What is Perplexity AI?
Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that gives you direct answers with cited sources. Unlike traditional search, you get synthesized responses instead of a list of blue links.
Getting Started
- Visit perplexity.ai or download the mobile app
- Ask a question: Natural language, no keyword optimization needed
- Explore sources: Every claim is backed by clickable citations
Key Features
Pro Search
Multi-step research that breaks complex questions into sub-queries, searches multiple times, and synthesizes findings.
Deep Research
Extended analysis mode that generates comprehensive reports with dozens of sources, taking up to a minute for thorough research.
Focus Modes
Target specific sources: Academic papers, YouTube videos, Reddit discussions, or the full web.
When to Use Perplexity vs Google
- Factual questions: Perplexity (direct answer + sources)
- Shopping/local: Google (better for commercial intent)
- Research reports: Perplexity Deep Research
- Quick lookups: Either works well
Pro Tips
- Use Pro Search for anything requiring multiple sources
- Share research as a public page with citations
- Use the API to build search-powered applications
- Try Focus modes to filter noise from specific domains