I use AI regularly for brainstorming, outlining, and generating ideas. However, many AI tools don’t consistently provide reliable references or citations. So, when I discovered Perplexity AI, I started using it alongside other AI writing tools, and it quickly became my go-to source for references. I use other tools for research mentioned here, but I like to check references with Perplexity.
Perplexity AI now gives you access to advanced models like GPT-4 Turbo, Claude 3 Opus, and Grok, with DeepSeek R1 still available in some regions. These models provide stronger reasoning, longer context, and more reliable citations, making Perplexity stand out as more than just a search engine — it’s a research assistant. With these options built directly into the interface, you can choose the model that best fits your project, whether you need fast answers, deep analysis, or detailed academic references.
In this post, I’ll show you how to use Perplexity AI and why it stands out from other tools. I use it not just to test features, but to verify data and ensure that the information I share is backed by solid, reliable sources.
Want to try it right away? Sign up on Perplexity AI — free to start, no credit card required.
Introduction: How to Use Perplexity AI in 2025 and Why it Stands Out
Most AI tools provide facts and figures, but often without verification. Perplexity AI goes further by ensuring that each response is backed with citations, giving users confidence in the trustworthiness of the information.
As of 2025, Perplexity integrates advanced models like GPT-4 Turbo, Claude 3 Opus, and Grok, with DeepSeek still available regionally. These models provide longer context, stronger reasoning, and more reliable citations, making Perplexity more than just a search engine — it’s a research companion you can trust for academic, professional, or personal projects.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or researcher, learning how to use Perplexity AI effectively can elevate your work by delivering reliable, cited information. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use Perplexity AI and highlight what makes it stand out.
Perplexity AI Benefits
- Stands out as a reliable tool compared to other AI solutions that lack citations.
- Provides direct, source-cited responses.
- Integrates real-time data for up-to-date results.
Using DeepSeek R1 in Perplexity AI for Better Research
Perplexity AI is known for giving accurate answers with sources to back them up. Adding DeepSeek R1 makes this even better by improving logical thinking and understanding of context. Now, users can:
- Compare different opinions on a topic
- Study complex data and market trends
- Create well-organized, logical content
This update also lets users easily switch between AI models, making research smoother and more efficient.
Why Choose Perplexity AI Over Other Tools?
While most AI tools provide facts and figures that aren’t always verified, Perplexity AI ensures each response is supported by cited sources, enhancing confidence in the reliability of your results. This is why I use Perplexity to verify data and ensure my work is based on accurate, resource-backed information.
In my Best AI Writing Assistants guide, I highlight Perplexity as the go-to tool when you need citations and referenced content. With DeepSeek R1 integrated into Perplexity’s model selection, users now have access to an AI model known for strong reasoning capabilities and problem-solving skills. This addition gives Perplexity an edge over other AI tools by allowing users to access a broader range of insights. If you want to see how it stacks up against more general-purpose writers, check out my ChatGPT vs Jasper AI comparison. Whether you’re working on an academic project, a professional report, or just need dependable information, Perplexity AI has your back.
Let’s explore how this powerful tool can become an essential part of your research toolkit.
How to Sign Up for Perplexity AI
Starting with Perplexity AI is straightforward:
- Visit perplexity.ai
- Click the “Sign Up” button in the top right corner
- Choose your preferred sign-up method (Google, email, or other options)
- Complete the basic profile setup
Note: During sign-up, Perplexity may prompt you to choose how you want to use the platform:
– Desktop App for Mac/PC
– iOS or Android App for mobile
– Comet, Perplexity’s new agentic browser
You can skip these and continue with the web version if you prefer.
Tip: You can start using Perplexity right away without signing up, but creating an account allows you to save your history and organize your research.
Basic Search Techniques
Learning how to use Perplexity AI starts with understanding effective query techniques. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Be specific in your questions
- Use natural language
- Include relevant context
- Specify the type of information you’re seeking
Example queries:
- “What are the main features of Python 3.11?”
- “Compare renewable energy adoption rates in Europe vs. Asia”
- “Explain quantum computing for beginners”
Perplexity AI Screenshot & Citation Features
Screenshots in Perplexity AI
- You can take a quick screenshot of any response to save or share results.
- This is especially handy for research projects or collaboration, where you need to keep sources visible.
- Each screenshot includes the cited sources so you don’t lose track of where the information came from.
