I didn’t realize Perplexity could do this — 10 hidden features worth trying

I admit Perplexity is not my first choice for AI. I honestly forget about it most of the time because I rely so heavily on what I call the Big Three: ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. Before really diving into everything Perplexity can do, I thought of it as an AI search engine with citations. You know, type a question, get a clean summary, click a source or two and move on.

That is, until I started using Perplexity more deliberately. Once I look beyond the search bar, Perplexity turned into a research assistant, comparison engine and productivity shortcut that has saved me real time in my daily workflow. If you’ve only used Perplexity at surface level, like I was doing, these are 10 features worth trying.

1. Focus modes actually change how answers are generated

For starters, one detail that’s easy to miss is the row of topic shortcuts under Perplexity’s search bar — options like Parenting, Travel, Health, Web, Academic, Writing or Math changes which sources it prioritizes and how answers are structured. These context presets are similar to ChatGPT’s custom GPTs, Gemini Gems or Claude Artifacts, because they shape how answers are generated.

Tapping one nudges Perplexity toward different sources, tone and structure before you even finish typing your question. It’s a small UI detail, but it can noticeably change the quality of the response — especially if you want advice that’s more practical, less technical or tailored to a specific situation.

2. Model picker: choose how Perplexity thinks

One of Perplexity’s most powerful features is easy to overlook: the model picker. Unlike Focus modes or topic shortcuts, this lets you choose which AI model powers the response — and the difference can be noticeable depending on what you’re trying to do.

Inside Perplexity, you can switch between models optimized for different strengths, like faster answers, deeper reasoning or more natural writing. Some models are better for quick fact-finding, while others shine when you’re asking nuanced questions, comparing arguments or refining language.

The key is that Perplexity keeps its citation-first approach no matter which model you choose. In other words, you can adjust how the answer is generated and cater your model to whatever it is you’re asking. If an explanation feels shallow or overly verbose, switching models can often fix it without changing your prompt at all.

It’s a subtle control, but once you start using it intentionally, the model picker turns Perplexity from a single tool into a flexible research setup.

3. Follow-up questions keep full context

Unlike traditional search, Perplexity treats follow-up questions as part of the same conversation, so you don’t have to restate context every time you refine what you mean. It actually gets what you’re asking, so you can start with a broad question, then narrow it step by step as you learn more.

Because Perplexity remembers the thread, the answers stay anchored to your original ask, which makes complicated topics feel far easier to break down and understand.

4. Clickable citations that actually matter

Unlike a lot of the chatbots I’ve used, Perplexity lists citations and even numbers them so each one jumps straight to the source behind the answer. It’s one of the quickest ways I’ve found to verify and accuracy-check an AI output. It’s why I trust it more than chatbots that don’t show where their information comes from.

5. Ask it to compare sources, not just summarize

Speaking of citations, here’s a surprisingly powerful trick most people miss: ask Perplexity to analyze its own sources instead of just summarizing them.

Try prompts like:

• "What do these sources disagree on?”
• “Which source is most critical, and why?”

Rather than blending everything into a single neutral answer, Perplexity surfaces disagreements, highlights bias and explains where perspectives diverge. The result is more contrast; more nuance and a much clearer understanding of what’s actually being debated — not just what the consensus sounds like.

6. Use it as a shopping comparison engine

You can also use Perplexity as a product comparison engine by asking it to weigh recent reviews, specs and pricing across multiple sources at once. Because every claim is cited, it’s easier to spot outdated information, sponsored reviews or product hype that doesn’t hold up.

I appreciate that I can use Perplexity easily without scrolling through pages of sponsored shopping results, and can quickly see exactly where each detail comes from, then decide if any given product is worth buying.

7. Ask for charts or timelines instead of explanations

Perplexity is especially good at generating timelines and charts, which I’ve found far more helpful than long explanations for complex topics. Instead of wading through dense paragraphs, you can ask it to map out how something unfolded over time.

Try prompts like:

• “Give me a timeline of how this developed”
• "Break this into key milestones”

The result is a clearer, more memorable way to understand complicated ideas — without getting lost in a wall of text.

8. Rewrite answers for different audiences

This one surprised me — especially since I’ve always thought Claude was the gold standard for tone. Perplexity handles tone shifts far better than I expected. You can ask it to explain the same topic for a child, a beginner or a professional, and it adjusts the language without watering down the facts. It’s a subtle feature, but incredibly useful when you need clarity without oversimplifying.

9. Treat it like a research collaborator

When it comes to research, Perplexity really shines when you stop asking for answers and start asking for help thinking. Instead of returning a single response, it can help surface gaps, angles and questions you might not have considered.

Try prompts like:

• "What questions should I be asking about this?”
• "What’s missing from this discussion?”

This simple shift turns Perplexity from an answer engine into an idea generator — especially useful for research, planning and early-stage thinking.

10. Ask it to show its uncertainty

Chatbots aren’t always accurate — we know that by now. What makes Perplexity different is how easy it makes fact-checking part of the process. One of the smartest ways to use it is to ask where the limits are instead of assuming the answer is complete.

Try prompts like:

• “Where is the evidence weak?”
•  “What isn’t well established yet?”

Perplexity is surprisingly good at flagging gaps, open questions and areas where the data simply isn’t there — something many AI tools gloss over in favor of confident-sounding answers.

Bottom line

After spending real time with Perplexity, I’ve realized it’s far more than just an AI search engine. It’s a full-fledged research tool hiding in plain sight. If you’re only using it for quick answers, you’re barely scratching the surface of this free AI tool.

Once you start leaning on features like citations, source comparisons, timelines, model selection and context-aware follow-ups, Perplexity suddenly feels like a genuine AI assistant that thinks alongside you in real time. And, when used intentionally, it goes far beyond traditional search to a point that it genuinely feels hard to replace.

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