# Manus

> Create and manage AI agent tasks via Manus API. Manus is an autonomous AI agent that can browse the web, use tools, and deliver complete work products. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/manus-2` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/manus-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/manus-2/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/manus-2

---


# Manus AI Agent

Use the Manus API to create autonomous AI tasks. Manus can browse the web, use tools, and deliver complete results (reports, code, presentations, etc.).

## API Base

`https://api.manus.ai/v1`

## Authentication

Header: `API_KEY: <your-key>`

Set via:
- `MANUS_API_KEY` env var
- Or `skills.manus.apiKey` in clawdbot config

## Recommended Workflow

When using Manus for tasks that produce files (slides, reports, etc.):

1. **Create the task** with `createShareableLink: true`
2. **Poll for completion** using the task_id
3. **Extract output files** from the response and download them locally
4. **Deliver to user** via direct file attachment (don't rely on manus.im share links)

## Create a Task

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.manus.ai/v1/tasks" \
  -H "API_KEY: $MANUS_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "prompt": "Your task description here",
    "agentProfile": "manus-1.6",
    "taskMode": "agent",
    "createShareableLink": true
  }'
```

Response:
```json
{
  "task_id": "abc123",
  "task_title": "Task Title",
  "task_url": "https://manus.im/app/abc123"
}
```

## Agent Profiles

| Profile | Description | Use for |
|---------|-------------|---------|
| `manus-1.6` | Standard (default) | Most tasks |
| `manus-1.6-lite` | Faster, lighter | Quick/simple stuff |
| `manus-1.6-max` | Complex, thorough | Deep research/analysis |

**Default:** Always use `manus-1.6` unless user specifies otherwise.

## Task Modes

| Mode | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `chat` | Conversational mode |
| `adaptive` | Auto-selects best approach |
| `agent` | Full autonomous agent mode (recommended for file creation) |

## Get Task Status & Output

```bash
curl "https://api.manus.ai/v1/tasks/{task_id}" \
  -H "API_KEY: $MANUS_API_KEY"
```

Status values: `pending`, `running`, `completed`, `failed`

**Important:** When status is `completed`, check the `output` array for files:
- Look for `type: "output_file"` entries
- Download files from `fileUrl` directly
- Save locally and send to user as attachments

## Extracting Output Files

The task response includes output like:
```json
{
  "output": [
    {
      "content": [
        {
          "type": "output_file",
          "fileUrl": "https://private-us-east-1.manuscdn.com/...",
          "fileName": "presentation.pdf"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
```

Download these files with curl and deliver directly to the user rather than relying on share URLs.

## List Tasks

```bash
curl "https://api.manus.ai/v1/tasks" \
  -H "API_KEY: $MANUS_API_KEY"
```

## Best Practices

1. **Always poll for completion** before telling user the task is done
2. **Download output files locally** instead of giving manus.im links (they can be unreliable)
3. **Use `agent` mode** for tasks that create files/documents
4. **Set reasonable expectations** — Manus tasks can take 2-10+ minutes for complex work

## Docs

- API Reference: https://open.manus.ai/docs
- Main Docs: https://manus.im/docs

---
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<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-13 -->