docs: mention OPENCLAW_HOME in install and getting started (#12091) (thanks @sebslight)

docs/install/index.md

@@ -163,6 +163,14 @@ openclaw status         # gateway status
 openclaw dashboard      # open the browser UI
 ```
 
+If you need custom runtime paths, use:
+
+- `OPENCLAW_HOME` for home-directory based internal paths
+- `OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR` for mutable state location
+- `OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH` for config file location
+
+See [Environment vars](/help/environment) for precedence and full details.
+
 ## Troubleshooting: `openclaw` not found
 
 <Accordion title="PATH diagnosis and fix">

docs/install/nix.md

@@ -64,7 +64,9 @@ defaults write bot.molt.mac openclaw.nixMode -bool true
 ### Config + state paths
 
 OpenClaw reads JSON5 config from `OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH` and stores mutable data in `OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR`.
+When needed, you can also set `OPENCLAW_HOME` to control the base home directory used for internal path resolution.
 
+- `OPENCLAW_HOME` (default precedence: `HOME` / `USERPROFILE` / `os.homedir()`)
 - `OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR` (default: `~/.openclaw`)
 - `OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH` (default: `$OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR/openclaw.json`)
 

docs/start/getting-started.md

@@ -96,6 +96,16 @@ If the Control UI loads, your Gateway is ready for use.
   </Accordion>
 </AccordionGroup>
 
+## Useful environment variables
+
+If you run OpenClaw as a service account or want custom config/state locations:
+
+- `OPENCLAW_HOME` sets the home directory used for internal path resolution.
+- `OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR` overrides the state directory.
+- `OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH` overrides the config file path.
+
+Full environment variable reference: [Environment vars](/help/environment).
+
 ## Go deeper
 
 <Columns>