modelcontextprotocol

# Perplexity API Platform MCP Server [](https://cursor.com/en/install-mcp?name=perplexity&config=eyJ0eXBlIjoic3RkaW8iLCJjb21tYW5kIjoibnB4IiwiYXJncyI6WyIteSIsIkBwZXJwbGV4aXR5LWFpL21jcC1zZXJ2ZXIiXSwiZW52Ijp7IlBFUlBMRVhJVFlfQVBJX0tFWSI6IiJ9fQ==) &nbsp; [](https://vscode.dev/redirect/mcp/install?name=perplexity&config=%7B%22type%22%3A%22stdio%22%2C%22command%22%3A%22npx%22%2C%22args%22%3A%5B%22-y%22%2C%22%40perplexity-ai%2Fmcp-server%22%5D%2C%22env%22%3A%7B%22PERPLEXITY_API_KEY%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D) &nbsp; [](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@perplexity-ai/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. ## 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. > [!TIP] > Available as an optional parameter for **perplexity_reason** and **perplexity_research**: `strip_thinking` > > Set to `true` to remove `<think>...</think>` tags from the response, saving context tokens. Default: `false` ## 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 #### Option 1: Install via Plugin (Recommended) The easiest way to get started with Perplexity in Claude Code, set your API key: ```bash export PERPLEXITY_API_KEY="your_key_here" ``` Then: ```bash # Open Claude Code claude # Add the Perplexity marketplace /plugin marketplace add perplexityai/modelcontextprotocol # Install the plugin /plugin install perplexity ``` #### Option 2: Manual Configuration 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` (Cursor): ```json { "mcpServers": { "perplexity": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"], "env": { "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here" } } } } ``` ### VS Code Add to your `.vscode/mcp.json` (VS Code): ```json { "servers": { "perplexity": { "type": "stdio", "command": "npx", "args": [ "-y", "@perplexity-ai/mcp-server" ], "env": { "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here" } } } } ``` Or use the one-click install badges at the top of this README. ### 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 ``` ### Proxy Setup (For Corporate Networks) If you are running this server at work—especially behind a company firewall or proxy—you may need to tell the program how to send its internet traffic through your network's proxy. Follow these steps: **1. Get your proxy details** - Ask your IT department for your HTTPS proxy address and port. - You may also need a username and password. **2. Set the proxy environment variable** The easiest and most reliable way for Perplexity MCP is to use `PERPLEXITY_PROXY`. For example: ```bash export PERPLEXITY_PROXY=https://your-proxy-host:8080 ``` If your proxy needs a username and password, u