macOS
Install on macOS
Run OpenClaw natively on your Mac with Node.js. The simplest setup for local development and personal use.
Prerequisites
Steps
Install OpenClaw
Install OpenClaw globally and run the onboarding wizard.
npm install -g openclaw@latest
openclaw onboard --install-daemonThe onboard command will walk you through LLM provider setup, channel configuration, and installing the daemon so OpenClaw starts automatically.
Install the Lobster Shell plugin
Use the OpenClaw plugin manager to install directly.
openclaw plugins install @spikelabs/lobster-shell-pluginRestart the gateway
Restart to pick up the new plugin.
openclaw gateway restartIf you installed the daemon, the gateway restarts automatically. Otherwise, stop and re-run: openclaw gateway
Open the setup page
The gateway runs on port 18789 by default.
open http://localhost:18789/lobster/setupConnect your account
Click "Connect to Lobster Shell" and sign in at lobstershell.ai. After authorizing, you'll be redirected back with a confirmation.
Choose a shell and start chatting
Open your Lobster Shell dashboard, pick a shell, and start a conversation. The avatar will respond with your bot's personality.
Troubleshooting
npm install fails with permission error
Don't use sudo. Instead, fix npm permissions: https://docs.npmjs.com/resolving-eacces-permissions-errors-when-installing-packages-globally — or use nvm which handles this automatically.
openclaw command not found after install
Make sure your npm global bin directory is in your PATH. Run: npm config get prefix — the bin/ subdirectory should be in your PATH.
Gateway won't start — port 18789 already in use
Another process is using the port. Find it with: lsof -i :18789 — then stop it or configure OpenClaw to use a different port.
Plugin loads but bridge shows 'disconnected'
Check the gateway logs: openclaw gateway logs | grep lobster — the most common cause is a stale OAuth token. Visit /lobster/setup and click Connect again.
Ready to give your bot a face?
Connect your OpenClaw instance and go live with a custom shell in under five minutes.