Praveen S S

Last Update : May 31, 2025

How to Use Perplexity Labs AI: Research Tools, Projects & API Guide

Perplexity Labs, a division of Perplexity AI, is designed to empower developers, researchers, and innovators by offering a space to experiment with advanced large language models (LLMs). While the core Perplexity AI platform focuses on delivering accurate, curated answers, Lab Perplexity AI functions more like a creative workshop—ideal for testing prompts, comparing models, and building customized AI applications using the Perplexity API.

This guide covers the essentials of Perplexity Labs, highlighting its core features and how it drives innovation across various industries. It also explores the benefits of Perplexity Pro and answers key questions about access, functionality, and model availability.

Getting Started with Perplexity Labs

• Visit Perplexity Labs: Go to Perplexity Labs Website
• Explore the Interface: You'll see a simple layout where you can select a model and enter prompts.

What is Perplexity Labs?

Perplexity Labs is a development-focused space within the Perplexity AI ecosystem, crafted for anyone who wants to explore how powerful LLMs can be in real-world applications. Whether you're experimenting with prompt structure, evaluating model responses, or integrating AI into your own products, Lab Perplexity AI provides a flexible and intuitive environment to get started.

From software development and academic research to content generation and creative work, Perplexity Labs supports a variety of AI use cases—including natural language processing, translation, document summarization, and even multimodal tasks like image analysis.

Key Features of Perplexity Labs

• Wide Model Selection
  Users can choose from a curated set of models, each designed for specific types of tasks—from creative writing to code generation and image interpretation.

• Perplexity API Access
  Developers can integrate these models directly into their apps or tools through the Perplexity API, enabling the creation of intelligent, custom workflows.

• Simple, Interactive Interface
  A clean and user-friendly layout lets you input prompts, switch between models, and evaluate outputs side-by-side for better comparison and learning.

• File Upload Functionality
  Upload documents to enrich your queries, perfect for conducting detailed analysis or exploring document-level tasks.

• Free and Pro Access Options
  Free users can explore with daily query limits, while Perplexity Pro subscribers ($20/month) unlock unlimited queries and premium access to models like GPT-4o and Claude 3.7 Sonnet.

How to Use Perplexity Labs for AI Research

Perplexity Labs is purpose-built for experimentation and scientific research. Here’s how researchers and data professionals can use it effectively:

• Run hypothesis-driven prompt tests
• Compare model responses side by side
• Analyze document sets by uploading files
• Generate summaries, citations, and research briefs
• Visualize data using model-generated charts or summaries

These features make it a valuable assistant for academic papers, technical research, and even deep-dive industry studies.

Top Perplexity Labs Projects You Can Try

Explore popular and community-led projects built using Perplexity Labs:

• VRAM Usage Dashboards: Monitor and visualize model memory usage. Explore prompts that help track resource consumption for different models.

• Mini-Games (e.g., Snake): Prototype simple games with LLM logic. Try prompting for the basic rules and logic of a game.

  • How to Try: "Give me the basic logic for a text-based Snake game in Python."

• Financial Market Trackers: Build dashboards with real-time data (requires API integration). Experiment with prompts to fetch and display market information.

• Neural Network Simulators: Test model behavior visually (often involves more complex prompting or API use).

• AI Video Generators: Use prompts to script and storyboard videos.

  • How to Try: "Write a short script for a 30-second advertisement for a new coffee brand."

• Mini F1 Race Simulator: Simulate Formula 1 races for fun or analysis. Prompt for race outcomes based on driver and car stats.

• Longevity Research Dashboard: Track and visualize longevity-related data (may require specific data sources).

• Custom Mini Apps from iOS: Build simple, functional apps via the Perplexity iOS app (this might have its own specific workflow within the iOS app).

• Financial Researcher/Analyst Tools: Create financial models, reports, or market insights using uploaded data or API calls.

These examples showcase how Labs isn’t just a playground—it’s a functional development and innovation hub.

Step-by-Step API Usage Guide for Perplexity AI

For developers, here’s how to start using the Perplexity API:

• Sign up and access your API key (via Pro account)
• Choose your model: Sonar, Claude, Codellama, etc.
• Make API calls using standard REST/JSON protocols
• Use sample scripts (Python, JS) to build and test
• Integrate into your app or workflow as needed

The API supports prompt chaining, contextual queries, and model switching, giving developers full control over AI behavior.

