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What it is

The Website Builder turns a plain-language description into a working website or full-stack web app. Manus plans the project, writes the code, and shows a live preview. Manus can also add a backend, a database, user login, AI features, and payments. When the website is ready, you publish it with Manus hosting.

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What’s new in Manus 2.0

Manus 2.0 changes how Manus builds and runs your website projects. For the full list of changes, see Introducing Manus 2.0.

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Where you can build

You can build in two places: Both places use the same workflow:
  1. Manus makes the first version.
  2. You shape it with direct controls or with a chat message.
  3. Manus continues from your changes when you ask it to take the next pass.

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How to use it

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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.

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Build your first website in the cloud

1

Describe what you want to build

Start a new task and describe the website in plain language. Include the purpose, the pages, and the main features. The more detail you give, the better the first version.
2

Review the plan

Manus presents a plan for the website. The plan shows the structure, the features, and the technology that Manus intends to use. Ask for changes before Manus starts to build.
3

Watch Manus build

Manus sets up the project and writes the frontend and backend code. A live preview is available from the start of the build.
4

Refine the website

Tell Manus what to change in the same task. You can make one change or several changes in a single message.
You can also click an element in the preview to change it directly. See Editing and Previewing.
5

Publish

Click Publish. Manus builds the website for production and puts it online. To use your own domain, see Custom Domains.

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Build a website on your computer with Manus Studio

1

Install Manus Studio

Download Manus Studio from manus.im/desktop. Sign in with your Manus account.
2

Choose a folder

In the chat box, turn on Work locally. Click Choose a folder, then select the folder for your project.
3

Describe the website and its location

Tell Manus what to build and where to build it.
4

Choose a project type

Manus asks how to set up the website. Select Manus-managed to use Manus hosting, a database, login, version history, and publishing. Select plain local to use only your own tools and services.
5

Preview, save, and publish

Manus runs the website on your computer and opens a live preview in Studio. Ask Manus to save a version when you like a change. When you are ready, ask Manus to publish. Manus asks “Allow Manus to publish?” before the website goes live.
For the full local workflow, including existing projects, Git, and payment testing, see Build locally in Manus Studio.

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Add features to your website

Describe the feature in the same task. Manus sets it up and updates the preview.

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What you need to know

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Building and hosting are billed differently

  • Building uses credits. Manus charges credits to build and edit a website. Tasks in Manus Studio use credits at the same rate as equivalent tasks in the cloud.
  • Hosting uses a usage-based system. After you publish, cloud, AI, and API usage are charged separately from credits.
  • Every account gets free monthly allowances. The allowances are $10 for cloud, $1 for AI, and $1 for API usage. See Usage and Pricing.

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Previews and published websites behave differently

  • A cloud preview is for testing. Use it to check your changes before you publish.
  • A local preview runs only on your computer. Other devices cannot open it. To share a local project, publish it or continue the task in Manus Cloud.
  • A website goes public only when you publish it. Saving a version or choosing Manus-managed does not publish anything by itself.

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Choose a hosting mode when you publish

  • Autoscale is the default. It scales to zero when there is no traffic and costs $0 when idle. Use it for most websites.
  • Reserved keeps one instance running at all times. Use it for WebSockets, background workers, bots, and other long-running processes.
You can switch modes at any time in the project settings. See Publishing.

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Some project types have their own workflow

  • Games use Game Dev, a Manus Studio add-on with a playable template and an Edit panel. See Game Developer.
  • Mobile apps that are Manus-managed run in Manus Cloud, even if you start them in Manus Studio. See App Publishing (mobile).

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You stay in control of your code

  • Cloud projects: View or download the code, or sync the project with a private GitHub repository. See Code Control and GitHub Integration.
  • Local projects: Manus keeps its own version history, separate from your Git repository. Manus does not change your remotes, branches, hooks, or credentials.

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Tips

  • Match the mode to the task. Start a full-stack app in Manus 2.0 Max. Use Manus 2.0 Lite for small edits to a finished website.
  • Describe the outcome, not the code. Say who the website is for and what visitors must be able to do. Manus chooses the technology.
  • Fix the plan before the build. Changes to the plan cost less than changes to a finished website.
  • Group related edits in one message. Manus applies them together as one update.
  • Use direct controls for small changes. Click an element in the preview to change its color, font, or spacing without a prompt.
  • Start from a design. Share a Figma frame to turn your design into a working app. See Import from Figma.
  • Use Manus Studio when your files are already local. Point Manus at the folder with your photos, copy, or an unfinished website. You do not need to upload anything first.
  • Run parallel work on one website. Open the website in a new task to work on several changes at the same time. See Edit in New Task.
  • Get ideas from real projects. See web apps built with Manus.

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FAQ

Manus 2.0 adds Cascade, Manus Studio, Computer Use, Cloud Computer, Automations, Game Dev, and Video Editor. The “What’s new in Manus 2.0” section at the top of this page explains what each one means for your website. In one tested configuration, Cascade used 23.2% fewer tokens, finished tasks in 28.2% less time, and cost 32% less to run than the previous system.
No. You describe what you want, and Manus writes the code. If you can code, you can view, download, or edit the code at any time.
Build in the cloud for new websites and projects that you share with a team. Build in Manus Studio if the project already lives on your computer, or if you want to keep your own Git workflow and local tools.
A Manus-managed project connects to Manus hosting, a database, login, version history, and publishing. A plain local project is an ordinary project on your computer. You use your own tools and services, and Manus does not set up hosting or publishing. You can connect a plain local website to Manus later.
Yes. You can connect a domain that you own, or buy one inside Manus. Manus sets up a free SSL certificate automatically. See Custom Domains.
Yes. Manus builds mobile apps, and Game Dev in Manus Studio builds browser games. Each has its own workflow. See App Publishing (mobile) and Game Developer.
If your balance does not cover your usage and auto top-up is off, your website can become temporarily unavailable. Turn on auto top-up in Settings > Usage > Website usage & billing to prevent this.