5 Powerful Perplexity Features You’re Not Using Yet

Key Concepts

Perplexity AI, Focus Mode, Spaces, Custom Instructions, Deep Research Mode, Pages, File Uploads, Incognito Mode, Model Switching, Pro Search, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), AI Research Assistant.

Perplexity AI: Beyond the Basics

Perplexity AI is presented as a powerful research tool that combines search engine capabilities with the conversational abilities of a chatbot. It provides direct answers with citations, drawing information from various sources on the web. The video highlights several lesser-known features that enhance its utility.

Example: Perplexity correctly identifies the filming location of a scene from the movie "127 Hours" as the Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah, unlike ChatGPT which incorrectly states it was a man-made set in London.

Focus Mode: Tailoring Information Sources

Focus mode allows users to specify the type of sources Perplexity should prioritize when answering queries.

Step-by-step:

1. Enter a query.
2. Select a focus mode (e.g., Academic, Social, General).
3. Perplexity will prioritize sources relevant to the chosen focus.

Example: Asking about the benefits of sauna use with "Academic" focus yields answers primarily from PubMed and Semantic Scholar, while "Social" focus draws from Reddit.

Spaces: Organized Research with Custom Instructions

Spaces enable users to organize multiple research threads under specific topics and apply custom instructions to each space.

Step-by-step:

1. Create a new space for a specific topic.
2. Add custom instructions that define how Perplexity should respond to queries within that space.
3. Start new threads within the space, and Perplexity will follow the custom instructions.

Example: A "YouTube Research" space is created with instructions to provide overviews, key features, comparisons, unique aspects, title ideas, and real-world reactions for new tools.

Deep Research Mode: In-Depth Analysis

Deep Research mode conducts extensive research and generates comprehensive reports on complex topics.

Process: Perplexity performs a series of research tasks before compiling a detailed report with sections, citations, and sources. This process can take up to 30 minutes depending on the complexity of the question.

Example: Asking "How does retrieval augmented generation work and what are its limitations?" results in a detailed report covering the overview, key stages, limitations, failure points, operational challenges, and a conclusion, all fully sourced.

Pages: Transforming Research into Sharable Content

Pages allow users to convert research threads or Deep Research outputs into clean, shareable web pages.

Step-by-step:

1. Select a thread or Deep Research output.
2. Click "Convert to Page."
3. Customize the page by adding images, editing text, and rearranging sections.
4. Publish and share the page.

Example: A Deep Research report on Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) is converted into a web page with a hero image, section images, and formatted text, making it easy to share and reference.

File Uploads: Interacting with Documents

File uploads enable users to upload documents (e.g., PDFs) and ask questions directly about their content.

Example: Uploading a PDF of the Speedgoat 50K race regulations and asking "What is the total elevation gain in the 50k?" Perplexity provides the answer (11,000 ft) and cites the document as the source.

Bonus Features

• Incognito Mode: Creates anonymous threads that don't appear in the user's library and expire after 24 hours.
• Model Switching: Allows users to choose different AI models for their queries (e.g., Claude for creative writing).
• Pro Search: Available with the paid plan, Pro Search digs deeper, pulls more sources, and provides longer, more nuanced answers. Free plan users get three Pro Searches per day.

Pricing and Availability

Most features are available on the free plan, but the paid plan offers more usage and additional benefits. The Perplexity mobile app provides access to all features on mobile devices.

Conclusion

Perplexity AI offers a range of powerful features beyond basic search and chat functionalities. Focus mode, spaces, deep research mode, pages, and file uploads provide users with advanced tools for research, organization, and content creation. The availability of a free plan and a mobile app makes Perplexity accessible to a wide range of users.