Openmanus is an open-source manuscript management and collaboration platform designed specifically for academic research, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. It aims to address the limitations of general-purpose tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Word when dealing with the complex workflows of long-form scholarly writing, including features for version control, annotation, citation management, and collaborative editing tailored to academic needs. The project is built using Python (Django framework) and React, offering both a web-based interface and a command-line interface for advanced users.

At its core, Openmanus treats a manuscript not as a single monolithic document, but as a collection of interconnected components. These components can include chapters, sections, notes, figures, and other supporting materials. This modular approach facilitates non-linear writing, allows for easy reorganization, and supports different writing styles. The platform utilizes a rich text editor (likely based on Quill or similar) allowing for formatted text, images, and embedded media. Crucially, it implements a robust version control system, tracking changes made by different collaborators and enabling easy rollback to previous versions. This is a significant improvement over standard document editing software, which often lacks granular versioning.

Collaboration is a central feature of Openmanus. Multiple users can work on the same manuscript simultaneously, with clear indication of who is editing which section. The platform supports commenting and annotation features, allowing for detailed feedback and discussion directly within the manuscript. Furthermore, Openmanus integrates with citation management tools like Zotero and Mendeley via CSL (Citation Style Language) support, streamlining the process of adding and formatting citations. This integration is a key differentiator, as it avoids the tedious manual formatting often required with other platforms. User roles and permissions can be defined to control access and editing rights, ensuring appropriate levels of control over the manuscript.

Beyond basic editing and collaboration, Openmanus offers features geared towards the research process. It supports the creation of research notes linked directly to specific sections of the manuscript, facilitating the connection between writing and source material. The platform also allows for the management of metadata associated with the manuscript, such as author information, keywords, and abstract. A command-line interface (CLI) provides advanced users with the ability to automate tasks, manage large projects, and integrate Openmanus with other research tools. The CLI is particularly useful for tasks like bulk importing or exporting manuscripts.

The project is actively developed and maintained, with a growing community of contributors. While still under development, Openmanus represents a promising alternative to existing manuscript management solutions, offering a powerful and flexible platform tailored to the specific needs of academic researchers. Its open-source nature allows for customization and extension, making it a valuable tool for individuals and institutions looking to improve their research workflows and foster collaborative scholarship. Future development plans include enhanced search functionality, improved export options (e.g., LaTeX, Markdown), and further integration with other academic tools.