Choose an Install Path

NextClaw is available as a desktop app, an npm package, and a Docker deployment. All three run the same product; the main difference is where it runs and how you maintain it.

Most people: desktop app

Use the desktop app when you want to download NextClaw and open it directly. It supports macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Download the latest stable release

Open NextClaw after installation, follow the model setup in the interface, then continue to the Quickstart.

Terminal and local service: npm

Use npm when you prefer a command-line workflow or want NextClaw to run as a local service.

npm install -g nextclaw
nextclaw start

Then open:

http://127.0.0.1:55667

Common management commands:

nextclaw status
nextclaw doctor
nextclaw stop

Server or cloud VM: Docker

Use Docker for an always-on host, remote access, reverse proxy, or cloud VM deployment.

curl -fsSL https://nextclaw.io/install-docker.sh | bash

Review remote scripts before running them on a server. See Docker Deployment for domains, ports, data paths, and reverse proxy setup.

Which one should you choose?

Your situation	Recommended path
Start quickly on your own computer	Desktop app
Use a CLI or local background service	npm
Keep NextClaw running on a server	Docker
Develop NextClaw itself	Run from source

After choosing, continue to the Quickstart.