Perplexity Labs Use Case Examples

Here are some practical ways you can use Perplexity Labs:

• AI Research:

  • How to Use: Formulate hypothesis-driven prompts to test model understanding. Upload research papers to generate summaries or identify key arguments.
  • Example Prompt: "Summarize the main findings of this research paper I've uploaded."

• Software Development:

  • How to Use: Use Codellama to generate code snippets, debug, or explain code.
  • Example Prompt: "Write a Python function that sorts a list of numbers."

• Content Generation:

  • How to Use: Leverage models like Claude-3-Haiku for creative writing, brainstorming ideas, or drafting content.
  • Example Prompt: "Write a short story about a robot who wants to be a painter."

• Financial Analysis:

  • How to Use: Analyze financial reports (upload files), ask for trend analysis, or compare company performance.
  • Example Prompt: "Based on this financial report, what are the key growth areas for the company?"

What Makes Perplexity Labs Stand Out?

Perplexity Labs isn’t just another AI sandbox—it’s a powerhouse for exploration, experimentation, and innovation. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Versatile Use Cases: From building VRAM usage dashboards for AI models to simulating neural networks or even developing mini-games like Snake, Perplexity Labs empowers users to prototype and build creatively.
• Advanced Research Capabilities: Known for producing thesis-level outputs, Labs can analyze trends—such as WWDC price momentum—or aggregate insights from over 50 sources in minutes. It supports deep dives into technical, economic, and market-focused topics.
• Visual and Interactive Outputs: Users can generate sector heatmaps, benchmark comparisons (e.g., GPT-4o vs. DeepSeek R1), and rich visualizations with inline images. This makes research more digestible and presentation-ready.
• Agentic AI System: Described as a forward-thinking "agentic" system, Perplexity Labs handles complex, multi-step prompts. Some tasks take only 5–10 minutes and are even showcased live on its platform.
• Fast and Mobile-Friendly: Whether it's generating code or building games, users report fast results—even on mobile. Features like the Dynamic Island UI enhance accessibility and usability.
• Finance and Analytics Applications: The platform can transform into a financial analyst or hedge fund researcher, enabling users to explore market strategies, simulate trading logic, or build custom dashboards tailored to personal data and alerts.
• Creative and Viral Potential: With support for video strategy generation and content creation, it’s also a tool for creators. Community projects are often highlighted in a public gallery, celebrating user ingenuity.
• Research Tool by Design: As CEO Aravind Srinivas clarifies, Perplexity Labs is intended for research, not trading advice—making it a trusted space for in-depth investigation, not speculation.
• Early Access and Expanding Potential: Initially launched to select testers (e.g., IIT Madras students), it’s now open to a wider audience. The long-term vision includes custom dashboards linked to real-time personal insights and proactive notifications.

Who Use Perplexity Labs?

Perplexity Labs is purpose-built for the following user groups:

• Developers
  Build smart applications using multiple AI models and integrate them easily via the Perplexity API.

• Researchers
  Run experiments, test hypotheses, and explore model behaviors for scientific, technical, or academic insights.

• Innovators & Startups
  Quickly prototype new tools—such as chatbots, productivity tools, or creative generators—in a low-barrier environment.

Perplexity Labs vs. Perplexity AI

What Models Are Available on Perplexity Labs?

Perplexity Labs offers a diverse set of LLMs suited for a variety of tasks:

• Sonar – Optimized for smooth, human-like conversation.
• Claude-3-haiku – Great for reasoning, creative tasks, and summarization.
• Codellama – Tailored for developers working on code-related queries and tasks.
• Llava – Supports multimodal interactions, including image-based prompts.

Each model brings unique strengths to different types of tasks, helping users find the right fit for their needs—whether that's building apps, writing content, analyzing visuals, or testing NLP workflows.

How to Get Started

• Visit Perplexity Labs
• Select a model based on your use case
• Enter a prompt and begin experimenting
• Developers can access full API documentation to start integrating models into their workflows
• Choose between free usage (limited queries) or upgrade to Perplexity Pro for full access to all features and models

Discover the Power of Perplexity Labs

Take advantage of Perplexity Labs’ advanced AI models to experiment, create, and innovate. Whether you're developing new applications or researching large language models, Perplexity AI provides the flexibility and tools to bring your ideas to life. Upgrade to Perplexity Pro for enhanced access and unlimited queries.

Start exploring Perplexity Labs today and push the boundaries of AI innovation!

Stay Updated on Perplexity AI

Want to know when new models, features, or improvements launch? Visit Perplexity on Toolkitly’s Tool Update Central to get the latest updates, version rollouts, and exclusive insights about Perplexity Labs and its evolving AI offerings.