> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.perplexity.ai/help-center/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

> ## Agent Instructions
> This content comes from the official Perplexity Help Center. Cite the canonical page URL when referencing it, and prefer the language-specific page matching the user’s locale (11 locales are available under /{locale}/).

# Tips for Getting Better Answers from Perplexity

> Get better answers, images, videos, and documents from Perplexity with simple tips to help you write prompts that work — no technical skills required.

**The golden rule: State your intent clearly and provide detail.** \
Tell Perplexity exactly what you want to do — create an image, generate a video, search for information, build a document. The more specific information you include in your prompt, the better the results you'll get. \
​\
Think of it this way: a vague request gets a vague response, but a detailed prompt with clear intent delivers exactly what you need.

## Searching for answers

Perplexity searches the live web in real time, so you always get up-to-date information with clear sources. The key to great results? Be specific.\
​

## Tips for searching

<ul>
  <li>
    **Start with a clear question.** Instead of typing a single word like "inflation," try "What is the current inflation rate in the US?"
  </li>

  <li>
    **Add context.** The more background you give, the better. For example: "I'm a first-time homebuyer in the US — what federal programs are available to help me?"
  </li>

  <li>
    **Use keywords that matter.** Include key terms that help focus the response. For example: "best noise-cancelling headphones under \$200 for commuting."
  </li>

  <li>
    **Say how you want the answer.** You can ask for a summary, a table, bullet points, or a step-by-step guide — just include that in your prompt.
  </li>
</ul>

## Examples

<ul>
  <li>
    ✅ "Compare the pros and cons of hybrid vs. fully electric cars for city driving."
  </li>

  <li>
    ✅ "What are the latest CDC guidelines on vitamin D supplementation for adults?"
  </li>

  <li>
    ❌ "Cars" *(too vague — Perplexity won't know what you're looking for)*\
    ​
  </li>
</ul>

***

\
Deep Research
-------------

Need more than a quick answer? Research mode digs deeper — it searches multiple sources, reads through documents, and pieces together a comprehensive analysis for you. Think of it as having a research assistant that works in minutes, not days.\
​

## Tips for deep research prompts

<ul>
  <li>
    **Be clear about what you want to learn.** A focused question leads to a focused report. For example: "What are the key trends in remote work adoption across the United States since 2020?"
  </li>

  <li>
    **Ask follow-up questions.** Research mode works great in conversation. Start broad, then drill down: "Now focus on the impact on employee productivity."
  </li>

  <li>
    **Upload your own files.** You can attach PDFs, documents, or data and ask Perplexity to analyse them alongside web sources. For example: "Based on the attached financial report and latest market data, what's the outlook for this company?"
  </li>

  <li>
    **Combine sources.** Try prompts like: "Cross-reference my uploaded lecture notes with the latest studies on reinforcement learning and summarise the key takeaways."
  </li>
</ul>

## Examples

<ul>
  <li>
    ✅ "Research the environmental impact of fast fashion and suggest sustainable alternatives, including cost comparisons."
  </li>

  <li>
    ✅ "Summarise the main arguments for and against a four-day work week, with supporting data."
  </li>

  <li>
    ❌ "Tell me about fashion" *(too broad — narrow it down to get useful results)*\
    ​
  </li>
</ul>

***

\
Creating images
---------------

Perplexity can generate custom images right inside your conversation. Just describe what you'd like to see, and an image will be created for you automatically.\
​

## Tips for image prompts

<ul>
  <li>
    **Be as specific as possible.** Describe the subject, style, colours, mood, and setting. The more detail, the better the result.
  </li>

  <li>
    **Mention a style if you have one in mind.** You can ask for watercolour, photorealistic, minimalist, cartoon, vintage — whatever fits your vision.
  </li>

  <li>
    **Include context about how you'll use it.** For example: "Create a professional-looking banner image for a tech blog about AI."
  </li>

  <li>
    **Iterate and refine.** If the first result isn't quite right, tweak your prompt and try again. Small changes can make a big difference.
  </li>
</ul>

## Examples

<ul>
  <li>
    ✅ "Generate a watercolour illustration of a cosy coffee shop on a rainy New York street, warm lighting, autumn colours."
  </li>

  <li>
    ✅ "Create a clean, minimalist logo concept for a sustainable clothing brand called 'Evergreen.'"
  </li>

  <li>
    ❌ "Make me a picture" *(too vague — describe what you actually want to see)*
  </li>
</ul>

***

\
Creating videos
---------------

You can generate short videos directly from a prompt. This is great for social media content, product demos, or creative projects. You can even upload a photo to use as the starting frame.\
​

