OpenClaw Automation Architecture

Overview

Design automations around OpenClaw's native primitives first. Reach for external workflow tools only when the job truly depends on third-party app glue, webhooks, or auth patterns that OpenClaw cannot cover cleanly.

Read references/decision-matrix.md when choosing the execution plane. Read references/patterns.md when the user needs a ready-made workflow pattern.

Core Doctrine

• Prefer OpenClaw-native building blocks before Zapier, Make, or n8n.
• Prefer small reliable systems over giant brittle flows.
• Separate trigger, execution, state, delivery, and recovery.
• Pick the cheapest primitive that can do the job well.
• Do not ask the user to choose among primitives unless the trade-off materially affects behavior, cost, or reliability.

Quick Selection

Use this order: