# Perplexity Intelligent MCP Server
An intelligent Perplexity research MCP server for Claude Desktop with automatic model selection, multi-model synthesis, and persistent research history.
## Features
- **Intelligent Model Selection**: Auto-picks the right Perplexity model based on your query
- **Research History**: Saves all research to `~/Documents/Perplexity Research/`
- **Multi-Model Synthesis**: Combines multiple models for comprehensive research
- **Search History**: Search past research to avoid duplicate queries
- **Built-in Citations**: Every response includes sources and references
## Quick Setup
### Prerequisites
- Node.js 18+ ([download](https://nodejs.org/))
- Claude Desktop
- Perplexity API key (get one at [perplexity.ai/settings/api](https://www.perplexity.ai/settings/api))
### Configure Claude Desktop
Open `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json` and add:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity-research": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@familyitguy/perplexity-mcp"],
"env": {
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here"
}
}
}
}
```
Replace `your-api-key-here` with your Perplexity API key.
### Restart Claude Desktop
Quit completely (Cmd+Q) and reopen. You're done!
## Available Tools
### `research`
Intelligent Perplexity search with auto-logging.
```
Use: "Research the current state of AI in healthcare"
```
### `deep_research`
Multi-model synthesis for comprehensive research.
```
Use: "Do a deep research on renewable energy trends"
```
### `search_research`
Search past research for existing findings.
```
Use: "Search my research for React performance"
```
### `list_research_threads`
List all saved research threads.
### `read_research_thread`
Read a specific past research thread.
### `list_models`
Show available Perplexity models and when to use each.
## Models
| Model | Best For |
|-------|----------|
| sonar | Simple factual lookups, current events |
| sonar-pro | Multi-source research, fact-checking |
| sonar-reasoning-pro | Why/how questions, complex analysis (default) |
| sonar-deep-research | Exhaustive research, comprehensive reports |
## Research Storage
All research is automatically saved to:
```
~/Documents/Perplexity Research/
├── topic-name-2025-01-15.md
├── another-topic-2025-01-16.md
└── ...
```
You can browse your research history in Finder anytime.
## Environment Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|----------|-------------|---------|
| `PERPLEXITY_API_KEY` | Your Perplexity API key | Required |
| `PERPLEXITY_RESEARCH_DIR` | Custom research directory | `~/Documents/Perplexity Research/` |
## License
MIT
