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AI & LLMs by @mvanhorn

manus

Create and manage AI agent tasks via Manus API

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

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:

{
  "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

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:

{
  "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

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