Unlock Perplexity: 10 Hidden Features Revealed

Once I looked beyond the search bar, Perplexity turned into a research assistant, comparison engine and productivity shortcut that has genuinely saved me real time in my daily workflow. If you have only used Perplexity at surface level, like I was doing, these are 10 features worth trying.

1. Focus modes actually change how answers are generated

One detail that is easy to miss is the row of topic shortcuts under Perplexity's search bar. Options like Parenting, Travel, Health, Web, Academic, Writing or Math change which sources it prioritises and how answers are structured. These context presets work similarly to ChatGPT's custom GPTs, Gemini Gems or Claude Artifacts because they shape how answers are generated before you even finish typing.

Tapping one nudges Perplexity toward different sources, tone and structure. It is a small UI detail, but it can noticeably change the quality of the response. Especially if you want advice that is more practical, less technical or tailored to a specific situation.

2. Model picker: choose how Perplexity thinks

One of Perplexity's most powerful features is easy to overlook: the model picker. Unlike Focus modes or topic shortcuts, this lets you choose which AI model powers the response. And the difference can be significant depending on what you are trying to do.

Inside Perplexity, you can switch between models optimised for different strengths. Faster answers, deeper reasoning or more natural writing. Some models are better for quick fact-finding while others shine when you are asking nuanced questions, comparing arguments or refining language.

The key detail here is that Perplexity keeps its citation-first approach no matter which model you choose. You can adjust how the answer is generated and match the model to whatever you are asking. If an explanation feels shallow or overly verbose, switching models can often fix it without changing your prompt at all.

It is a subtle control, but once you start using it intentionally, the model picker turns Perplexity from a single tool into a flexible research setup. We covered model selection in detail here.

3. Follow-up questions keep full context

Unlike traditional search, Perplexity treats follow-up questions as part of the same conversation. You do not have to restate context every time you refine what you mean. It actually understands what you are asking, so you can start with a broad question and then narrow it step by step as you learn more.

Because Perplexity remembers the thread, the answers stay anchored to your original ask. That makes complicated topics feel far easier to break down and understand.## 4. Clickable citations that actually matter

Unlike a lot of the chatbots I have used, Perplexity lists citations and even numbers them so each one jumps straight to the source behind the answer. It is one of the quickest ways I have found to verify and accuracy-check an AI output. And it is why I trust it more than chatbots that do not show where their information comes from.

For anyone working in content, research or strategy across Asia, this alone makes Perplexity worth adding to your toolkit. Being able to trace a claim back to its source in two clicks changes how much you can trust what you are reading.## 5. Ask it to compare sources, not just summarise

Here is a surprisingly powerful trick most people miss: ask Perplexity to analyse its own sources instead of just summarising them.

Try prompts like:

• "What do these sources disagree on?"
• "Which source is most critical, and why?"

Rather than blending everything into a single neutral answer, Perplexity surfaces disagreements, highlights bias and explains where perspectives diverge. The result is more contrast, more nuance and a much clearer understanding of what is actually being debated. Not just what the consensus sounds like.## 6. Use it as a shopping comparison engine

You can also use Perplexity as a product comparison engine by asking it to weigh recent reviews, specs and pricing across multiple sources at once. Because every claim is cited, it is easier to spot outdated information, sponsored reviews or product hype that does not hold up.

I appreciate that I can use Perplexity without scrolling through pages of sponsored shopping results. You can quickly see exactly where each detail comes from and then decide whether any given product is worth buying.## 7. Ask for charts or timelines instead of explanations

Perplexity is especially good at generating timelines and charts. I have found these far more helpful than long explanations for complex topics. Instead of wading through dense paragraphs, you can ask it to map out how something unfolded over time.

Try prompts like:

• "Give me a timeline of how this developed"
• "Break this into key milestones"

The result is a clearer, more memorable way to understand complicated ideas without getting lost in a wall of text. If you are trying to understand how AI regulation has evolved across Southeast Asia, for example, a timeline view gives you the full picture in seconds.## 8. Rewrite answers for different audiences

This one surprised me. Especially since I have always thought Claude was the gold standard for tone. Perplexity handles tone shifts far better than I expected. You can ask it to explain the same topic for a child, a beginner or a professional, and it adjusts the language without watering down the facts.

It is a subtle feature, but incredibly useful when you need clarity without oversimplifying. If you are explaining AI concepts to a non-technical stakeholder or breaking down policy changes for a regional team, this is the kind of flexibility that saves a rewrite.## 9. Treat it like a research collaborator

Perplexity really shines when you stop asking for answers and start asking for help thinking. Instead of returning a single response, it can help surface gaps, angles and questions you might not have considered.

Try prompts like:

• "What questions should I be asking about this?"
• "What's missing from this discussion?"

This simple shift turns Perplexity from an answer engine into an idea generator. It is especially useful for research, planning and early-stage thinking when you do not yet know what you do not know.## 10. Ask it to show its uncertainty

Chatbots are not always accurate. We know that by now. What makes Perplexity different is how easy it makes fact-checking part of the process. One of the smartest ways to use it is to ask where the limits are instead of assuming the answer is complete.

Try prompts like:

• "Where is the evidence weak?"
• "What isn't well established yet?"

Perplexity is surprisingly good at flagging gaps, open questions and areas where the data simply is not there. That is something many AI tools gloss over in favour of confident-sounding answers. In a region where AI information can be fragmented across languages, markets and regulatory environments, knowing what is uncertain is just as valuable as knowing what is confirmed.## Final thoughts

After spending real time with Perplexity, I have realised it is far more than just an AI search engine. It is a full research tool hiding in plain sight.

If you are only using it for quick answers, you are barely scratching the surface. Once you start leaning on features like citations, source comparisons, timelines, model selection and context-aware follow-ups, Perplexity suddenly feels like a genuine AI assistant that thinks alongside you in real time.

Used intentionally, it goes far beyond traditional search. To the point where it genuinely feels hard to replace.

Have you tried any of these Perplexity features? Or is there one I missed that deserves a spot on this list? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.