yes. Every OpenClaw Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.