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 openclaw config
Recommended Workflow
When using Manus for tasks that produce files (slides, reports, etc.):
- Create the task with
createShareableLink: true
- Poll for completion using the task_id
- Extract output files from the response and download them locally
- 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
- Always poll for completion before telling user the task is done
- Download output files locally instead of giving manus.im links (they can be unreliable)
- Use
agent
mode for tasks that create files/documents
- Set reasonable expectations — Manus tasks can take 2-10+ minutes for complex work
Docs
