OpenClaw Managed Mode

Managed mode is the default Hatcher runtime path for OpenClaw agents. It gives every agent a persistent workspace, generated openclaw.json, dashboard config editing, File Manager, logs, and workspace quota tracking.

What Managed Mode Gives You

• Persistent home/workspace volume
• Generated openclaw.json with a single authoritative model config
• SOUL.md, AGENTS.md, memory files, skills, and logs in the workspace
• Dashboard config editing for safe fields
• Included File Manager and Full Logs on every tier
• Hosted model routing through AI Credits, or BYOK provider-paid routing
• Soft quota notifications before storage becomes a problem

Startup Flow

1. Hatcher creates a Docker volume for the agent.
2. Init writes the OpenClaw config, default workspace files, selected hosted/BYOK model settings, and integrations.
3. The real OpenClaw container starts with the same volume mounted.
4. The gateway boots on port 18789 and serves chat, channels, health, and tool calls.
5. Later starts refresh auth/runtime env without overwriting user workspace files.

File Layout

/home/node/
├── .openclaw/
│   ├── openclaw.json
│   ├── .hatcher-managed
│   ├── workspace/
│   │   ├── SOUL.md
│   │   ├── AGENTS.md
│   │   ├── USER.md
│   │   ├── memory/
│   │   └── skills/
│   ├── agents/
│   └── logs/
└── (other files the agent writes)

Editing

Use the dashboard config screen for model/provider selection, integrations, routing, and safe runtime settings. Hatcher blocks raw edits to auth, gateway internals, and the Hatcher LLM proxy subtree because those fields are security-critical.

Use File Manager for workspace files. The agent can also edit its own workspace through file tools.

Workspace Quotas

Workspace quota is enforced as usage grows. It is not preallocated upfront.

FAQ

Can I back up my workspace? Use File Manager or ask the agent to package/export the workspace files.

What happens if I delete SOUL.md? Recover it from your own backup or recreate the identity through the dashboard/agent instructions.

Can I edit blocked config paths? No. Use dashboard controls for supported settings. Contact support if you need a platform-managed change.

Does managed mode work for Hermes? Yes. Hermes has a separate managed-mode path. See Hermes Managed Mode.