Perplexity AI is an AI-powered search and research assistant that searches the web in real time and provides conversational answers with source citations.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open Perplexity AI
- First, open your browser and visit the official Perplexity website.
- Website: perplexity.ai
- You will see the Perplexity homepage with a search box where you can ask questions.
- What to do:
Click inside the Ask anything search box to begin.
Step 2: Create a Perplexity Account
You can use Perplexity without signing in for some basic functionality, but signing in unlocks additional features such as saving sessions and using Pro Search. Perplexity supports Google, Apple, and email sign-in.
How to sign up:
- Click Sign Up or Sign In.
- Choose Continue with Google, Continue with Apple, or email.
- Complete the verification process.
- Return to Perplexity.
Tip: Google or Apple sign-in is generally the easiest option.
Step 3: Ask Your First Question
After logging in, you’ll see the main Perplexity search interface.
Type your question into the search box.
Example prompt:
What are the latest AI trends in 2026? Explain them in simple language.
Step 4: Read the AI Answer and Sources
After submitting your question, Perplexity generates an answer and provides citations to sources used for the response.
Why the citations are useful
You can:
- Check where the information came from
- Open the original source
- Verify important facts
- Explore the topic further
This is one of Perplexity’s major advantages for research because its answers are designed to be grounded in web sources.
Step 5: Use Follow-Up Questions
You don’t have to start a new search every time.
After Perplexity answers your first question, simply ask a follow-up question.
Example:
First question:
What is artificial intelligence?
Follow-up:
Explain the same topic with 5 real-world examples.
Step 6: Use Pro Search for Deeper Research
For more detailed research, you can use Pro Search when it is available on your account.
Example prompt:
Compare ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity in 2026. Compare their features, pricing, strengths, weaknesses and best use cases.
Pro Search is designed for more detailed, conversational research and can consider your requirements before producing a more comprehensive answer.
Note: Feature availability and limits depend on your Perplexity plan.
Step 7: Upload a File or Document
Perplexity can also work with uploaded files, allowing you to ask questions about documents and other data.
Example:
Upload a PDF and ask:
Summarize this document in 10 bullet points.
Or:
Find the most important statistics in this PDF.
This is especially useful for PDFs, reports, research papers and other documents. Perplexity’s current feature set includes file uploads and file analysis, with availability depending on the plan.
Step 8: Try Deep Research
If you need a comprehensive research report, use Deep Research when available.
Example prompt:
Research the AI industry in 2026 and create a detailed report covering the biggest AI companies, latest developments, major trends, challenges and future opportunities.
Deep Research searches multiple sources and produces a more comprehensive analysis than a normal quick search.
Best for:
- Academic research
- Market research
- Technology research
- Business research
- Travel planning
- News analysis
Step 9: Generate an Image with Perplexity
Perplexity can now generate and edit images directly from prompts on web, mobile and desktop apps.
Example prompt:
Create a professional 16:9 thumbnail for an AI technology blog, featuring a futuristic AI robot, glowing digital interface and bold modern composition.
Perplexity can automatically recognize an image-generation request from your prompt. Available image models include options such as GPT Image 1, Nano Banana and Seedream 4.5, depending on account access.
Step 10: Save, Organize or Share Your Research
After completing your research, you can organize conversations into Spaces/Projects where available, or share a result with others.
You can use Spaces/Projects for:
- Blog research
- Business research
- Academic projects
- AI tool comparisons
- Travel planning
- Long-term topics
Perplexity also allows you to share results, while sessions and projects are private by default unless you choose to share them.
Step 11: Use Search for Current Information
When the Search feature is available, use it for questions that require current information.
Example:
What are the latest AI trends in 2026?
What to do:
Enable the available Search option and submit your question.
Quick 10-Step Summary
| Step | What You Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Perplexity |
| 2 | Create/sign in to your account |
| 3 | Ask your first question |
| 4 | Check the answer and citations |
| 5 | Ask follow-up questions |
| 6 | Use Pro Search for deeper research |
| 7 | Upload and analyze files |
| 8 | Use Deep Research |
| 9 | Generate images |
| 10 | Save, organize or share your research |