Perplexity MCP Server

What is Perplexity MCP Server?

The Perplexity MCP Server is a Node.js implementation of Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP) that enables Claude to interact with Perplexity's language models. It provides a secure bridge between Claude and Perplexity AI’s capabilities through tool use.

How to use Perplexity MCP Server?

Install dependencies with npm install, create a .env file with your PERPLEXITY_API_KEY, and build with npm run build. Add the server to Claude Desktop by updating claude_desktop_config.json with the command to run the compiled dist/index.js and the environment variable for the API key.

Key features of Perplexity MCP Server

• Chat completion tool with full message history (perplexity_chat)
• Simple single‑query tool for quick questions (perplexity_ask)
• Supports multiple Llama‑3.1‑Sonar models (small, large, huge)
• Environment‑based API key configuration
• Comprehensive error handling and input validation
• Communicates over stdio transport

Use cases of Perplexity MCP Server

• Enhance Claude with real‑time, online‑enabled Perplexity AI models
• Perform quick fact‑checking or summarization via perplexity_ask
• Build conversational workflows using perplexity_chat with message history
• Integrate Perplexity’s language capabilities into existing Claude‑based applications

FAQ from Perplexity MCP Server

How do I configure the server for Claude Desktop?

Edit claude_desktop_config.json (located at %APPDATA%/Claude/config/ on Windows, ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/config/ on macOS, or ~/.config/Claude/config/ on Linux) and add the server entry with the correct path to dist/index.js and your PERPLEXITY_API_KEY.

What dependencies does it require?

Node.js, the @modelcontextprotocol/sdk (^1.0.3), dotenv (^16.4.7), and isomorphic-fetch (^3.0.0). The server is built with TypeScript.

What transport does the server use?

It communicates via stdio transport, as standard for MCP servers.

How are API keys managed?

The Perplexity API key is read from the PERPLEXITY_API_KEY environment variable, either from the .env file or from the env field in the Claude Desktop configuration.

What should I do if I get authentication errors?

Verify your Perplexity API key is correct in .env or the Claude Desktop config, and check that the key has the required permissions.