Overview
Manus is a general-purpose artificial intelligence agent designed to execute tasks more autonomously than a conventional conversational assistant.
The user describes an objective, after which Manus can prepare a plan, search for information, browse websites, analyze files, use different tools, and produce a final result.
The service can notably create:
- sourced reports;
- tables and datasets;
- presentations;
- documents;
- images and graphic assets;
- websites;
- Web or mobile applications;
- scripts and software projects;
- recurring automations.
Manus mainly operates through a cloud infrastructure that includes a browser, file system, execution tools, and isolated environments.
Applications for Windows and macOS also allow the agent to work with certain folders, tools, and commands available on the user’s computer.
Manus also provides mobile applications for Android, iPhone, and iPad. They make it possible to launch, review, and monitor tasks from a mobile device.
The product now belongs to Meta while retaining its own brand, interface, and services.
Manus remains a proprietary service. Its applications, agentic infrastructure, and execution environments are not open source.
Features
Chat mode
Chat mode is intended for quick exchanges and in-depth discussions.
It can notably:
- answer questions;
- explain a concept;
- conduct online research;
- recognize images;
- analyze PDF and text files;
- summarize content;
- write or rephrase text;
- support brainstorming;
- compare several options.
According to the service’s current operation, conversations in Chat mode do not consume credits.
Chat mode nevertheless remains a generative assistant. Its responses may contain errors, omissions, or fabricated information.
Agent mode
Agent mode is intended for complex and autonomous tasks.
From a single instruction, Manus can:
- analyze the objective;
- prepare a plan;
- select the necessary tools;
- search for information;
- browse Web pages;
- analyze or produce files;
- execute code;
- correct certain problems;
- deliver a final result.
Agent mode consumes credits according to the duration, complexity, and resources used.
Free users have more limited access to models and agentic features than Pro or Team subscribers.
Cloud environment
Manus has a dedicated cloud computing environment for executing tasks.
Depending on the request, the agent can use:
- a cloud browser;
- a temporary file system;
- a terminal;
- interpreters and development tools;
- software libraries;
- document-processing tools;
- visual-generation services;
- connectors to external applications.
This environment allows Manus to work through several steps without depending entirely on the user’s local computer.
Sensitive files or data sent to this environment should nevertheless be selected carefully.
Cloud browser
The cloud browser allows Manus to visit and use websites in an isolated environment.
The agent can notably:
- open pages;
- follow links;
- click buttons;
- complete forms;
- extract information;
- compare several pages;
- use certain Web applications;
- execute procedures made up of several steps.
The user can sign in to certain services from this browser to authorize tasks that require authentication.
Actions performed on a connected account should be monitored, particularly when they involve private data, publications, or transactions.
In-depth research
Manus can conduct long research tasks by consulting several sources and organizing the results.
It can notably:
- prepare a market study;
- analyze an industry;
- compare products;
- examine competitors;
- conduct academic research;
- find suppliers;
- build a database;
- produce a report supported by sources.
Manus can present the results as text, a table, a document, a spreadsheet, or a presentation.
Important sources and conclusions should always be checked manually.
Wide Research
Wide Research is Manus’s parallel-processing system.
Instead of processing a long list sequentially, Manus can divide the work into several subtasks assigned to separate agents.
This feature is suitable for:
- comparing dozens or hundreds of products;
- analyzing many companies;
- reviewing a collection of scientific papers;
- finding prospects;
- extracting information from many pages;
- generating several similar pieces of content;
- processing a batch of files or images.
Each sub-agent has its own context before the results are combined into a final deliverable.
Wide Research is mainly intended for tasks involving many independent elements. It is less suitable for a single request requiring strictly sequential analysis.
This feature is reserved for paid plans and may consume available credits quickly.
File analysis
Manus can analyze documents and files supplied by the user.
It can notably:
- summarize a document;
- extract information;
- compare several files;
- analyze a table;
- identify trends;
- convert certain formats;
- produce a new document;
- create a presentation from existing sources;
- organize data in a spreadsheet.
