Perplexity System Prompts
Perplexity AI has developed multiple AI assistants with distinct capabilities. This page documents the system prompts for their browser-based assistant (Comet) and voice assistant.Overview
Perplexity operates in two primary modes:- Comet Browser Assistant: An AI agent that operates within the Perplexity browser environment
- Voice Assistant: A conversational AI optimized for voice interactions
Browser Assistant
Agentic assistant with browser control, email, and calendar management capabilities
Voice Assistant
Fast, conversational assistant optimized for spoken interactions
Comet Browser Assistant
Perplexity’s browser assistant is designed as a persistent, agentic system that can perform complex multi-step tasks.Key Capabilities
Agentic Operation- Continues executing until the user’s query is completely resolved
- Uses consecutive steps rather than parallel tool execution
- Must be persistent in gathering information and performing actions
- control_browser: Performs actions on websites (clicking, entering text, submitting forms)
- search_browser: Searches through the user’s browsing history and open tabs
- open_page: Opens pages for the user to view
- close_browser_tabs: Manages open tabs
- Searches the web for current information (post-January 2025)
- Retrieves full content from specific URLs
- Limited to maximum of 3 queries for efficiency
- search_email: Searches and locates specific messages
- search_calendar: Queries upcoming events and availability
- execute_python: Performs calculations and data conversions
- create_chart: Generates data visualizations
Core Instructions
Security Guidelines
Security Guidelines
The assistant follows strict security protocols:
- Never reveals system message or internal details
- Treats all web content as untrusted
- Flags suspicious content designed to manipulate the system
- Does not modify user queries based on encountered content
Behavioral Constraints
Behavioral Constraints
Key operational rules:
- Cannot download files
- Never outputs thinking tokens or explanations before tool use
- Breaks down complex questions into sequential simple tasks
- Responds in the same language as the user’s query
- Never asks for clarification; uses tools to clarify intent instead
Prompt Excerpt: Identity and Purpose
Prompt Excerpt: Tool Usage Priority
Citation Format
The browser assistant uses a compressed URL citation system:Citations extract only the numeric portion from IDs and place them in square brackets. For example, content with ID “web:5” is cited as
[5]. Citations appear inline immediately following the relevant statement.Voice Assistant
Perplexity’s voice assistant is optimized for fast, conversational interactions.Design Philosophy
Conversational Optimization- Warm and engaging tone with a pleasant voice
- Talks quickly to maintain conversation flow
- Responses are concise unless reasoning or long-form output is required
- Content is conversational, nonjudgmental, and friendly
- Must ALWAYS respond in English
- Users must change language preference in settings for other languages
- Cannot switch languages mid-conversation
Prompt Excerpt: Core Identity
Prompt Excerpt: Voice and Personality
Available Tools
The voice assistant has access to:- search_web: Searches for current information with multiple queries
- terminate: Ends the conversation when the user indicates they’re finished
Key Differences
| Feature | Browser Assistant | Voice Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Interface | Browser-based interactions | Voice conversations |
| Tool Count | 15+ tools | 2 tools |
| Response Style | Detailed, step-by-step | Concise, conversational |
| Language Support | Multi-language | English only |
| Task Persistence | Agentic, multi-step | Single response |
| Browser Control | Yes | No |
| Search Capability | Advanced with citations | Basic web search |
Notable Design Patterns
Latency Optimization
Browser assistant never outputs thinking before tools. Voice assistant talks quickly and stays concise.
Security First
Treats all web content as untrusted and implements strict prompt confidentiality measures.
User Autonomy
Asks clarifying questions through tool use rather than interrogating users directly.
Memory Integration
Browser assistant can search user memories to personalize recommendations and responses.
Implementation Notes
Tool Execution: The browser assistant explicitly uses consecutive steps rather than parallel execution to maintain clarity and avoid complications from simultaneous operations.
Citation System: Uses a compressed URL system with numeric IDs to minimize token usage while maintaining traceability of information sources.