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

# Get started with Manus

> Start your first Manus task: sign in, choose a mode, describe your goal, and refine the result. Learn how credits work and how to add context.

Manus is an AI agent that completes work for you. You describe a goal in plain language, and Manus plans the work, does it in its own virtual computer, and delivers the result. This page shows you how to start your first task, how credits work, and how to give Manus more context.

## Where you can use Manus

You can start and open tasks in these places:

* **Manus on the web.** Go to [manus.im](https://manus.im) and sign in. Manus does the work in Manus Cloud.
* **Manus Studio.** Studio is the Manus desktop app for macOS and Windows. In Studio, Manus can also work with the files, terminal, and apps on your computer. See [Manus Studio](https://manus.im/docs/features/desktop.md).
* **Mobile app.** You can open your tasks from the Manus mobile app.
* **Email.** You can send a task to Manus by email. See [Mail Manus](https://manus.im/docs/features/mail-manus.md).

## Start your first task

**1. Sign in**

Go to [manus.im](https://manus.im) and sign in. If you use Manus Studio, download it from [manus.im/desktop](https://manus.im/desktop) and sign in with your Manus account.

**2. Choose a mode**

Before you start a task, select a mode from the menu at the top of the task. Each mode is a version of the Manus agent.

| Mode | What it is |
| :- | :- |
| **Manus 2.0 Max** | A high-performance agent for complex tasks. |
| **Manus 2.0** | A versatile agent for most tasks. |
| **Manus 2.0 Lite** | A lightweight agent for everyday tasks and small edits. |
| **Manus Flex** | Manus with your own model API key. See [Manus Flex](https://manus.im/docs/models/manus-flex.md). |

**3. Describe the goal**

Write what you want as the result. Include the topic, the scope, and the output format. A specific request uses fewer credits than a vague one.

```text theme={null}
Research the top 5 AI trends in healthcare and create a summary report.
```

**4. Let Manus work**

Manus plans the task and runs each step in its sandbox. The sandbox is a virtual computer with internet access and a file system. Manus delivers the finished work, such as a report, a slide deck, or a website, in the task.

**5. Refine the result**

To change the result, send a follow-up message in the same task. To try a different direction without changing the original task, create a [branch](https://manus.im/docs/features/branch.md) from any Manus reply.

## How credits work

Manus uses credits. Each task uses a number of credits that depends on its complexity and the resources it needs. Your credit balance refills at the start of each billing cycle, based on your plan.

To use fewer credits:

* Give a clear, specific request so that Manus needs fewer iterations.
* Combine related tasks into one request.
* For complex tasks with several phases, review the intermediate results before Manus continues.

For plan details, see [Plans and pricing](https://manus.im/docs/introduction/plans.md).

## Give Manus more context

* **Projects.** A project keeps shared instructions and files. Every new task in the project starts with that context. To create one, click the **+** icon next to **Projects** in the sidebar. See [Projects](https://manus.im/docs/features/projects.md).
* **Connectors.** A connector lets Manus read data from an app, such as Gmail or Notion, and take actions in it. Open **Connectors**, find the app, and connect your account. Then mention the app in your prompt. See [Connectors](https://manus.im/docs/integrations/connectors.md).
* **Skills.** A skill is a set of instructions that teaches Manus a specific workflow. See [Manus Skills](https://manus.im/docs/features/skills.md).

## Next steps

Choose the job that you want to get done.

### Research and analyze

> [card] [Research at scale](https://manus.im/docs/features/wide-research.md)
>
> Research or process many items at once with agents that work in parallel.

> [card] [Analyze data](https://manus.im/docs/features/data-visualization.md)
>
> Turn raw data into charts and insights that are ready to present.

### Create content

> [card] [Make a presentation](https://manus.im/docs/features/slides.md)
>
> Get a complete slide deck from a description, with visuals and speaker notes.

> [card] [Edit a video](https://manus.im/docs/features/video-editor.md)
>
> Start from an idea or your own footage, then refine the cut on a multi-track timeline in Manus Studio.

### Make websites and games

> [card] [Make a website](https://manus.im/docs/website-builder/getting-started.md)
>
> Describe a website or web app, preview it, and publish it online.

> [card] [Make a game](https://manus.im/docs/features/game-developer.md)
>
> Create a browser game from a playable template, then publish a link so that others can play.

### Automate your work

> [card] [Automate tasks](https://manus.im/docs/automations.md)
>
> Run tasks on a schedule or when something happens in a connected app.

> [card] [Connect your apps](https://manus.im/docs/integrations/connectors.md)
>
> Give Manus access to the tools you already use.

To see every feature, go to the [Features overview](https://manus.im/docs/features/overview.md).


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