how do you work

Perplexity works as an AI-powered answer engine that understands your question, searches the live web, and then summarizes what it finds with citations you can check.perplexity+1​

Core workflow

  • You type a question in natural language; the system uses advanced language models (like GPT-5-series, Claude Sonnet, and Perplexity’s own Sonar) to interpret your intent and context.perplexity+2​

  • It then searches the internet in real time, pulling information from articles, sites, and other authoritative sources instead of relying only on a fixed, offline knowledge base.perplexity+2​

  • The models synthesize the most relevant points into a concise, conversational answer, attaching numbered citations that link back to the original sources so you can verify or read further.perplexity+2​

How answers stay up to date

  • Each query triggers fresh web retrieval, so information reflects the current state of the web rather than a static cutoff.perplexity+2​

  • The system prioritizes reputable sources (news outlets, academic publications, established sites) and shows them directly in the citations panel.perplexity+2​

Conversation and memory

  • Perplexity keeps context within a thread, so follow-up questions can build on what you asked earlier without you restating everything.perplexity+1​

  • This contextual memory makes it behave more like an ongoing chat with an expert assistant than a series of isolated searches.perplexity+2​

Different modes and models

  • Standard Search handles quick, everyday questions; Pro/advanced modes (like Pro Search and Research) run deeper, multi-step searches for complex tasks and use stronger models.perplexity+2​

  • A model selector (for Pro users) lets you choose between options like GPT-5.x, Claude Sonnet, and Perplexity’s Sonar to match your task (reasoning, coding, creative work, etc.).perplexity+2​

What this means for you

  • You ask in your own words; there is no special syntax required.perplexity​

  • You get a synthesized answer plus links and citations, rather than just a list of pages to click through, which is why it is described as an “answer engine” rather than a traditional search engine.perplexity+1​

If you want, you can ask how a specific part works (citations, models, files, Deep Research, etc.) and get a more detailed breakdown.