Results should be checked against the original files, particularly for contracts, financial data, technical documents, or legal texts.
Data analysis
Manus can import, clean, organize, and interpret data.
It can notably:
- analyze a CSV or Excel file;
- merge several datasets;
- create charts;
- calculate indicators;
- produce a comparison table;
- research additional data;
- generate a report;
- export the results to a file.
Calculations and transformations should be verified before any important decision.
Presentation creation
Manus Slides can produce a complete presentation from an instruction or existing documents.
The agent can:
- research the topic;
- define the outline;
- write the slides;
- generate charts;
- create or select visuals;
- organize the information hierarchy;
- produce speaker notes;
- apply a theme;
- use a supplied PowerPoint template.
Presentations can be exported as:
- an editable PowerPoint file;
- a PDF;
- a Web presentation;
- a document containing the speaker notes.
Visual and editorial quality depends on the instructions, topic, and model used. Human review is generally still necessary.
Website and Web application creation
Manus can create websites and Web applications from a natural-language description.
The process may include:
- researching the target audience;
- analyzing competitors;
- defining a strategy;
- writing content;
- generating images;
- frontend development;
- backend development;
- creating a database;
- adding authentication;
- integrating payments;
- deployment;
- hosting;
- traffic analysis.
The user can request successive changes throughout the conversation.
The code and configuration should be tested before production deployment. Sensitive features such as authentication, payments, permissions, and data management require a specific audit.
Mobile application development
Agent mode can also assist with mobile application creation.
Manus can help to:
- prepare the project structure;
- generate interfaces;
- write code;
- correct certain errors;
- prepare assets;
- build a testable version;
- prepare the elements required for publication.
Publishing on Google Play or the App Store still requires compliance with platform rules and the necessary developer accounts.
An AI-generated application should be tested on real devices before release.
Software development
Manus can work on programming projects from its cloud environment or desktop application.
It can notably:
- generate code;
- read several files;
- install certain dependencies;
- execute commands;
- run tests;
- correct errors;
- prepare a refactoring;
- produce documentation;
- create a script;
- generate a prototype.
Generated code should be reviewed, tested, and audited. Successful execution does not guarantee the absence of vulnerabilities, poor practices, or functional errors.
Design and visual creation
Manus provides design and visual-generation features.
It can notably:
- generate images;
- create graphic assets;
- produce visuals for a presentation;
- prepare a mock-up;
- design elements for a website;
- process images in batches;
- generate certain video content;
- produce music content depending on the available tools.
Manus remains a general-purpose agent rather than specialized drawing, video-editing, or music-production software.
Creations should be checked before commercial use, particularly regarding rights, trademarks, depicted individuals, and similarities with existing works.
Projects
Projects make it possible to create persistent workspaces.
A project can contain:
- a main instruction;
- reusable rules;
- reference documents;
- a knowledge base;
- associated conversations;
- connectors;
- repeatable working methods.
Each new task launched within the project can automatically reuse this context.
This feature is useful for standardizing reports, following a client, managing ongoing monitoring, or applying an editorial method.
Scheduled tasks
Manus can launch tasks at a specific date or according to a recurring schedule.
It can notably automate:
- daily monitoring;
- a weekly report;
- a monthly analysis;
- price tracking;
- data collection;
- competitor monitoring;
- a summary sent by email;
- updating a spreadsheet;
- publishing a report in Slack.
Scheduled tasks do not provide continuous real-time monitoring. They run according to the defined schedule.
The number of available tasks depends on the subscription level.
Connectors
Connectors allow Manus to access data and functions from external services.
They can notably connect Manus to:
- Gmail;
- Google Calendar;
- Google Drive;
- GitHub;
- Linear;
- monday.com;
- Notion;
- Slack;
- databases;
- custom APIs;
- MCP servers.
Depending on the service and permissions granted, Manus may search, read, create, or modify items.
