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Overview

The Perplexity MCP Server enables AI assistants to access Perplexity’s powerful search and reasoning capabilities directly within their workflows. Using the Model Context Protocol (MCP), you can integrate real-time web search, conversational AI, and advanced reasoning into any MCP-compatible client.
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that connects AI assistants with external data sources and tools. Learn more at modelcontextprotocol.io.

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Installation

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One-Click Install

Get started instantly with these one-click installers:

Install in Cursor

Automatically configure the Perplexity MCP server in Cursor with one click.

Install in VS Code

Automatically configure the Perplexity MCP server in VS Code with one click.

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Manual Setup

1

Get Your API Key

Generate API Key

Navigate to the API Portal and generate a new key.
2

Configure Your Client

Add the MCP server to your client configuration:
  • Claude Code
  • Cursor
  • Claude Desktop
  • Other Clients
Option 1: Plugin Install (Recommended)The easiest way to get started:
# Add the Perplexity marketplace
/plugin marketplace add perplexityai/modelcontextprotocol

# Install the plugin
/plugin install perplexity

# Set your API key
export PERPLEXITY_API_KEY="your_key_here"
Option 2: Manual ConfigurationAdd to your claude.json:
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "perplexity-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}
3

Start Using

Restart your MCP client and start using Perplexity’s tools in your AI workflows.

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Available Tools

perplexity_search

Direct web search using the Perplexity Search API. Returns ranked search results with titles, URLs, snippets, and metadata.Best for: Finding current information, news, facts, or specific web content.

perplexity_ask

General-purpose conversational AI with real-time web search using the sonar-pro model.Best for: Quick questions, everyday searches, and conversational queries that benefit from web context.

perplexity_research

Deep, comprehensive research using the sonar-deep-research model. Provides thorough analysis with citations.Best for: Complex topics requiring detailed investigation, comprehensive reports, and in-depth analysis.

perplexity_reason

Advanced reasoning and problem-solving using the sonar-reasoning-pro model.Best for: Logical problems, complex analysis, decision-making, and tasks requiring step-by-step reasoning.
For detailed setup instructions, troubleshooting, and proxy configuration, visit our GitHub repository.