Branch

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What it is

Branch creates a new task from a point in an existing task. This new task is called a branch. It starts with the conversation, files, and instructions from the original task, up to the reply you choose. You do not need to upload files again or repeat your instructions. Your original task does not change. You can keep working in it while you work in the branch. Each branch has its own copy of the context, so work in one branch does not affect the original task or other branches. Use Branch when one piece of work leads to several outputs. For example, Manus writes up your meeting notes. From that one reply, you can create three branches: a to-do list for the team, an update for your manager, and a slide outline for next week’s review. Each branch focuses on one output, and all three start from the same notes.

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How to use it

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Create a branch

On the Manus iOS and Android apps, tap the branch icon below a reply and confirm. The app opens the new task when it is ready.

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Branch a task that runs on your computer

If the task works with files on your own computer, Manus asks where the branch should work. Select one option: The new worktree option is available only when the folder is a Git repository. Your computer must also be connected to Manus and running an up-to-date version of the app.

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Go back to the original task

Each branch shows a Branched from divider at the point where the branch starts. The divider includes the name of the original task. Click that name to open the original task. The branch gets the original task name with (branch) at the end. For example, “Q3 market research” becomes “Q3 market research (branch)”.

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Create more branches

You can create as many branches as you need:

• From the same reply: Repeat the steps above. Each branch is a separate task.
• From a different reply: Click the branch icon below any other Manus reply.
• From a branch: Branches can have their own branches. Each one keeps the full history before it.

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What you need to know

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What the branch keeps

Edits in a branch apply only to that branch. If you change a file in the branch, the file in the original task stays the same.

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Who can create a branch

Only the owner of a task can create a branch from it. In these cases, the branch icon is gray and you cannot click it:

• You are a viewer or collaborator on someone else’s task. The tooltip says “Only the task owner can continue from here in a new task.”
• The task is a subtask. Manus sometimes splits a large job into subtasks. You cannot branch these subtasks. Branch the main task instead.

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Tasks that include a website

Branch cannot copy a website project. If the part of the task you select includes a website, Manus shows Copy this website instead. Click Open settings, and then use Make a copy in the Website settings. You can still branch from a reply that came before Manus created the website.

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Branching while Manus is working

You can create a branch from an earlier reply while Manus is still working on the task. The original task keeps running. The branch starts in a stopped state and waits for your next message. If Manus had started a background job that was not finished at the selected reply, the branch does not include that job. Manus can start the job again in the branch if needed.

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Sharing a branch also shares its history

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Limits

• The task must have at least one message before the reply you select.
• You can create up to 10 branches per minute. If you reach this limit, wait a moment and try again.

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Availability

Branch is available to all users on the Manus web app, the desktop app, and the iOS and Android apps.

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Tips

• Branch at a stable point. Pick the reply where the shared foundation is complete, such as final meeting notes or a finished research summary. Every branch then starts from good material.
• Give each branch one job. One branch per output keeps Manus focused and the results accurate.
• Compare two approaches. Create two branches from the same reply and give each one a different instruction. Keep the result you like.
• Keep a main task as a running log. Add notes and research to one main task over time. When you need a deliverable, such as a plan, a summary, or a deck, create a branch for it. The main task keeps growing.
• Rename your branches. All branches get “(branch)” at the end of the name. Give each branch a clear name so you can find it in your task list.
• Branch before the website. If a task later built a website, branch from a reply that came before the website. Use Make a copy to duplicate the website itself.

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FAQ

To learn more about how teams use Branch, read Introducing Branch: One Context, Many Parallel Directions.