You can generally use Manifold in two primary roles: as a Reader or as a Project Creator. These roles aren’t mutually exclusive for one person (i.e., you can be a Project Creator for your Projects and a Reader for everyone else’s), but each role engages with Manifold in different ways. Generally, Readers use the “front end” or public display of NYU Manifold, while Project Creators use the “backend” or Admin Mode.
Some of the terminology used in Manifold can be confusing for new users or people familiar with other platforms. We recommend reviewing the section “Common Points of Confusion & Manifold Glossary” in this LibGuide before diving into the rest of the guide.
To learn more about navigating NYU Manifold as a Reader, joining Reading Groups, and annotating texts, check out “Reading in Manifold.”
For more on using Manifold as a Project Creator or contributor, including building Projects and managing their settings, see “Creating in Manifold.”
For an overview of some of the Projects already published on NYU’s Manifold instance, see “Manifold Projects at NYU.”
Looking for further documentation and tutorials? The “Resources” section of this LibGuide provides links to Manifold documentation, code, and tutorials. Within that page, you can also learn more about copyright recommendations for Manifold Projects as well as guidance on accessibility and tips on how to use Manifold for course instruction. The Resources section also provides links to Manifold instances at other institutions alongside highlighted Projects that have been published elsewhere.