Getting Started with OpenClaw Skills: A Beginner's Guide

New to OpenClaw? This guide walks you through installing your first skills, setting up common workflows, and understanding the skill ecosystem. In 15 minutes, you'll go from zero to a working AI-powered automation.

What Are OpenClaw Skills?

OpenClaw skills are modular capabilities you install to extend what OpenClaw can do. Think of them like apps on your phone — each skill adds a specific superpower. The skills directory indexes over 5,705 skills across 10 categories. Skills are installed with a single command: `npx clawhub@latest install `. They're configured through conversation — no YAML files or config editing required. Every skill listed in the directory includes an install command ready to copy and paste.

Your First 5 Skills: The Starter Stack

We recommend starting with five foundational skills that work great together: 1. GPT Prompt Chainer — The backbone for any AI workflow. Chain prompts together with context passing. 2. Deep Research — Turn OpenClaw into a research powerhouse with multi-source synthesis. 3. Browser Pilot — Give OpenClaw the ability to navigate and interact with websites. 4. Notion Sync or Todoist Sync — Connect your task management tool. 5. LLM Router — Save money by routing prompts to the right model automatically. For deeper exploration, check our category guides: AI skills, research skills, productivity skills, and coding skills.