Perplexity AI

by DaInfernalCoder

252 stars

1 downloads

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GitHub

About

This TypeScript-based server implements a simple notes system using MCP concepts, enabling users to create, list, and summarize text notes through natural language prompts.

Details

Author: DaInfernalCoder
Repository: DaInfernalCoder/perplexity-mcp
GitHub stars: 252
Downloads: 1
License: MIT License
Categories: Search, AI, Other
Tags: #research, #web-research

Setting up with Highlight

This MCP is not yet compatible with Highlight’s one-click setup. However, you can still use it with Highlight by following these steps:

Download and install Highlight from highlightai.com/download
Navigate to the plugins tab and select "Add Custom Plugin"
Configure the plugin with the settings below
Plugin Name Perplexity AI

Command (node, npx, python, etc.) npx
Arguments
- Argument 1 -y
- Argument 2 perplexity-mcp
Environment
- PERPLEXITY_API_KEY your_api_key
Please refer to the README for specific instructions on how to obtain API keys or other required environment variables.
Enable "Start Automatically" if you want the plugin to start when Highlight launches

Setting up with Cursor

Open Cursor's settings
Navigate to the MCP section
Click "Add new Global MCP server"
Copy and paste the configuration below based on your operating system

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
            },
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "perplexity-mcp"
            ],
            "command": "npx"
        }
    }
}

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
            },
            "args": [
                "/c",
                "node",
                "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
            ],
            "command": "cmd"
        }
    }
}

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
            },
            "args": [
                "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
            ],
            "command": "node"
        }
    }
}

Setting up with Claude Desktop

Open Claude Desktop's settings
Go to the Integrations tab
Click "Add MCP Server"
Use the configuration below based on your operating system

Note: Make sure Claude Desktop is running before attempting to connect.

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
            },
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "perplexity-mcp"
            ],
            "command": "npx"
        }
    }
}

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
            },
            "args": [
                "/c",
                "node",
                "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
            ],
            "command": "cmd"
        }
    }
}

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
            },
            "args": [
                "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
            ],
            "command": "node"
        }
    }
}

Setting up with Windsurf

Open Windsurf's preferences
Go to the Integrations section
Click "Add MCP Integration"
Use the configuration below based on your operating system

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
            },
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "perplexity-mcp"
            ],
            "command": "npx"
        }
    }
}

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
            },
            "args": [
                "/c",
                "node",
                "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
            ],
            "command": "cmd"
        }
    }
}

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
            },
            "args": [
                "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
            ],
            "command": "node"
        }
    }
}

Setting up with Cline

Open Cline's settings
Navigate to the Integrations section
Click "Add MCP Server"
Copy and paste the configuration below based on your operating system

Note: Make sure to restart Cline after adding the configuration.

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
            },
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "perplexity-mcp"
            ],
            "command": "npx"
        }
    }
}

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
            },
            "args": [
                "/c",
                "node",
                "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
            ],
            "command": "cmd"
        }
    }
}

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
            },
            "args": [
                "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
            ],
            "command": "node"
        }
    }
}

Setting up with Goose

Open Goose's preferences
Go to the Integrations tab
Select "MCP Servers"
Click "Add New Server"
Use the configuration below based on your operating system

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
            },
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "perplexity-mcp"
            ],
            "command": "npx"
        }
    }
}

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
            },
            "args": [
                "/c",
                "node",
                "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
            ],
            "command": "cmd"
        }
    }
}

JSON

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
            },
            "args": [
                "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
            ],
            "command": "node"
        }
    }
}

From the repository

1. Prerequisites
- Node.js (from nodejs.org)
- Perplexity API key (from perplexity.ai/settings/api)
- clone the repo somewhere

2. Configure MCP Settings

Add to your MCP settings file (location varies by platform):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      },
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": []
    }
  }
}

Or use NPX to not have to install it locally (recommended for macos):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "perplexity-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

In case the MCP Client is not able to parse the Perplexity API Key from the environment using methods like "${env:PERPLEXITY_API_KEY}" common in modern AI Coding Agents (e.g. Kiro), there are two fallback solutions:

Command-Line Argument: Pass the API key directly as a command-line argument, and you can even try to see whether "${env:PERPLEXITY_API_KEY}" works in there.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js",
        "--api-key",
        "your_api_key_here"
      ],
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": []
    }
  }
}

Read an explicit .env File: specify the location of the project .env file with the environment variables and API keys for your current project with the --cwd command-line argument, and the MCP Server will read the .env file from the directory finding the Perplexity API Key from there.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js",
        "--cwd",
        "/path/to/your/project"
      ],
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": []
    }
  }
}

Priority Order: Command-line argument > Environment variable > .env file with --cwd (path needed)

`search`

Quick search for simple queries and basic information lookup. Parameters: query (string), force_model (optional boolean)

`reason`

Handles complex, multi-step tasks requiring detailed analysis. Parameters: query (string), force_model (optional boolean)

`deep_research`

Conducts comprehensive research and generates detailed reports. Parameters: query (string), focus_areas (array of strings), force_model (optional boolean)

Claude Desktop / Cursor

Paste into your MCP client config file to install this server.

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "perplexity ai": {
            "env": {
                "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
            },
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "perplexity-mcp"
            ],
            "command": "npx"
        }
    }
}

Linux

{
    "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
    },
    "args": [
        "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
    ],
    "command": "node"
}

Macos

{
    "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
    },
    "args": [
        "-y",
        "perplexity-mcp"
    ],
    "command": "npx"
}

Windows

{
    "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
    },
    "args": [
        "/c",
        "node",
        "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"
    ],
    "command": "cmd"
}

Perplexity MCP Server

An intelligent research assistant powered by Perplexity's specialized AI models. Features automatic query complexity detection to route requests to the most appropriate model for optimal results. Unlike the Official server, it has search capabilities FOR EVERY TASK, essentially

It also forces the agent using the MCP to be specific

Tools

1. Search (Sonar Pro)

Quick search for simple queries and basic information lookup. Best for straightforward questions that need concise, direct answers.

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "search",
  arguments: {
    query: "What is the capital of France?",
    force_model: false // Optional: force using this model even if query seems complex
  }
});

2. Reason (Sonar Reasoning Pro)

Handles complex, multi-step tasks requiring detailed analysis. Perfect for explanations, comparisons, and problem-solving.

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "reason",
  arguments: {
    query: "Compare and contrast REST and GraphQL APIs, explaining their pros and cons",
    force_model: false // Optional: force using this model even if query seems simple
  }
});

3. Deep Research (Sonar Deep Research)

Conducts comprehensive research and generates detailed reports. Ideal for in-depth analysis of complex topics.

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "deep_research",
  arguments: {
    query: "The impact of quantum computing on cryptography",
    focus_areas: [
      "Post-quantum cryptographic algorithms",
      "Timeline for quantum threats",
      "Practical mitigation strategies"
    ],
    force_model: false // Optional: force using this model even if query seems simple
  }
});

Setup

1. Prerequisites
- Node.js (from nodejs.org)
- Perplexity API key (from perplexity.ai/settings/api)
- clone the repo somewhere

2. Configure MCP Settings

Add to your MCP settings file (location varies by platform):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      },
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": []
    }
  }
}

Or use NPX to not have to install it locally (recommended for macos):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "perplexity-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Command-Line Argument: Pass the API key directly as a command-line argument, and you can even try to see whether "${env:PERPLEXITY_API_KEY}" works in there.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js",
        "--api-key",
        "your_api_key_here"
      ],
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": []
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js",
        "--cwd",
        "/path/to/your/project"
      ],
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": []
    }
  }
}

Priority Order: Command-line argument > Environment variable > .env file with --cwd (path needed)

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About

Details

Jump to

Setting up with Highlight

From the repository

search

reason

deep_research

Claude Desktop / Cursor

Linux

Macos

Windows

Perplexity MCP Server

Tools

1. Search (Sonar Pro)

2. Reason (Sonar Reasoning Pro)

3. Deep Research (Sonar Deep Research)

Setup

Star History

Install

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