Of course, in your final document or blog you’ll want to format references properly. Screenshots are most useful for quick sharing, collaboration, and keeping sources visible when showing your Perplexity results to others.
Citation Management
- Click directly on the source row to open the article, paper, or webpage.
- Use the “copy citations” option to keep references in your notes.
- This makes it easy to fact-check and ensures your writing is backed by reliable data.
Perplexity AI’s Unique Features
First of all you can search with Perplexity without choosing the ‘Focus” feature. You can start searching right away, but if you use the Focus feature then your search will be more relevant to what you are looking for. Read ahead if that is what you are interested in.
1. The ‘Focus’ Feature
Perplexity AI’s Focus feature allows users to tailor searches to different categories like Academic, Social, Video, Writing and more. This makes searches more relevant and efficient.
- Academic Focus: Finds scholarly articles
- Social Focus: Displays community discussions
- Video Focus: Brings up related video content
- Other categories like Math, Web, Writing included
When you click on Focus feature you get the following options:
2. The ‘Attach’ Feature
Upload documents like PDFs to receive better insights and summaries. Free users can upload up to three PDFs per day, while Pro users can also upload image files. This feature is particularly useful for students and professionals who need quick takeaways from long readings.
How to Use It:
- Ask specific questions to get fast, detailed responses
- Drag and drop your document into the chat
Perplexity AI presents results in a clear format:
- Main answer at the top
- Cited sources throughout
- Related follow-up questions
- Options to refine the search
Organize Your Work with ‘Library’ and ‘Spaces’
3. The ‘Library‘
Your Library in Perplexity AI keeps all your previous searches organized. You can add threads to collections, making it easy to revisit topics later.
Tip: Click the ‘+‘ under a search to add it to a collection and keep your research organized.
4. The ‘Collection’
Collections are like folders where you store similar threads, making it easy to find information on a topic.
Tip: You can add custom prompts to guide how the AI responds in these groups. Creating a collection is simple: name it, add a description, and put related threads inside. This feature saves time, helps you work with others, and keeps your research focused.
💡 Want ready-made prompt templates? Check out our AI Prompt Examples for inspiration.
5. ‘Spaces’ for Collaboration
The Spaces feature allows you to organize work and collaborate on projects. Think of them as dedicated workspaces where you can group threads, files, and set specific instructions for tailored interactions.
Unlike Collections, which are more like simple folders for keeping related threads together, Spaces feel like a whole workspace. Think of them as your own mini research hub where you can group discussions, upload files, and even invite collaborators if you’re working as a team.
Setting up a Space is straightforward: just give it a name, add a short description, and start dropping in your threads or files. If you’re on the Pro plan, you can also upload PDFs and Word docs directly, which makes it much easier to share context with others.
What I like about Spaces is that they keep bigger projects from getting messy. Instead of juggling a bunch of separate searches, you can see everything in one place, stay organized, and keep your team on the same page.
6. The ‘Discover’
Discover helps you find tailored articles and content based on your preferences. You can even create and share your own articles, adding an interactive element to your research.
Users can even create and share their own articles using Perplexity AI Pages. This section also allows users to interact with content, such as asking the AI to summarize articles or find specific details.
Users can also Make it yours by personalizing how they use these features to fit their needs and preferences. Overall, the Discover section makes learning engaging and helps users stay up-to-date with reliable information.
Advanced Tips for Using Perplexity
7. Perplexity Pro Search (Replaces Copilot)
Perplexity’s Pro Search replaces the old “Copilot” or “Pro mode” toggle. Instead of switching with a slider, you now enable Pro Search by selecting a Pro-only model from the dropdown menu in the search bar.
Perplexity’s Pro Search gives you access to advanced models like GPT-4 Turbo, Claude 3 Opus, Grok, and in some regions, DeepSeek R1. These models offer stronger reasoning and more accurate citations than the free options.
Usage limits:
- Free users get up to 5 Pro searches every 4 hours.
- Perplexity Pro subscribers unlock up to 300 Pro searches per day, with faster response times and priority access.
Why use Pro Search?
It enhances your research by combining stronger reasoning with high-quality citations, making it ideal for academic, professional, or technical projects.
Tips for getting the most out of Pro Search:
- Use Focus Modes (Academic, Writing, Research, Coding) to filter results.
- Apply advanced search operators:
"exact phrase"for precise matchessite:to search specific websitesdate:for time-bound results
- Build on previous answers with follow-up questions.
