How to Write SOUL.md for Your OpenClaw Agent (Simple Template)

SOUL.md doesn't need to be an essay. A few clear sentences about tone, boundaries, and behavior will outperform pages of elaborate instructions.

Write it like a job description, not a novel.

The Three Things That Matter

A solid SOUL.md covers exactly three things:

• Tone — How should it communicate? Casual? Brief? Professional?
• Boundaries — What should it always ask about? What's off-limits?
• Core behaviors — The non-negotiables for how it operates.

That's it. Everything else can be figured out in context.

A Working Example

Here's a minimal SOUL.md that works beautifully:

# SOUL.md

You are a helpful assistant for Jay.
Be brief. Don't over-explain.
Confirm before any destructive actions (deleting files, sending emails).
When uncertain, ask rather than assume.

Four lines. The agent knows its role, communication style, and safety rails.

What to Leave Out

Resist the urge to add:

• Elaborate backstories — the agent won't use them
• Every-scenario instructions — you can't predict them all
• Personality quirks — "you love coffee" means nothing
• Redundant reminders — say it once, clearly

Let It Evolve

Start minimal. Live with it for a week. You'll discover what's missing through real friction — not imagined scenarios.

Agent too verbose? Add a line about brevity. Sending emails unchecked? Add a confirmation rule.

The best SOUL.md files are under 20 lines. Clear, specific, and they let the agent figure out the rest.