Core Lightning
Bitcoin Accounting
Core Lightning + Clams
RuneCore Lightning is a lightweight, highly customizable Lightning Network implementation. Clams connects directly to your CLN node to track on-chain transactions, channel activity, invoices, and all Lightning activity.
What Clams tracks
- On-chain funding transactions
- Channel opens and closes with on-chain fees
- Lightning invoices and payments
- Automatic cost basis tracking per transaction
- Routing fee income from forwarded payments
How it works
Generate a read-only Rune
Create a Rune from your Core Lightning node with read-only permissions. Your signing keys never leave the node.
Add connection details in Clams
Enter your node's address and the Rune in Clams to establish the connection.
Sync activity
Clams imports your full transaction history. New activity syncs automatically.
Resources
Core Lightning Rune guide
Official docs for creating Runes with permissions
Video walkthrough: Connecting Core Lightning to Clams
Frequently asked questions
What data does Clams import from Core Lightning?
Clams imports every transaction that updates your Lightning balance. This includes channel opens and closes, on-chain payments, invoices, and routing income.
Does Clams access my private keys?
No. Clams connects using a read-only Rune. Runes are Core Lightning's native permission system. You generate a Rune with only the permissions Clams needs to read transaction data. Your signing keys remain secure on your node.
Can I track multiple Core Lightning nodes?
Yes. Add each node separately in Clams. Each node gets its own wallet entry with independent syncing and reporting.
Does Clams track routing fee income?
Yes. Clams automatically tracks all routing fee income from forwarded payments. Each fee is recorded with timestamp, amount, and channel details for accurate income reporting.
How do I get capital gains reports from my Core Lightning transactions?
Connect your Core Lightning node to Clams. Clams calculates cost basis for all transactions, including on-chain and Lightning. Export capital gains reports from the Exports widget.
Do I need my node online to sync?
Yes. Clams connects directly to your Core Lightning node to fetch transaction data. Your node must be running and reachable for syncing to work. Once synced, you can view your data offline.
Start tracking your Core Lightning node
Download Clams and connect your node in minutes.