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7bbd09047b
* docs: simplify macOS app docs * docs: preserve macOS app detail links * docs: address macOS review feedback
88 lines
5.1 KiB
Markdown
88 lines
5.1 KiB
Markdown
---
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summary: "Install and use the OpenClaw macOS menu bar app"
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read_when:
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- Installing the macOS app
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- Deciding between local and remote Gateway mode on macOS
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- Looking for macOS app release downloads
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title: "macOS app"
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---
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The macOS app is the OpenClaw **menu bar companion**. Use it when you want a
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native tray UI, macOS permission prompts, notifications, WebChat, voice input,
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Canvas, or Mac-hosted node tools such as `system.run`.
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If you only need the CLI and Gateway, start with [Getting started](/start/getting-started).
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## Download
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Download macOS app builds from the
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[OpenClaw GitHub releases](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/releases).
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When a release includes macOS app assets, look for:
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- `OpenClaw-<version>.dmg` (preferred)
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- `OpenClaw-<version>.zip`
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Some releases only include CLI, evidence, or Windows assets. If the newest
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release has no macOS app asset, use the newest release that does, or build the
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app from source with [macOS dev setup](/platforms/mac/dev-setup).
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## First run
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1. Install and launch **OpenClaw.app**.
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2. Complete the macOS permission checklist.
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3. Pick **Local** or **Remote** mode.
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4. Install the `openclaw` CLI if the app asks for it.
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5. Open WebChat from the menu bar and send a test message.
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For the CLI/Gateway setup path, use [Getting started](/start/getting-started).
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For permission recovery, use [macOS permissions](/platforms/mac/permissions).
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## Choose a Gateway mode
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| Mode | Use it when | Detail page |
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| ------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
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| Local | This Mac should run the Gateway and keep it alive with launchd. | [Gateway on macOS](/platforms/mac/bundled-gateway) |
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| Remote | Another host runs the Gateway and this Mac should control it over SSH, LAN, or Tailnet. | [Remote control](/platforms/mac/remote) |
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Local mode requires an installed `openclaw` CLI. The app can install it, or you
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can follow [Gateway on macOS](/platforms/mac/bundled-gateway).
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## What the app owns
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- Menu bar status, notifications, health, and WebChat.
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- macOS permission prompts for screen, microphone, speech, automation, and accessibility.
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- Local node tools such as Canvas, camera/screen capture, notifications, and `system.run`.
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- Exec approval prompts for Mac-hosted commands.
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- Remote-mode SSH tunnels or direct Gateway connections.
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The app does **not** replace the OpenClaw Gateway or general CLI docs. Core
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Gateway configuration, providers, plugins, channels, tools, and security live in
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their own docs.
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## macOS detail pages
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| Task | Read |
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| ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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| Install or debug the CLI/Gateway service | [Gateway on macOS](/platforms/mac/bundled-gateway) |
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| Keep state out of cloud-synced folders | [Gateway on macOS](/platforms/mac/bundled-gateway#state-directory-on-macos) |
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| Debug app discovery and connectivity | [Gateway on macOS](/platforms/mac/bundled-gateway#debug-app-connectivity) |
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| Understand launchd behavior | [Gateway lifecycle](/platforms/mac/child-process) |
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| Fix permissions or signing/TCC issues | [macOS permissions](/platforms/mac/permissions) |
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| Connect to a remote Gateway | [Remote control](/platforms/mac/remote) |
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| Read menu bar status and health checks | [Menu bar](/platforms/mac/menu-bar), [Health checks](/platforms/mac/health) |
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| Use the embedded chat UI | [WebChat](/platforms/mac/webchat) |
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| Use voice wake or push-to-talk | [Voice wake](/platforms/mac/voicewake) |
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| Use Canvas and Canvas deep links | [Canvas](/platforms/mac/canvas) |
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| Host PeekabooBridge for UI automation | [Peekaboo bridge](/platforms/mac/peekaboo) |
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| Configure command approvals | [Exec approvals](/tools/exec-approvals), [advanced details](/tools/exec-approvals-advanced) |
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| Inspect Mac node commands and app IPC | [macOS IPC](/platforms/mac/xpc) |
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| Capture logs | [macOS logging](/platforms/mac/logging) |
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| Build from source | [macOS dev setup](/platforms/mac/dev-setup) |
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## Related
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- [Platforms](/platforms)
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- [Getting started](/start/getting-started)
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- [Gateway](/gateway)
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- [Exec approvals](/tools/exec-approvals)
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