USER MANUAL

Getting Started

Your guide from first runtime-host pairing or connector setup to daily operations.

Welcome#

ClawButler is the OpenClaw-first governance layer for agent fleets and local runtimes. It can connect to OpenClaw gateways or pair runtime hosts that discover Hermes, Claude Code, Codex, and OpenClaw instances, then bring selected runtimes into one control plane for monitoring, approvals, cost tracking, and audit trails.

This manual mirrors the sidebar navigation of the ClawButler Web console. Each page documents one module — how to configure it, what you'll see, and how to operate it across Web, CLI, and Mobile.

Architecture Overview#

ClawButler either connects to an OpenClaw gateway via a secure WebSocket connector or pairs a runtime host / edge agent. Once connected, it syncs agents, discovered runtime instances, events, cost data, health status, and attach-mode sessions where supported.

1
Connect
Pair a runtime host / edge agent or register an OpenClaw gateway. ClawButler establishes the control-plane link for discovery and governance.
2
Discover
Discover OpenClaw agents or local runtime instances. Select which discovered Hermes / Claude Code / Codex / OpenClaw runtimes become connectors.
3
Govern
Set approvals, budgets, and monitoring. OpenClaw remains the fully supported control path; non-OpenClaw runtime hosts currently focus on discovery and session projection.

Before You Begin#

Cloud Users

Sign up at clawbutler.cc, verify your email, and log in. No browser-side installation is required; you only pair a runtime host or edge agent on the machine you want to govern.

Self-Hosted Users

Follow the Self-Host Guide to deploy ClawButler. Requires Docker, Node.js 22+, and Python 3.12+.

Runtime Host or OpenClaw Gateway

For Cloud, start with a paired Runtime Host / Edge Agent. For self-hosted or advanced environments, you can also connect an OpenClaw gateway manually. Keep the pair code, gateway URL, and operator token handy.

Your First 5 Minutes#

1
Register & Log In
Create an account (cloud) or register the first admin user (self-hosted). Verify your email to activate.
2
Pair a Runtime Host or Add a Connector
Go to Connectors. For Cloud, pair a Runtime Host and run Discover. For self-hosted or advanced paths, add an OpenClaw connector manually.
3
Add Selected Runtimes or Sync Agents
Use Add Selected for discovered runtimes or Sync for manual connectors. Hermes / Claude Code / Codex currently project attach-mode sessions; OpenClaw connectors provide the fullest control surface.
4
Explore the Dashboard
Visit the Dashboard to see agents online, pending approvals, today's cost, and live activity events.
5
Set Up Approvals (Optional)
Go to Approvals to review any pending high-risk actions. Configure approval rules to automate decisions.

Module Map#

Each module in the sidebar has a dedicated guide below. Click any module to learn how to configure and use it.

Operate — Agent lifecycle and real-time operations

Insights — Analytics, cost tracking, and compliance

Productivity — Automation, templates, and reporting

System — Configuration, integrations, connectors, and operator settings

Getting Started — ClawButler