What is a Thread?
A Thread is like a conversation history that remembers everything you've discussed with Perplexity's AI. Unlike traditional search queries that operate in isolation, Threads enable seamless, contextual conversations that build upon previous exchanges within the Thread. A Thread will include your initial question, any follow-up queries, all of Perplexity's responses and all sources used to provide your answer.
Core Functions of Threads
Seamless Conversation
Threads work like a conversation space that keeps track of all the messages you exchange with Perplexity, remembering what you've talked about and keeping your discussion flowing smoothly from one question to the next. When you ask a follow-up question or when the AI gives you a response, it understands what you've been discussing together throughout your entire conversation,. This way you receive answers that make more sense and are more helpful for what you're trying to learn or accomplish.
Persistent Memory
Because the AI has “memory” it can automatically handle context management even as conversations grow longer. This eliminates the need for you to manually repeat background information or context in subsequent queries.
Source Transparency
By weaving reliable sources directly into every Thread, Perplexity turns answers into traceable mini-research papers: transparent, verifiable, and easy to build upon. This ensures higher answer quality.
What can I use Threads for?
Deep Topic Exploration
You can ask follow-up questions to dig deeper or explore new angles within a single thread. This allows for comprehensive exploration of all sorts of topics without losing the context established in earlier exchanges.
Iterative Problem Solving
Threads support iterative workflows where you can:
Build upon previous responses to refine your understanding of the topic
Ask clarifying questions that reference earlier parts of the conversation
Develop ideas progressively through multiple exchanges
Context-Aware Research
Since threads ensure that the conversation history is maintained, you can conduct research where each query builds upon previous findings, creating a more coherent and comprehensive research experience.
Your Threads Library
Every Thread is stored in your Library (https://www.perplexity.ai/library) which is only accessible to you. In your Library you can view previous Threads and continue earlier conversations.
Threads are stored in the Library indefinitely but you can delete individual or all Threads at any time. Furthermore, you can filter your Threads by Search Mode (Pro, Research, or Labs query) and from newest to oldest and vice versa.
If you use the Perplexity Tasks feature your Tasks Threads will also show in your Library.
Creating, Managing and Sharing Threads
Creating Threads
Creating a Thread is simple - to get started, go to the Search query box on your homepage and start typing your question or ask i.e. your prompt.
If you’re a paid subscriber you will also have the option to select from different Search Modes: Pro, Research, and Labs (1) and select your AI model of choice (2). You can also specify your Sources, like Web or Academic (3) and attach files (4). You can also dictate your prompt - just click on microphone icon (5).
Managing your Threads
To manage your Threads go to to your Library page https://www.perplexity.ai/library.
In the Library:
You will be able to see all of your Threads and use the Search bar to find specific Threads
click Select to select multiple Threads for deletion
use Type to sort Threads by Search Mode (Threads created in Research or Labs)
hide or show Threads created via Comet browser
use Sorting to sort from Newest to Oldest and vice versa
To delete all Threads in one go click on the dots menu on the right side of the screen:
Alternatively, you can click the three dots menu on a specific Thread to either delete the Thread or Add it to a Space:
Sharing your Threads and more actions
To share a Thread click on the Share button on the top right side of the screen:
You can select from a few sharing options:
Private: The Thread stays private (only you as the Author can view it's content) even if you have pasted the link somewhere publicly
Anyone with the link: anyone who has the link can open and view the content of the Thread and also share it on to others. If you no longer want the Thread to be public, you can change it back to Private (see above)
Anyone in my org with the link (for Enterprise Pro subscribers only)
When a Thread is public, anyone with access to the Thread can also add follow-up questions to but this will create a new Thread for the user (it won't add the follow-up to the existing Thread).
More actions
Export button (1) allows you to export the answer to the Thread as PDF, Markdown, or DOCX
Rewrite button (2) generates a new answer using a different model that you can select
Source button (3) tells you info about which Model, Search mode and Source mode was applied to the answer
Feedback (4) share with a thumbs up/down if you're satisfied or dissatisfied with the answer provided
Copy button (5) copies the answer to your clipboard
Three dots menu (6): click this to view Sources, Report feedback or delete that portion of the Thread
To edit the original query, hover over the prompt and the edit icon will appead
FAQs
Can I recover a deleted Thread?
Once a Thread is deleted, it cannot be retrieved. To prevent accidental deletions, we've added confirmation prompts.
What happens to Threads when I'm not signed in?
When you create Threads while not signed into your Perplexity account, the author of the Thread is considered "anonymous," and therefore, the Thread is not saved long-term. These anonymous Threads will be visible for 14 days, after which they will disappear permanently without the possibility of recovery.
To ensure that a Thread is accessible long-term, please sign into your account. All Threads created while signed in will be automatically saved to your Thread Library.
Are my Threads private?
Yes, your Threads are private and only for your reference by default. They only become public if you choose to share them.