Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the 19 functions and tricks of Perplexity AI , one of the standout AI chatbots in the market. With a special promotion offering a year of Perplexity Pro for free, we aim to unveil its key features, both free and paid. It is essential to note that some features have limitations in the free version, but Perplexity boasts unique characteristics that make it an incredibly versatile tool.
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Master the Three Modes of Usage
Perplexity features three distinct usage modes . On the web version, these are represented as three icons beneath the writing field on the left, while the mobile app provides a button to select the desired mode. Based on your selection, the AI will handle your queries differently:
- Search: The normal mode, where the AI answers everyday questions rapidly. It serves as the best option for almost any situation.
- Research: This mode conducts comprehensive searches related to your request, synthesizing information from numerous sources for a more thorough response.
- Labs: A feature that lets you create interactive content and perform more complex tasks beyond basic queries. This mode is limited in the free version, requiring payment for full access.
Use Incognito Mode
Similar to other AI chatbots, Perplexity retains a history of your conversations. However, you can activate Incognito Mode to prevent your discussions from being stored. This means your interactions won’t be saved or accessible thereafter.
View Sources Used for Answers
Upon querying Perplexity, you can check the sources it relied upon for generating answers. Essentially, you can visit the websites from which the information was derived, enhancing the credibility of the results.
Two methods facilitate source examination. Firstly, within the response itself, you will find numbered buttons. Secondly, a dedicated Sources button at the top opens a screen listing all links to the utilized articles.
Don’t Like the Answer? Try Again
A common tip for using AI is not to settle for the first answer provided. Therefore, Perplexity offers a button to rewrite the answer , represented by two arrows forming a rectangle. This function generates a new response based on your initial prompt.
Share an Answer or Entire Chat
While screenshots are always an option, you can directly share a link to a specific response or conversation from Perplexity. The recipient can view the prompt and even interact with the response.
To share an entire chat thread, simply use the share thread option at the top and below each response, there’s a button to share that specific Q&A.
Choose a Third-party Model
A standout feature of Perplexity AI is its ability to select AI models from third parties , such as GPT-5, Gemini, and Claude. Although many of these options cater primarily to paid users, they offer a unique edge.
This flexibility allows you to switch models if you’re dissatisfied with a response, giving you a chance at a different take on your query.
Utilize Superpowers of Other Models
Utilizing models like GPT-5 provides access to powerful image editors . This means you can create and reimagine images in ways that other AIs might not allow, although keep in mind that you may encounter limitations compared to the more advanced versions of these AIs.
Specify the Sources for Information Extraction
Another versatile function of Perplexity allows you to specify the sources from which you want information for your queries, whether that’s from general websites, academic documents, or financial reports.
Use Spaces to Organize Information
Perplexity’s Spaces function allows you to upload files and sources, enabling you to ask questions relevant to those documents. For example, if you have a lengthy file, you can upload it to inquire about specific details.
Add Any Chat to a Space
Imagine developing a Space for travel planning while simultaneously engaging in a chat with Perplexity related to your trip. You can select the Add to Space option , seamlessly incorporating relevant content into your travels.
Explore the Discover Mode
Beyond answering your queries, Perplexity features a content feed covering the latest news on topics of your interest, including science, technology, finance, and more. You can personalize your feed , filtering out subjects that don’t capture your interest.
Maximize Task Setting Configurations
In the mobile settings, you can find a section called Tasks , where settings can be configured to execute certain prompts on specified days and times. For example, this can be useful for generating daily news summaries based on selected topics.
Upload Any Type of File
Perplexity allows you to upload any type of file along with a prompt for interaction. Whether it’s a saved item or an image taken on the spot, you can ask Perplexity to summarize or transcribe its contents.
Interact with Apps You Use on PC
The desktop version of Perplexity provides an option for screenshots . You can query specific applications using text or images displayed on their windows without needing to copy or paste content.
Tired of Typing? Use Dictation
If you find typing uncomfortable, Perplexity offers a dictation mode that allows you to voice your prompts. You don’t even need to mention punctuation, as it automatically organizes your sentences during the pauses.
Talk to the AI Using Voice Mode
Perplexity has a voice mode for engaging in spoken conversations. Though limited in the free version, paid users can converse using advanced models like GPT or Claude.
Change the Voice to Your Liking
You can customize the voice mode by altering various settings, including the language to be used and enabling subtitles.
Utilize it for English Practice
This voice mode is particularly helpful for practicing any language . By configuring it in the desired language, you can engage in conversations and receive corrections on your mistakes.
Use Perplexity in Your Browser with Its Extension
Lastly, Perplexity offers a browser extension you can use with Chrome or compatible browsers. This extension allows you to utilize Perplexity from the address bar, replacing your traditional search engine with AI-generated answers and links based on your inputs.