Information
# Perplexity API Platform MCP Server
The official MCP server implementation for the Perplexity API Platform, providing AI assistants with real-time web search, reasoning, and research capabilities through Sonar models and the Search API.
Please refer to the official [DeepWiki page](https://deepwiki.com/ppl-ai/modelcontextprotocol) for assistance with implementation.
## Available Tools
### **perplexity_search**
Direct web search using the Perplexity Search API. Returns ranked search results with metadata, perfect for finding current information.
### **perplexity_ask**
General-purpose conversational AI with real-time web search using the \`sonar-pro\` model. Great for quick questions and everyday searches.
### **perplexity_research**
Deep, comprehensive research using the \`sonar-deep-research\` model. Ideal for thorough analysis and detailed reports.
### **perplexity_reason**
Advanced reasoning and problem-solving using the \`sonar-reasoning-pro\` model. Perfect for complex analytical tasks.
## Configuration
### Get Your API Key
1. Get your Perplexity API Key from the [API Portal](https://www.perplexity.ai/account/api/group)
2. Set it as an environment variable: \`PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_key_here\`
3. (Optional) Set a timeout for requests: \`PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS=600000\`. The default is 5 minutes.
### Claude Code
Run in your terminal:
\`\`\`bash
claude mcp add perplexity --transport stdio --env PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_key_here -- npx -y perplexity-mcp
\`\`\`
Or add to your \`claude.json\`:
\`\`\`json
"mcpServers": \{
"perplexity": \{
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"perplexity-mcp"
],
"env": \{
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS": "600000"
\}
\}
\}
\`\`\`
### Cursor
Add to your \`mcp.json\`:
\`\`\`json
\{
"mcpServers": \{
"perplexity": \{
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"],
"env": \{
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS": "600000"
\}
\}
\}
\}
\`\`\`
### Codex
Run in your terminal:
\`\`\`bash
codex mcp add perplexity --env PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_key_here -- npx -y @perplexity-ai/mcp-server
\`\`\`
### Claude Desktop
Add to your \`claude_desktop_config.json\`:
\`\`\`json
\{
"mcpServers": \{
"perplexity": \{
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"],
"env": \{
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS": "600000"
\}
\}
\}
\}
\`\`\`
### Other MCP Clients
For any MCP-compatible client, use:
\`\`\`bash
npx @perplexity-ai/mcp-server
\`\`\`
## Troubleshooting
- **API Key Issues**: Ensure \`PERPLEXITY_API_KEY\` is set correctly
- **Connection Errors**: Check your internet connection and API key validity
- **Tool Not Found**: Make sure the package is installed and the command path is correct
- **Timeout Errors**: For very long research queries, set \`PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS\` to a higher value
For support, visit [community.perplexity.ai](https://community.perplexity.ai) or [file an issue](https://github.com/perplexityai/modelcontextprotocol/issues).
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