Manus: an AI tool that automates complex tasks

How Manus works

Manus is an AI-powered system that uses autonomous agents to perform tasks. Unlike a simple question-answering tool, it can plan a series of actions, browse the web, analyze files, and execute each step until it delivers a final result.

In practice, the user describes their needs in natural language, and the platform takes over part of the execution process. The product offers two modes: Chat, for quick conversations and analyses, and Agent, for multi-step tasks.

Getting started with the tool

To begin, the user accesses the platform and clearly defines what needs to be produced. The more precise the goal, the greater the likelihood that Manus will successfully complete the task.

Instead of a generic request like “research artificial intelligence,” the user can provide a specific instruction: “Research how companies are using AI agents in 2026, prioritize reliable sources, organize the main cases, and present the results in a table.”

The solution also includes a Wide Research feature, which enables broader investigations and allows multiple activities to be performed simultaneously.

Chat mode vs. Agent mode

The choice of mode depends on the type of work. Chat mode is ideal for answering questions, conducting analyses, generating ideas, and interacting with documents like PDFs and texts.

Agent mode, on the other hand, is recommended for multi-step projects such as creating websites, presentations, and videos. These activities consume credits because they require greater processing power.

For professionals, the difference is significant. If the goal is simply to understand a concept, Chat mode may suffice. However, if the objective is to research a market and transform the data into a presentation, Agent mode can handle more steps of the process.

Creating presentations with Manus

One of the tool’s practical applications is generating presentations. The user provides the topic, target audience, objectives, and key points to be included in the slides.

Manus can research the topic, structure the narrative, and produce the material. Users can also upload spreadsheets and documents to incorporate data into the content. The presentation can be exported in formats such as PowerPoint and PDF.

For example, a marketing specialist can upload campaign data and request a presentation with key results, identified trends, and charts for a meeting.

Other features: websites, apps, and browsing

The platform’s capabilities extend beyond presentations. The Manus agent can create websites and applications, as well as process documents, spreadsheets, images, and other file types.

With the user’s permission, the Browser Operator can operate within a Chrome or Edge session, accessing content available in that environment. This is useful for tasks such as competitive research, information gathering on platforms, and consulting systems to which the professional already has access.

How to craft an effective command

The tool’s success also depends on the quality of the task description. An effective command should include the objective, context, audience, format, and evaluation criteria.

Instead of asking “analyze my competitors,” the user can specify: “Analyze five competitors, compare prices, target audience, main products, and positioning. Use information available on official websites and deliver the results in a table followed by five conclusions.”

It is recommended to review the generated material. Automation does not eliminate the need to verify sources, numbers, confidential information, and decisions made by the platform.

Conclusion

With this approach, Manus serves as an execution layer for tasks that typically require research, information organization, and the production of various files. However, the tool relies on the professional’s instructions and review to ensure that the final result aligns with the intended objective.