Getting Started with Manus AI
This section will guide you through the basics of setting up and using Manus AI. As a beginner to AI, you'll find that Manus has been designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it accessible regardless of your technical background.
Account Setup
Creating Your Manus AI Account
- Visit the official website: Navigate to manus.im
- Join the waitlist: Click on the "Get Started" button at the top right of the page and select "Apply for access"
- Wait for your invitation: Due to high demand, Manus AI is currently operating on an invitation-only basis. Once you've joined the waitlist, you'll need to wait for an invitation code to be sent to your registered email
- Activate your account: When you receive your invitation code, follow the instructions in the email to complete your account setup
- Set up your profile: Complete your profile with relevant information to help Manus better understand your needs and preferences
Note: Be cautious of unofficial sources offering invitation codes, as they may not be legitimate. Always use official channels to access Manus AI.
Subscription Plans and Credits
Manus AI operates on a credit-based system. When you first sign up, you'll likely receive a starter allocation of credits. There are typically several subscription tiers available:
- Free tier: Limited credits per month, suitable for occasional use
- Standard tier: More credits for regular users
- Premium tier: Substantial credit allocation for power users
- Enterprise tier: Custom solutions for businesses with specific needs
Each task you assign to Manus will consume a certain number of credits based on its complexity, duration, and the tools required. We'll cover credit optimization strategies in a dedicated section later in this guide.
Understanding the Manus AI Interface
Dashboard Overview
When you first log in to Manus AI, you'll be presented with a dashboard that typically includes:
- Task input area: Where you describe what you want Manus to do
- Conversation history: A record of your previous interactions
- Status indicators: Shows the progress of current tasks
- Credit balance: Displays your remaining credits
- Settings: Access to your account preferences and configurations
Spaces and Projects
Manus organizes your work into "Spaces" - dedicated environments for specific projects or types of tasks:
- Creating a new Space: Click on the "New Space" or "+" button from your dashboard
- Naming your Space: Give your Space a descriptive name related to its purpose
- Organizing Spaces: You can categorize Spaces by project, function, or any system that works for you
- Accessing previous Spaces: Your Spaces will be saved for future reference and continuation
Basic Interaction Patterns
How to Communicate with Manus AI
Communicating with Manus is straightforward and conversational:
- Be clear and specific: While Manus is intelligent, it works best when your instructions are clear
- Start with the goal: Begin by stating what you want to accomplish
- Provide necessary context: Include relevant background information
- Set parameters: Specify any preferences or constraints
- Ask for updates: Request progress reports for longer tasks
Example Interaction Patterns
Here are some effective ways to structure your requests:
Simple Task Request:
"Please create a summary of the latest research on renewable energy sources."
Multi-Step Task with Parameters:
"I need to analyze sales data from the past quarter. Please create a spreadsheet that shows: 1. Monthly sales totals 2. Top-performing products 3. Regional performance comparison 4. A visualization of the trends Please use a clean, professional format suitable for a presentation."
Iterative Task Development:
"I'm planning a two-week trip to Japan in April. Can you help me create an itinerary that: - Covers Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka - Includes major cultural attractions - Suggests accommodation options under $150/night - Includes transportation details between cities"
Understanding Manus AI's Responses
Manus AI will typically respond in several ways:
- Acknowledgment: Confirming it understands your request
- Clarification questions: Asking for additional information if needed
- Progress updates: Informing you of its current status on longer tasks
- Delivery of results: Providing the completed work, often with attachments or links
- Follow-up suggestions: Offering additional actions or improvements
Monitoring and Managing Tasks
Task Status Tracking
For longer tasks, Manus provides status updates:
- In Progress: The task is currently being worked on
- Waiting for Input: Manus needs additional information from you
- Completed: The task has been finished
- Paused: The task has been temporarily stopped
Interrupting or Modifying Tasks
If you need to change direction:
- Pause a task: Type "Please pause" or "Stop for now"
- Modify a task: Say "I'd like to change something about this task" followed by your adjustments
- Cancel a task: Type "Please cancel this task" (note that credits used may not be refunded)
Saving and Accessing Results
Manus AI makes it easy to access your work:
- Automatic saving: All results are saved in your Space history
- Downloading files: Click on file attachments to download them
- Sharing results: Use the share options to export or send your results
- Continuing previous work: Return to any Space to continue where you left off
Best Practices for Beginners
Starting Small
As a beginner to AI, it's best to:
- Begin with simple tasks: Start with straightforward requests before moving to complex projects
- Explore capabilities gradually: Try different types of tasks to understand Manus's range
- Learn from examples: Study the gallery of example tasks on the Manus website
- Experiment with iterations: Refine your requests based on initial results
Providing Effective Instructions
To get the best results:
- Be specific about outputs: Describe the format and details you want
- Provide examples when possible: Show Manus what you're looking for
- Break complex tasks into steps: For complicated projects, consider dividing into smaller tasks
- Set clear success criteria: Define what a successful outcome looks like
In the next section, we'll explore strategies to optimize your credit usage, helping you get the most value from Manus AI while managing costs effectively.