> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.openclaw.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Steer

`/steer` first tries to send guidance to an already-active run. It is for
"adjust this run while it is still working" moments. If the current runtime
cannot accept steering, OpenClaw sends the message as a normal prompt instead
of dropping it.

## Current session

Use top-level `/steer` to target the active run for the current session:

```text theme={"theme":{"light":"min-light","dark":"min-dark"}}
/steer prefer the smaller patch and keep the tests focused
/tell summarize before making the next tool call
```

Behavior:

* Targets only the current session's active run.
* Works independently of the session's `/queue` mode.
* Starts a normal turn with the same message when the session is idle or the
  active run cannot accept steering.
* Uses the active runtime's steering path, so the model sees the guidance at
  the next supported runtime boundary.

## Steer vs queue

`/queue steer` makes normal inbound messages try to steer the active run when
they arrive while a run is active. `/steer <message>` is an explicit command
that tries to inject that command's message into the active run at the next
supported runtime boundary, regardless of the stored `/queue` setting. When
that injection is not available, the command prefix is stripped and `<message>`
continues as a normal prompt.

Use:

* `/steer <message>` when you want to guide the active run right now.
* `/queue steer` when you want future normal messages to steer active runs by
  default.
* `/queue collect` or `/queue followup` when future normal messages should wait
  for a later turn instead of steering the active run.
* `/queue interrupt` when the newest message should replace the active run
  instead of steering it.

For queue modes and steering boundaries, see [Command queue](/concepts/queue) and
[Steering queue](/concepts/queue-steering).

## Sub-agents

Use `/subagents steer` when the target is a child run:

```text theme={"theme":{"light":"min-light","dark":"min-dark"}}
/subagents steer 2 focus only on the API surface
```

Top-level `/steer` does not select a sub-agent by id or list index. It always
targets the current session's active run. See [Sub-agents](/tools/subagents) for
sub-agent ids, labels, and control commands.

## ACP sessions

Use `/acp steer` when the target is an ACP harness session:

```text theme={"theme":{"light":"min-light","dark":"min-dark"}}
/acp steer --session agent:main:acp:codex tighten the repro
```

See [ACP agents](/tools/acp-agents) for ACP session selection and runtime
behavior.

## Related

* [Slash commands](/tools/slash-commands)
* [Command queue](/concepts/queue)
* [Steering queue](/concepts/queue-steering)
* [Sub-agents](/tools/subagents)