When you ask Perplexity a question, it uses advanced AI to search the internet in real time, gathering insights from top-tier sources. It then distills this information into a clear, concise summary, delivering exactly what you need in an easy-to-understand, conversational tone.
How it works
Perplexity goes beyond simple keyword searches. It uses cutting-edge language models like GPT-4 Omni and Claude 3 to understand the context and nuances of your query. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Understanding your question
Perplexity leverages sophisticated AI to interpret your question, ensuring it knows exactly what you’re asking.
Searching the web
It scours the internet, gathering information from authoritative sources like articles, websites, and journals. Looking for live updates of a soccer game? Perplexity can do that.
Summarizing information
Perplexity compiles the most relevant insights into a coherent, easy-to-understand answer.
Citing sources
Each answer includes numbered footnotes linking to the original sources, allowing you to easily verify the information or explore further.
Ways to search
Pro Search: Pro Search is an advanced AI-powered Search which provides comprehensive, in-depth answers to any query. It goes beyond standard search capabilities by conducting thorough research across multiple sources and delivering detailed, well-organized responses.
With Pro Search you can select which AI model you want applied to your answer: Best (our default option, selecting the most suitable model for your question), OpenAI's GPT 4.1, Anthropic's Sonnet 3.7 and many more
Research (formerly Deep Research): Perplexity's most sophisticated research, it employs an advanced framework called test time compute (TTC) expansion that mimics human cognitive processes through iterative analysis cycles.
Research performs dozens of searches automatically, reads hundreds of sources, reasons through material autonomously, and delivers comprehensive reports in just 2-4 minutes.
Free users can enjoy up to 3 Pro Searches per day, while subscribers have access to 300+ Searches daily.
Features
Conversational dialogue
Perplexity responds in a conversational manner. It’s like chatting with an expert who truly understands your questions.
Source transparency
Every answer includes footnotes linking to the original sources. This transparency allows you to easily verify the information or explore further.
Contextual memory
You can ask follow-up questions, and Perplexity will remember the context of your previous queries, ensuring a seamless, flowing conversation.
Example
For instance, if you ask, “What are the health benefits of yoga?” Perplexity will:
Scan health and fitness websites, medical journals, and yoga blogs
Compile key facts into a helpful overview
Provide a clear, concise answer with citations