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What it is

Manus Studio is the Manus desktop app for macOS and Windows. It was called Manus Desktop before Manus 2.0. Studio lets Manus work on your own computer, with the files, folders, tools, and apps that are already there. The core capability of Studio is My Computer. With My Computer, Manus can:
  • Work with your files. Read, sort, rename, edit, and create files in a folder that you choose.
  • Use your terminal. Run command line tools on your computer, such as Python, Node.js, Git, Swift, and Xcode.
  • Use your hardware. Use your computer’s processor and GPU, for example to run a script or a local AI model.
Studio also adds these capabilities: You control what Manus can do with a permission mode. The mode decides which local actions Manus runs on its own and which need approval. See Choose a permission mode.

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How to use it

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Install Manus Studio

1

Download the app

Open manus.im/desktop. Select macOS (Apple Silicon) or Windows.
2

Install the app

Open the installer and follow the instructions on the screen.
3

Sign in

Open Manus Studio and sign in with your Manus account. Studio uses the same credits as Manus on the web.

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Start a task on your computer

1

Turn on Work locally

In the chat box, turn on Work locally. The task then runs on this computer instead of in the cloud.
2

Choose a folder

Click Choose a folder and select the folder that Manus should work in. This folder is the task’s workspace. If you do not choose a folder, Manus uses an Automatic workspace.
3

Check the permission mode

Click Permissions in the chat box and select a mode. The default is Approve for me.
4

Describe the task

Name the files and the result that you want. Then send the message.
To use a different computer or folder, click Change computer or folder. Your operating system may ask you to confirm access the first time that Manus uses a folder. Example prompts:

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Choose a permission mode

Click Permissions in the chat box to choose how Manus handles local actions. A local action is a command, a file change, or another action on your computer. In Ask for approval and Approve for me, Manus works inside the task’s workspace. These actions need approval:
  • Access to the network.
  • Changes to files outside the workspace.
  • A change of the task’s working folder.
  • Full access for a single command.
When Manus asks for approval, read the request, then approve or deny it. In Approve for me, an automatic review decides on safe actions for you. It blocks high-risk actions, such as sending private keys to the internet.
In Full access, local commands can change files outside the workspace and access the network without approval. Manus shows a warning before you switch. Use this mode only when you fully trust the task.
Your choice when you start a task becomes your default for new tasks. In a Project, the default applies to that Project only. A change during a task applies to that task only. Only the task owner can change the mode.
On Windows, the two approval modes need a one-time setup. Click Enable safe modes in the chat box. Windows asks for permission on this device.

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Give a task access to another folder

During a task, Manus may ask for access to another folder. If you allow it, the task can use that folder. The permission mode stays the same. This approval does not give network access or access to other tasks.

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Add folders for quick access

  1. In Manus Studio, open My Computer.
  2. Click Add folder and select a folder.
  3. When you start a task, select the folder from the list.
To set the folder that new tasks use, click Change default folder.

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Let Manus use your apps with Computer Use

  1. Describe a task that needs a desktop app or your browser. For example: “Open the app, sign up as a new user, and tell me if any screen breaks.”
  2. When Manus first wants to use an app, choose whether to allow it. Always allow and Never apply to all agents on this computer. You can change these choices in Settings.
  3. On macOS, give Manus the Screen Recording permission if Studio asks for it. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording, turn on Manus, then restart the app.
  4. Keep working in your own windows. Manus works in its own workspace.

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Control your computer from your phone

1

Prepare your computer

Leave your computer on, with Manus Studio open and signed in. In Studio settings, turn on Keep this computer awake. This setting prevents sleep while the computer is plugged in.
2

Open Manus on your phone

Open the Manus app for iOS or Android, and sign in with the same account. Remote Control is not available in mobile browsers.
3

Authorize your phone

The first time, your computer shows a remote control request. Check the device name and the verification code. Authorize only a device that you recognize.
4

Give instructions

Give an instruction by voice or text, and watch the desktop live. For example: “Find the latest deck in my launch folder and send it to me.”
An authorized device can view your screen and control your computer. To end a session, press the lock shortcut that Studio shows. This locks the computer. To review or remove authorized devices, open the remote control settings in Studio.

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Disconnect a folder

  1. In Manus Studio, open My Computer.
  2. Find the folder and click Disconnect folder.
  3. Confirm. Tasks that use the folder may be affected, also when you resume them later.
Disconnecting does not delete the folder or its files.

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What you need to know

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Choose where Manus works

If a feature does not work on your computer, Manus may move the task to the cloud for a while. The task then shows Switched to Cloud · Temporary. For a website in a browser that you are already signed in to, see Browser Operator.

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Security and control

  • Approval modes limit changes, not reading. In the two approval modes, Manus changes files only in the workspace. Commands can still read other files that your user account can open.
  • Network access needs approval. In the two approval modes, a command that uses the network needs approval, by you or by the automatic review.
  • Full access removes these limits. Commands run with the permissions of your user account, with no approval.
  • Administrator rights need your approval. Manus asks before it requests administrator approval on your computer.
  • You can stop at any time. Stop the task, deny a request, switch to Ask for approval, or disconnect the folder.

