How to Use Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI is rapidly becoming one of the most powerful platforms for real-time research, deep analysis, and AI-assisted productivity. With access to multiple cutting-edge models — including GPT-5, Claude, Gemini, and Sonar — plus a suite of features like Pro Search, Research Mode, and Pages, Perplexity empowers users to generate accurate, cited, and actionable insights in seconds.
This guide breaks down the models, features, and prompt strategies that make Perplexity AI a must-have tool for professionals across industries.
⚙️ Perplexity AI Models: Choose the Right Brainpower
Perplexity Features: What You Can Do
Pro Search
Searches the live web, summarizes results, and cites sources.
Prompt: “Summarize the latest UK AI regulation changes with sources.”
Research Mode
Runs multi-step deep research with structured, referenced output.
Prompt: “Create a 6-section competitor analysis on EV charging networks.”
Pages
Turns threads into polished, shareable reports with citations.
Prompt: “Turn this thread into an executive summary report.”
️ Spaces
Collaborative hub for saving threads, files, and settings.
Prompt: “Create a Space called ‘AI Policy’ and group all related threads.”
Internal Knowledge Search
Combines uploaded documents and web data for hybrid answers.
Prompt: “From our internal docs and public sources, build a GDPR checklist.”
File Uploads
Query across PDFs, slides, audio, or video in one thread.
Prompt: “Compare the findings in these two reports and summarize the key data.”
Labs
Build dashboards or tools from structured inputs or files.
Prompt: “Generate a dashboard from this CSV and export the results.”
⏰ Tasks
Set recurring alerts and notifications.
Prompt: “Every Monday at 8 AM, send me updates on AI Act developments.”
Focus Search
Filter sources by type (Web, Academic, Social, Finance).
Prompt: “Search academic papers on quantum computing.”
Personalization & Memory
Stores preferences and history for contextual responses.
Prompt: “Remember my company location as London for future searches.”
Watchlists
Track live updates on topics like Finance or Sports.
Prompt: “Add Tesla and Nvidia to my Finance watchlist.”
Connectors
Link Gmail, Calendar, WhatsApp for search and scheduling.
Prompt: “Search my Gmail for meeting invites and summarize next week’s schedule.”
Assistant
Manages inbox and calendar tasks.
Prompt: “Draft a reply to this email and add the meeting to my calendar.”
Model Selection
Choose which model generates text or images.
Prompt: “Use Claude for this report and FLUX for the image header.”
What is Perplexity AI used for?
Perplexity AI is a research and productivity platform that combines multiple AI models with real-time search, document analysis, and collaborative tools.
Which model should I use for deep reasoning?
Use Claude Opus 4.1 Thinking or GPT-5 Thinking for multi-step logic, policy analysis, and long-form research.
Can I upload files to Perplexity?
Yes. You can upload PDFs, slides, audio, or video and query across them using File Uploads and Internal Knowledge Search.
How does Research Mode differ from Pro Search?
Pro Search is fast and citation-rich for quick answers. Research Mode runs deeper, multi-step analysis with structured output.
Can Perplexity AI integrate with my calendar or email?
Yes. Use Connectors and Assistant features to manage Gmail, Calendar, and WhatsApp tasks directly from the platform.
Final Thoughts
Perplexity AI is more than a search engine — it’s a strategic assistant. Whether you’re conducting market research, summarizing documents, or building dashboards, its combination of powerful models and flexible features makes it a top-tier tool for modern professionals.
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