Permissions should be limited to what is strictly necessary. A connector may expose professional information, messages, calendars, code, or customer data.
Browser Operator
Manus Browser Operator is an extension that allows the agent to use the user’s local browser.
Unlike the cloud browser, Browser Operator works inside an already open Chrome or Edge session and can use accounts to which the user is signed in.
It can notably:
- browse authenticated websites;
- use professional tools;
- click elements;
- complete forms;
- extract data;
- compare information;
- execute Web procedures.
Each session must be authorized. The user can monitor the actions, take back control, or stop the task by closing the relevant tab.
This feature may access sensitive sessions. It should be used carefully with banking, administrative, professional, or personal services.
Desktop application
The Manus desktop application is available for Windows and macOS.
The official macOS version currently supports Macs equipped with Apple Silicon. Intel Macs are not supported.
The application notably makes it possible to:
- access Manus tasks from the desktop;
- work with certain local folders;
- continue a task across several devices;
- use the computer’s resources;
- run workflows in the background.
Linux does not currently have an official desktop application.
My Computer
The My Computer feature allows Manus to work with files, tools, and commands available on the computer.
After specific folders have been authorized, the agent can notably:
- read and analyze files;
- create or modify documents;
- organize folders;
- rename files in batches;
- run commands;
- use Python, Node.js, or other CLI tools;
- create a software project;
- launch certain applications;
- use local hardware resources.
Manus mainly interacts with the computer through the terminal and command-line tools.
Once a folder has been authorized, certain commands may be executed automatically. Operations considered sensitive may require additional confirmation.
This feature does not turn Manus into a fully local or offline solution. The account, orchestration, and certain capabilities remain connected to the cloud service.
Mobile applications
The mobile applications allow users to launch, monitor, and review tasks from a phone or tablet.
The user can notably:
- send a new request;
- attach a document or image;
- monitor an agent’s execution;
- review a report;
- receive a notification;
- control certain tasks running in the cloud or on a connected computer.
Some desktop features or browser extensions still require a compatible computer to remain switched on and connected.
API
Manus provides features for teams and API integrations.
These may make it possible to integrate certain agentic capabilities into:
- a product;
- an internal service;
- a professional workflow;
- an automation;
- a custom interface.
Access, limits, and billing may differ from those of the standard user subscription.
Subscriptions and credits
Manus offers a free plan as well as Pro and Team plans.
The free plan notably includes:
- Chat mode;
- limited access to Agent mode;
- credits renewed daily;
- one simultaneous task;
- a limited number of scheduled tasks.
Pro plans notably add:
- more credits;
- more advanced agentic models;
- more simultaneous tasks;
- more scheduled tasks;
- Wide Research;
- presentation generation;
- advanced website creation and deployment features.
The Team plan adds collaboration, access-control, usage-analysis, shared-template, and data-management features.
Prices, credits, and limits may change rapidly. It is preferable to consult the official page before choosing a plan.
Use cases
Research and monitoring
Manus can search several sources, organize the results, and produce a structured report.
It is notably suitable for:
- technology monitoring;
- competitive analysis;
- market research;
- documentary research;
- product comparison;
- supplier research;
- preparing an article;
- building a database.
Large-scale processing
Wide Research can process long lists of items in parallel.
This feature can be used to:
- analyze dozens of companies;
- compare hundreds of products;
- review many scientific papers;
- structure information extracted from several websites;
- prepare a prospect database;
- process a batch of files or images.
Presentation creation
Manus can transform a request, report, or collection of files into an editable presentation.
It can be used to prepare:
- a sales presentation;
- educational material;
- a market study;
- a business report;
- an investor deck;
- a technical presentation;
- a workshop or conference.
Website and application creation
Manus can generate a prototype, landing page, or complete Web application.
It can also assist with preparing a mobile application.
Generated projects should be tested and audited before publication.
Web automation
The cloud browser and Browser Operator can automate certain procedures on websites.