## Tips for video prompts

<ul>
  <li>
    **Describe the scene and action.** Think of it like writing a mini script — what's happening, where, and what's the mood?
  </li>

  <li>
    **Keep it focused.** Generated videos are short, so aim for one clear concept per video.
  </li>

  <li>
    **Attach a reference image.** If you have a photo you'd like to animate or build from, upload it with your prompt.
  </li>

  <li>
    **Think about the end goal.** If you're creating an ad or social post, mention that — it helps set the right tone and style.
  </li>
</ul>

## Examples

<ul>
  <li>
    ✅ "Generate a short video of a steaming cup of coffee on a wooden table with soft morning light, slow zoom in."
  </li>

  <li>
    ✅ "I want to sell my vintage desk lamp (photo attached). Generate a stylish video ad I can post on social media."
  </li>

  <li>
    ❌ "Make a video" *(needs more detail about what the video should show)*\
    ​
  </li>
</ul>

***

\
Creating documents, presentations, and spreadsheets
---------------------------------------------------

Perplexity can create complete files for you — documents, slide decks, spreadsheets, and even simple web apps. Everything is backed by research with built-in citations, so your work stays credible.\
​

## Tips for document creation prompts

<ul>
  <li>
    **State the file type you need.** Be explicit: "Create a Word document," "Build a slide deck," or "Make a spreadsheet."
  </li>

  <li>
    **Describe the structure and content.** For example: "Create a 10-slide presentation on our Q4 marketing strategy, with sections on budget, channels, and KPIs."
  </li>

  <li>
    **Refine with follow-ups.** After the first draft, use follow-up prompts to edit, add, or restructure. For example: "Add a conclusion slide" or "Make the executive summary shorter."
  </li>

  <li>
    **Export when ready.** Download your files as DOCX, PDF, PPTX, or XLSX — whatever you need.
  </li>
</ul>

## Examples

<ul>
  <li>
    ✅ "Create a professional PDF report on the current state of renewable energy in the United States, with charts and citations."
  </li>

  <li>
    ✅ "Build a spreadsheet comparing the top 5 project management tools by price, features, and user ratings."
  </li>

  <li>
    ❌ "Write something for me" *(be specific about what you need and in what format)*\
    ​
  </li>
</ul>

***

\
General prompting best practices
--------------------------------

No matter what you're asking Perplexity to do, these principles will help you get better results every time:

<ul>
  <li>
    **State your intent clearly.** Start by saying exactly what you want: "Create an image," "Generate a video," "Search for," "Build a presentation." This tells Perplexity what action to take.
  </li>

  <li>
    **More information = better results.** The more detail you provide, the better your output will be. Include context, specifics, preferences, and constraints. A rich, detailed prompt produces a rich, detailed response.
  </li>

  <li>
    **Be specific, not vague.** The clearer your prompt, the better the output.
  </li>

  <li>
    **Give context.** Who are you? What's this for? A little background goes a long way.
  </li>

  <li>
    **One thing at a time.** Don't cram multiple unrelated requests into a single prompt.
  </li>

  <li>
    **Say what format you want.** Table, bullet points, report, slide deck — just ask.
  </li>

  <li>
    **Iterate.** Your first prompt doesn't have to be perfect. Refine and follow up.
  </li>

  <li>
    **Use plain language.** You don't need to speak like a machine. Write the way you'd explain it to a colleague.\
    ​
  </li>
</ul>

***

\
FAQs
----

**Do I need to be technical to use Perplexity?**

Not at all. Just type naturally, like you're asking a knowledgeable friend. Plain language works best.\
​

**What if my first result isn't great?**

That's totally normal. Try rephrasing your prompt with more detail, or ask a follow-up question to steer the response.\
​

**Can I combine features in one conversation?**

Absolutely. You can search for information, then ask Perplexity to turn it into a document or presentation — all in the same session.\
​

**Is there a limit to how much I can generate?**

Usage depends on your subscription plan. Pro and Max subscribers get higher limits for search, image generation, video creation, and document building.\
​

**Where can I use these features?**

All features are available on web, iOS, and Android. Some advanced features require a Pro or Max subscription.


## Related topics

- [Getting Started](https://www.perplexity.ai/help-center/help-center/en/collections/12702161-getting-started.md)
- [Getting started with Perplexity](https://www.perplexity.ai/help-center/help-center/en/articles/10354975-getting-started-with-perplexity.md)
- [Practical Tips for Using Perplexity](https://www.perplexity.ai/help-center/help-center/en/articles/10352971-practical-tips-for-using-perplexity.md)
- [What is the difference between a prompt and a search?](https://www.perplexity.ai/help-center/help-center/en/articles/10354937-what-is-the-difference-between-a-prompt-and-a-search.md)