This document outlines the end-to-step process for setting up an automated content pipeline. By the end of this setup, you will be able to trigger a full "Topic → Design → Schedule" sequence using a single command.
Executive Summary
- Total Time Estimate: 1.5 – 3 hours
- Core Stack: OpenClaw (Agent Host), Canva (Design Engine), Post-Bridge (Social Distribution)
- Primary Output: Automated multi-slide carousels scheduled to Instagram.
Step 1: Install & Initialize OpenClaw
Estimated Time: 20–40 min
1.1 Local Installation (macOS)
Open your terminal and run the following:
- Download & Install:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash - Onboarding:
openclaw onboard --install-daemon - Health Check:
openclaw health(Ensure the Gateway status is "Running")
Note: If you choose to host on a VPS for 24/7 availability, allow an additional 30 minutes for SSH configuration and firewall setup.
Step 2: Integrate Canva Skill
Estimated Time: 30–45 min
2.1 API Credentials
- Log into the Canva Developers Dashboard.
- Create a new integration and copy your Client ID and Client Secret.
2.2 Configuration
Set your environment variables on your machine:
Bash
export CANVA_CLIENT_ID="your_client_id"
export CANVA_CLIENT_SECRET="your_client_secret"
2.3 Skill Installation & Auth
- Add Skill:
npx playbooks add skill openclaw/skills --skill canva - Authentication: Run the first auth flow via the terminal. It will provide an OAuth URL; open this in your browser, log in, and OpenClaw will store the tokens in
~/.canva/tokens.json.
Step 3: Social Posting via Post-Bridge
Estimated Time: 20–40 min
3.1 Setup
- Obtain an API key from the Post-Bridge dashboard.
- Connect your Instagram Business Account within the Post-Bridge interface.
3.2 OpenClaw Wiring
- Install Skill:
openclaw skill add jackfriks/post-bridge-social-manager - Test Command: "Post this image as a draft to my Instagram."
Step 4: Workflow Definition & Pinned Prompt
Estimated Time: 20–40 min
4.1 Design Asset (One-time setup)
Create a brand template in Canva (e.g., 1080×1080, 7 slides) with clear placeholders for text. Note the exact name: IG Carousel - Main.
4.2 The "Master Command"
Save this prompt in your OpenClaw "Playbooks" or as a pinned note:
"From [TOPIC], generate a 7-slide carousel: Slide 1 is a hook (max 12 words), slides 2–6 are short tips, slide 7 is a CTA.
Use my Canva template 'IG Carousel – Main' to populate the text, export as PNGs, and send to Post-Bridge to schedule as a carousel for tomorrow at 11:00 AM."
Summary of Time Allocation
| Phase | Task | Duration |
| Phase 1 | OpenClaw Core Install | 20 min |
| Phase 2 | Canva API & Skill Setup | 30 min |
| Phase 3 | Post-Bridge & IG Connection | 25 min |
| Phase 4 | Template & Prompt Iteration | 20 min |
| Total | ~1.5 – 2 Hours |
Would you like me to generate the specific shell commands and environment variable names tailored for a VPS setup vs. your Local Mac?