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What Manus sends to the cloud

  • Manus plans in the cloud. Manus plans and decides each step in the Manus cloud. The commands run on your computer.
  • File content can be part of the task. When Manus reads a file to do a task, that content becomes part of the task.
  • Choose folders with care. Do not use a workspace with passwords, keys, or personal data that the task does not need.
  • Some features upload files. For example, saving a website version uploads a copy of that website’s code. See Build locally in Manus Studio.

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Availability and requirements

  • Update the app. Some features need the latest version. If Manus asks you to update, install the latest version from manus.im/desktop.
  • Remote tasks need your computer. A task from your phone runs only while your computer is on, awake, and running Manus Studio.

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Credits

  • Same credits as the web. Studio uses the credits of your Manus account. It has no separate credit balance.
  • Credits only for active work. Studio does not use credits when it is open but idle.
  • Same rate as cloud tasks. A task on your computer uses credits at the same rate as an equivalent task in the cloud. See Plans and Pricing.

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Work with other Manus features

  • Projects. Use a Project to keep instructions and a default permission mode for related local tasks. See Projects.
  • Automations. Run recurring local jobs, such as a weekly report from local data. See Automations.
  • Connectors. Combine local files with connected apps. For example, find a file on your computer and send it through Gmail.
  • Git worktrees. Manus can create Git worktrees for a project on this computer. Manage them in Studio settings.

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Tips

  • Use a dedicated workspace folder. Choose the smallest folder that the task needs. Do not use your entire home folder.
  • Use Ask for approval for sensitive work. Switch to Ask for approval when a task touches important or private files.
  • Avoid Full access for routine work. Approve for me covers most tasks and still blocks risky actions.
  • Read before you approve. Check what the action changes, and where. Deny it if you do not understand it.
  • Back up before large changes. Commit to Git, or copy the folder, before Manus edits or renames many files.
  • Ask for a plan first. For bulk changes, ask Manus to list every change before it starts.
  • Keep your computer awake for remote work. Turn on Keep this computer awake and keep the computer plugged in.
  • Move always-on work to a Cloud Computer. For a bot or a server that must keep running, use a Cloud Computer instead of your laptop.

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FAQ

Yes. Manus Studio is the new name of the Manus desktop app since Manus 2.0. It keeps My Computer and Remote Control, and it adds permission modes, Computer Use, and add-ons such as Video Editor and Game Developer.
In the default mode, Manus changes files only in the task’s workspace. It needs approval for network access and for changes outside the workspace. For more control, use Ask for approval. Avoid Full access unless you fully trust the task.
It depends on the permission mode. Ask for approval asks before every local action. Approve for me asks only when an action needs your decision. Full access never asks.
In the two approval modes, Manus cannot change files outside the workspace without approval. Commands can still read files that your user account can open. Keep secrets out of reach, and use Ask for approval on computers with sensitive data.
It checks each local action that needs approval. It approves safe actions and blocks high-risk ones, such as sending private keys to the internet. If the review cannot finish, Manus does not run the action.
Choosing a folder does not upload it. Manus plans each task in the cloud. When Manus reads a file for a task, that content becomes part of the task. Some features, such as saving a website version, upload a copy of the code.
Manus can use any tool that runs from your computer’s command line. This includes Python, Node.js, Git, compilers such as Swift and Xcode, and other installed tools.
Yes. Leave your computer on and plugged in, with Manus Studio open and Keep this computer awake turned on. Then use the Manus app on your phone.
Manus cannot reach your computer while it is off or asleep. Turn on Keep this computer awake for long or remote tasks. For work that must run around the clock, use a Cloud Computer.
With My Computer, Manus works through your terminal and files in the task’s workspace. With Computer Use, Manus also works with the apps and browser on your computer, in its own workspace.
Manus Studio uses your own computer, files, and hardware. A Cloud Computer is a dedicated machine in the cloud that you subscribe to. It stays on around the clock.
Open My Computer in Manus Studio and click Disconnect folder. This does not delete the folder or its files.
No. Manus Studio supports macOS on Apple Silicon and Windows 10 and 11. On other systems, use Manus on the web at manus.im. My Computer is not available on the web.
The app is a free download. Tasks use the credits of your Manus account at the same rate as tasks in the cloud. See Plans and Pricing.
Check that you use the Manus Studio app, not manus.im in a browser. Check that your system is supported, and install the latest version from manus.im/desktop.

Video Editor

Make and edit videos on a multi-track timeline in Manus Studio.

Game Developer

Create a browser game from a playable template and a description.

Build locally

Build websites, apps, and games in a folder on your own computer.

Browser Operator

Let Manus work in your own browser, with the sites you are signed in to.