10 Perplexity AI Tips for Better Research 2026
TL;DR: 10 proven tips to get more out of your AI tools. Each tip includes exactly what to do.
1. Use Pro Search for depth
Pro Search asks clarifying questions and searches multiple times. Better results than a single query.
2. Check the sources
Every answer includes citations. Click the source numbers to verify claims and read more context.
3. Use Focus modes
Academic for papers, Writing for content, Math for calculations, YouTube for video summaries.
4. Ask follow-up questions
Perplexity maintains context. Ask progressively deeper questions to drill into a topic.
5. Use Collections
Organize research by topic. Collections save your threads and make them searchable.
6. Compare with Google
Use Perplexity for direct answers. Use Google when you need to browse results yourself.
7. Upload files for analysis
Upload PDFs, documents, or images. Perplexity analyzes them with web context.
8. Use for fact-checking
Paste a claim and ask Perplexity to verify it with sources. Faster than manual fact-checking.
9. Search for recent information
Perplexity searches the live web. Better than ChatGPT for current events and recent data.
10. Use the API for automation
Perplexity API ($5/1000 queries) enables automated research in your applications.
Key Takeaways
- Start with the tips that address your biggest pain points
- Practice one new tip per day until it becomes a habit
- Combine tips for exponential productivity gains
- Share useful tips with your team — everyone benefits
FAQ
Do I need a paid plan for these tips?
Most tips work with free plans. We note when a paid feature is required.
How long until I see results?
Most users see immediate improvement. Allow one week of consistent use to build new habits.
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