How to Use Perplexity

Getting started with Perplexity

In this guide, you'll learn how to quickly set up and use Perplexity, an AI-powered answer engine that provides direct answers to your questions with cited sources. You'll be able to search effectively and get information faster than traditional search engines.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to Perplexity's website.
2. Click on the "Sign Up" button in the top-right corner.
3. Enter your email address and create a password, or sign up using Google or Apple for quicker access.
4. Once signed up, you'll be taken to the main dashboard where you can start searching.

Step 2: Your first search

1. In the search bar at the top of the dashboard, type in your question or topic of interest (e.g., "What is AI?").
2. Press "Enter" or click the magnifying glass icon to submit your query.
3. Review the direct answer provided at the top of the results, which includes citations from the web.
4. If you want more information, scroll down to see the sources listed below the answer for further reading.

Step 3: Get better results

• Use specific keywords in your queries to get more precise answers.
• If you need definitions or explanations, try phrasing your questions as "What is..." or "Explain...".
• Explore the "Related Questions" section at the bottom of the results page for additional insights related to your query.
• For more extensive searches, consider subscribing to the Pro version for unlimited searches and additional features like file uploads.

Pro tip

Use the voice search feature by clicking on the microphone icon in the search bar. This allows you to ask questions hands-free, which can save time when you're multitasking.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid making your queries too vague or broad. For example, instead of searching for "History," try "History of the Internet." This will help you get more relevant answers and save time sifting through unrelated information.