What is it?
What it is
OpenSwarm is a fully open‑source, terminal‑based multi‑agent system that turns a single prompt into complete deliverables—slide decks, reports, videos, and more—using eight specialized AI agents coordinated by an orchestrator.
Why it exists
It was created to overcome the limitations of single‑agent approaches that perform poorly on complex tasks. By providing specialist agents that work together, OpenSwarm delivers high‑quality, modular AI workflows with zero UI, instant installation, and full customizability.
Who should use it
Developers, technical product managers, marketers, researchers, and entrepreneurs who want to automate complex workflows (slide decks, reports, data analysis, content creation) using a multi-agent AI system and are comfortable setting up API keys and using a terminal.
Who should avoid it
Non-technical users seeking a no-code GUI, those unwilling to manage API keys, or anyone looking for a fully managed, zero‑setup SaaS product.
How it works
A quick walkthrough in plain English
How OpenSwarm works
Step 1 of 3
You interact with it
Open OpenSwarm, send a request, or connect it to your stack.
Features
Advantages
- Open source (MIT)
- Active Python ecosystem
- Self-hosted deployment options
Disadvantages
- Requires operational ownership for self-hosted setups
- Community support varies by project maturity
Installation
docker
git clone https://github.com/VRSEN/openswarm.git cd openswarm cp .env.example .env # Add your API keys docker-compose up --build
native
npx @vrsen/openswarm
compose
docker-compose up --build
FAQ
How do I install and start OpenSwarm quickly?
Run `npx @vrsen/openswarm`. The wizard will install Node.js 20+, Python 3.10+, set up dependencies, and prompt you for required API keys. Once completed, you can start using the swarm from your terminal.
Which API keys are required and how do I provide them?
At minimum you need either an `OPENAI_API_KEY` (for GPT‑5.5 and Sora video) or an `ANTHROPIC_API_KEY` (for Claude). Optional keys include `COMPOSIO_API_KEY`, `GOOGLE_API_KEY`, `FAL_KEY`, and `SEARCH_API_KEY`. The setup wizard will ask for these; you can also set them in a `.env` file or export them in your shell.
Can I customize the agent team for my own use case?
Yes. Fork the repo, then use a code editor like Claude Code, Cursor, or Codex to prompt the system to generate a new swarm. For example, "Turn this into an SEO optimization swarm" will automatically create agents tailored to keyword research, competitor analysis, and blog writing.
How do I run OpenSwarm locally without the wizard?
Clone the repo, navigate to the directory, and run `python swarm.py` for a quick local launch. For a Docker deployment, copy `.env.example` to `.env`, add your keys, and execute `docker-compose up --build`.
What is the telemetry setting and how can I disable it?
Telemetry is opt‑in by default. To disable it, set any of `ENABLE_TELEMETRY=0`, `OPEN_SWARM_TELEMETRY=0`, `AGENTSWARM_TELEMETRY=0`, or pass the `--no-telemetry` flag during setup or when running the server.
How can I access the OpenSwarm API server?
Start the API server with `python server.py`. It will listen on `localhost:8080`, allowing you to send requests programmatically to the swarm.
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