perplexity-mcp
A lightweight, easy-to-use Model Context Protocol (MCP) implementation that seamlessly integrates Perplexity's powerful AI models into Claude Desktop. This bridge lets Claude access Perplexity's search and reasoning capabilities through Anthropic's standardized tool interface.
Documentation
Perplexity Intelligent MCP Server
An intelligent Perplexity research MCP server for Claude Desktop with automatic model selection, multi-model synthesis, and persistent research history.
Features
- Intelligent Model Selection: Auto-picks the right Perplexity model based on your query
- Research History: Saves all research to `~/Documents/Perplexity Research/`
- Multi-Model Synthesis: Combines multiple models for comprehensive research
- Search History: Search past research to avoid duplicate queries
- Built-in Citations: Every response includes sources and references
Quick Setup
Prerequisites
- Node.js 18+ (download)
- Claude Desktop
- Perplexity API key (get one at perplexity.ai/settings/api)
Configure Claude Desktop
Open `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json` and add:
{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity-research": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@familyitguy/perplexity-mcp"],
"env": {
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here"
}
}
}
}Replace `your-api-key-here` with your Perplexity API key.
Restart Claude Desktop
Quit completely (Cmd+Q) and reopen. You're done!
Available Tools
`research`
Intelligent Perplexity search with auto-logging.
Use: "Research the current state of AI in healthcare"`deep_research`
Multi-model synthesis for comprehensive research.
Use: "Do a deep research on renewable energy trends"`search_research`
Search past research for existing findings.
Use: "Search my research for React performance"`list_research_threads`
List all saved research threads.
`read_research_thread`
Read a specific past research thread.
`list_models`
Show available Perplexity models and when to use each.
Models
| Model | Best For |
|---|---|
| sonar | Simple factual lookups, current events |
| sonar-pro | Multi-source research, fact-checking |
| sonar-reasoning-pro | Why/how questions, complex analysis (default) |
| sonar-deep-research | Exhaustive research, comprehensive reports |
Research Storage
All research is automatically saved to:
~/Documents/Perplexity Research/
├── topic-name-2025-01-15.md
├── another-topic-2025-01-16.md
└── ...You can browse your research history in Finder anytime.
Environment Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| `PERPLEXITY_API_KEY` | Your Perplexity API key | Required |
| `PERPLEXITY_RESEARCH_DIR` | Custom research directory | `~/Documents/Perplexity Research/` |
License
MIT
Frequently asked questions
What is perplexity-mcp?
perplexity-mcp is A lightweight, easy-to-use Model Context Protocol (MCP) implementation that seamlessly integrates Perplexity's powerful AI models into Claude Desktop. This bridge lets Claude access Perplexity's search and reasoning capabilities through Anthropic's standardized tool interface.
How do I install perplexity-mcp?
Open the GitHub repository and follow its README. Most MCP servers are added to your client's MCP config, then called by your agent.
Is perplexity-mcp open source?
Yes — it is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/Family-IT-Guy/perplexity-mcp and has 15 stars.
Related MCP tools
Model Context Protocol Servers
The Open-Source Multimodal AI Agent Stack: Connecting Cutting-Edge AI Models and Agent Infra
A MCP for Claude Desktop / Claude Code / Windsurf / Cursor to build n8n workflows for you
MCP server to provide Figma layout information to AI coding agents like Cursor
The world's best AI personal assistant for email. Open source app to help you reach inbox zero fast.
Instant is the best backend for AI-coded apps. You get auth, permissions, storage, presence, and streams — everything you need to ship apps your users will love.
Run your own MCP server? See who uses it and what to fix.
Measure it with TrackMCP