In Human Design, there are five core energy types: Manifestor, Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, and Reflector. Each type experiences energy, decisions, and alignment differently. This page will help you understand what makes each type unique—and how to start honoring your own.
Your Human Design energy type describes how your life force naturally wants to move through the world. It tells you how you are designed to use your energy, how other people experience you, and the strategy that tends to keep you in alignment instead of burnout.
While every chart is unique, the energy type is one of the first pieces to understand. When you start living with your type and strategy—whether you’re a Generator, Manifestor, Manifesting Generator, Projector, or Reflector—life often begins to feel more spacious, responsive, and like you.
Meet the five Human Design energy types
These quick descriptions give you a snapshot of each energy type. You’ll see your exact type when you generate your free Human Design chart, but reading through them can help you notice which themes resonate.
⚡
Type 01
Manifestor
“The spark that begins the movement.”
Manifestors are here to initiate. Your aura moves first, creating change and starting new cycles. When you inform the people your actions impact, your path clears and you feel powerful instead of misunderstood.
Read more about Manifestors
Manifestors often feel a deep inner urge to act on ideas before anyone else sees them. You thrive when you follow those nudges, honor your need for alone time, and release the pressure to explain every step. Your strategy is to inform, then move.
❤️
Type 02
Generator
“The heartbeat that builds the world.”
Generators are here to respond and build over time. Your sacral energy is steady and sustainable when you say yes to what lights you up. Satisfaction is your green light; frustration is your cue to recalibrate.
Read more about Generators
Instead of forcing things into motion, Generators wait to respond to life—conversations, invitations, signs, and opportunities. The more you follow your “uh-huh” yes and release obligations that drain you, the more energy you have for what you’re actually here to build.
∞
Type 03
Manifesting Generator
“The force of creation in fast motion.”
Manifesting Generators combine Manifestor initiation with Generator stamina. You’re designed to respond, pivot, and move quickly. Skipping steps, changing your mind, and being multi-passionate are features—not flaws.
Read more about Manifesting Generators
MGs are nonlinear creators. You may move through careers, passions, or projects faster than others. Your strategy is still to respond first, then inform before you take bold action. Let your path be curvy—it was never meant to be straight.
👁
Type 04
Projector
“The visionary who sees beyond the veil.”
Projectors are here to guide, not to grind. Your energy works best in focused bursts and in spaces where you are recognized and invited. Rest, spaciousness, and clear boundaries are part of your success strategy.
Read more about Projectors
As a Projector, you see systems, people, and patterns deeply. You don’t need to keep up with everyone else’s pace— you’re designed to be wise, not busy. Your strategy is to wait for recognition and invitations that feel aligned, then offer your guidance.
🌙
Type 05
Reflector
“The moonlit mirror of the collective.”
Reflectors are here to sample and reflect the health of their environment. You’re deeply sensitive to places and people, and you thrive when you give yourself a full lunar cycle to feel into big decisions.
Read more about Reflectors
Your chart is open and receptive, so the energy around you matters. Surround yourself with people and spaces that feel nourishing. Your strategy is to move slowly with major decisions, watching how you feel over time and through the phases of the Moon.
How to start honoring your type
You don’t have to change your entire life overnight to work with your design. Begin with small experiments:
Manifestors: Try informing before you act on a nudge and notice how resistance shifts.
Generators & MGs: Pause and ask, “Do I actually have energy for this?” before saying yes.
Projectors: Practise resting before you’re exhausted and letting invitations come to you.
Reflectors: Track how you feel in different spaces and communities over time.
Why your full chart still matters
Your energy type is only one layer of your Human Design chart. Your authority, profile, centers, gates and channels all add nuance to how you experience your type. Two Generators may have very different lives depending on their definition and environment.
That’s why generating your complete BodyGraph is so powerful—you get a map of your exact design, not just a label.
Ready to discover your Human Design energy type?
Use the free Human Design chart generator below to reveal your exact energy type, strategy, authority, centers and BodyGraph. All you need is your birth date, time and location.