- Ask for clarifications or additional details to refine results.
Can You Rename Your Perplexity AI Assistant?
Right now, you can’t rename the assistant itself, but you can rename chats and collections.
- Click the chat title to give each conversation a custom name.
- Use Collections to group related threads under one label.
- Pin important chats for quick access.
💡 Tip: If you want to simulate a “named assistant,” create a Collection and title it (e.g., “Academic Research Bot”) — then keep all related chats there.
Comparison of Free and Pro Version of Perplexity AI
Summary of Key Differences
- The Pro version offers a significant increase in Pro searches and access to advanced AI models, making it suitable for professionals and researchers who require more robust capabilities.
- The free version is ideal for casual users looking for basic search functionalities and limited advanced features.
Research and Academic Use
Perplexity AI is excellent for academic research, offering:
- Peer-reviewed sources
- Citation generation
- Cross-referencing information
In my Best AI Writing Assistants guide, I highlight Perplexity as the go-to tool when you need citations and referenced content.
For extra reliability, you can also verify AI-generated text with detectors to ensure your sources and outputs are authentic.
Troubleshooting and Best Practices
Common Issues and Solutions:
- Unclear results? Rephrase your query or add more context.
- Source quality? Use academic filters and verify through multiple sources.
Privacy Considerations
Stay informed about data collection policies and manage your search history to protect your privacy.
Perplexity AI User Guide (2025 Edition)
Here’s a quick checklist to help you get the most out of Perplexity AI:
- Sign up on perplexity.ai or the mobile app to save your history.
- Ask clear questions — be specific and add context for better answers.
- Use Focus modes (Academic, Writing, Coding, etc.) to refine your searches.
- Check citations by clicking the sources row under each answer.
- Upload files (PDFs, docs) with the Attach feature for instant summaries.
- Organize your research with Library, Collections, and Spaces.
- Try Pro mode for longer context, DeepSeek R1, and faster responses.
- Share results with links or screenshots to keep sources visible.
This summary makes it easy to start with Perplexity AI and gradually move from basic searches to advanced features.
Conclusion
Learning how to use Perplexity AI’s simple features is quick and doesn’t take much time. Start with basic searches and gradually explore more advanced options as you get comfortable. Whether you’re a student, professional, or someone who enjoys research, Perplexity AI is a powerful tool for finding, verifying, and organizing information effectively.
To begin, visit Perplexity AI and create your account. Start with simple searches and experiment with different focus modes and Pro features as you go. If you need deeper logical reasoning or complex analysis, the DeepSeek R1 model within Perplexity Pro provides an additional layer of insight that can make a big difference in your research process. The more you use Perplexity AI, the better you’ll become at using it to your advantage.
Next Steps:
- Create your Perplexity AI account
- Try your first basic search
- Explore the various focus modes
- Consider upgrading to Pro for advanced tools
- Join the user community for tips and shared insights
By regularly using Perplexity AI you’ll quickly become used to its features for your research and productivity needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Perplexity AI
How do I sign up for Perplexity AI?
Go to perplexity.ai or download the app, click Sign Up, and choose Google, Apple, or email.
Does Perplexity AI generate citations and screenshots automatically?
Yes. Every answer in Perplexity includes a row of clickable citations, so you can verify sources directly. You can also take screenshots of the results — these preserve both the answer and the sources together, which is useful for quick sharing, collaboration, or record-keeping. For formal writing, you’ll still want to format the citations properly in your document, but screenshots are a fast way to keep sources visible when showing your findings to others.
Can I rename my Perplexity AI assistant?
Not directly. You can rename chats and collections to stay organized, and pin important threads for faster access.
Is there a 2025 guide for using Perplexity AI?
Yes — this article is updated for 2025 with the latest features, models, and tips.
Can Perplexity AI summarize PDFs or documents?
Yes. With the Attach feature, you can upload PDFs (and in Pro, also Word and image files). Perplexity will generate a clear summary and provide citations from within the document.
Which models are available in Perplexity Pro Search?
Pro Search gives you access to advanced models like GPT-4 Turbo, Claude 3 Opus, Grok, and in some regions, DeepSeek R1. These models improve reasoning, context length, and citation reliability compared to the free version.
Is Perplexity AI free to use?
Yes. Perplexity has a free plan with limited Pro searches and all basic features. Upgrading to Pro unlocks more searches per day, faster responses, and access to premium models.
