Extensions
Crow's functionality can be extended with add-ons installed from the Extensions page. Each extension can include MCP tools, dashboard panels, Docker services, and AI skills.
Installing Extensions
- Go to Extensions in your Crow's Nest dashboard
- Browse available extensions by category
- Click Install and configure any required settings (API keys, passwords, etc.)
- The extension installs automatically — panels appear in the sidebar after a gateway restart
What Happens on Install
Depending on the extension type:
- MCP Server — registers tools accessible to AI chat and Claude Code
- Bundle (Docker) — pulls images, starts containers, opens firewall ports
- Skill — adds behavioral prompts that guide AI responses
- Panel — adds a dashboard page with web UI
Extensions with web UIs are automatically proxied through the gateway (no extra ports to open).
Removing Extensions
- Go to Extensions in the dashboard
- Find the installed extension and click Remove
- Containers are stopped, files are removed, firewall ports are closed
Available Extensions
AI & Automation
| Extension | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Browser Automation | Bundle | Stealth browser with VNC, form filling, scraping |
| Ollama | Bundle | Local AI models for embeddings and analysis |
| LocalAI | Bundle | OpenAI-compatible local inference |
| OpenClaw | Bundle | Discord/Telegram/WhatsApp AI bot |
| CrowClaw | MCP Server | Bot management — create, deploy, and manage AI bots from the dashboard. BYOAI auto-config, Messages integration, skill deployment. |
Finance
| Extension | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Filing Assistant | MCP Server | Federal tax preparation with PDF ingestion |
Media
| Extension | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Media Hub | MCP Server | RSS feeds, YouTube, podcasts, TTS, email digests |
| Podcast | Skill | Podcast publishing with iTunes RSS |
| Songbook | Skill | ChordPro charts, transposition, setlists |
Storage & Productivity
| Extension | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| File Storage (MinIO) | Bundle | S3-compatible file storage |
| Nextcloud | Bundle | File sync via WebDAV |
| Obsidian Vault | MCP Server | Read and search Obsidian notes |
Smart Home & Gaming
| Extension | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Home Assistant | MCP Server | Control lights, switches, sensors |
| RoMM | Bundle | Retro game library and emulator |
Networking
| Extension | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tailscale | Bundle | VPN access from any device |
Extension Web UIs
Some extensions provide web interfaces (VNC viewer, MinIO console, etc.). These are accessed in two ways:
Proxy Mode (default)
The extension UI is proxied through the Crow gateway at /proxy/<id>/. No extra ports or firewall rules needed. Works for simple apps (VNC/noVNC).
Example: /proxy/browser/vnc.html
Direct Mode
For SPA apps (React, Vue) that can't work behind a subpath proxy. The extension port is opened in the firewall and served via Tailscale HTTPS.
Example: https://your-machine.ts.net:9001/ (MinIO console)
This is configured automatically during installation — ports are opened and Tailscale HTTPS is set up.
For Developers
See the Creating Add-ons guide to build your own extensions.