Manus can notably:
- extract information;
- update a professional tool;
- compare offers;
- complete certain forms;
- use services requiring authentication;
- gather data from several platforms.
Irreversible or sensitive actions should retain human approval.
Local file organization
With the desktop application and My Computer, Manus can help to:
- organize a folder;
- rename a batch of files;
- extract information;
- convert documents;
- find a file;
- organize a library;
- prepare an archive;
- create a processing script.
Software development
Manus can create a prototype, modify a project, run tests, and produce documentation.
It can be used to:
- develop a small application;
- prepare a demonstration;
- automate a task;
- create a script;
- correct an error;
- explore a codebase;
- build a full-stack website.
Content creation
Manus can combine research, writing, images, and presentation creation to prepare several content formats.
It can notably produce:
- a report;
- a preparatory article;
- a series of posts;
- a presentation;
- visuals;
- a mini-site;
- an editorial research file.
Recurring work
Projects, connectors, and scheduled tasks make it possible to preserve and reuse a method.
This combination is suitable for:
- daily monitoring;
- weekly reporting;
- monthly analysis;
- competitor tracking;
- repeated document production;
- updating a table;
- preparing regular summaries.
PANACHES review
Manus stands out through its ability to move from conversation to execution. It does not merely suggest an answer: it can research, manipulate files, use a browser, execute code, and produce a deliverable.
This execution layer makes it particularly interesting for projects involving several steps. Research, presentation production, data analysis, and website creation can all be brought together in the same environment.
Wide Research is also a differentiating feature for tasks involving a large number of elements. Parallel processing avoids concentrating the entire analysis in a single conversation that has become too long.
The desktop application and My Computer extend Manus toward the local computer. This evolution can make file organization and technical workflows easier, but it also greatly increases the level of trust required.
Browser Operator creates the same balance. Using already open sessions avoids repeated sign-ins and makes it possible to act within professional tools, but it also gives the agent access to sensitive environments.
Manus therefore becomes a complete agentic workspace, but also one that is more complex to monitor than a simple chatbot. Permissions, credits, connectors, cloud environments, and local actions should be understood before important tasks are assigned to it.
Manus’s integration into Meta strengthens its development and distribution capabilities while adding dependence on a large, centralized technology ecosystem.
Manus is particularly suitable for users who want to delegate research, quickly create deliverables, and automate workflows. It is less suitable for those looking for a fully local, open-source, predictable, or cloud-independent solution.
Points to consider
- Manus can produce incorrect answers, analyses, or sources.
- Important reports should be checked against the original documents.
- Calculations and data should be verified before any decision.
- Agent mode may perform several actions without constant approval.
- Long tasks consume credits.
- Wide Research can rapidly increase credit consumption.
- Results from several sub-agents may contain inconsistencies.
- The cloud browser may access accounts after authentication.
- Browser Operator uses already connected sessions in Chrome or Edge.
- The agent can click, browse, and complete forms.
- Sensitive or irreversible actions should retain human approval.
- Connectors may access messages, calendars, documents, repositories, and professional data.
- Granted permissions should remain limited to what is strictly necessary.
- The desktop application can read and modify authorized folders.
- My Computer can execute commands in the terminal.
- Some commands may be executed automatically after authorization.
- Generated scripts and applications should be tested and audited.
- Payments, authentication, and databases require particular attention.
- Websites and applications may use separate billing systems for creation, hosting, and external services.
- Generated mobile applications should be tested on real devices.
- Generated visual content may raise copyright, rights, or resemblance concerns.
- Manus remains a proprietary cloud-dependent service.
- Desktop features do not make Manus fully local or usable offline.
- Linux does not currently have an official desktop application.
- The official macOS version is limited to Apple Silicon Macs.
- Prices, credits, models, and features may change rapidly.
- Manus now belongs to Meta.
- Manus is not a substitute for a qualified professional when making important medical, legal, or financial decisions.