Quick facts
“What’s 18% of 2,450?” or “When did the Berlin Wall fall?” Get a cited answer without switching windows.
Perplexity for Mac at a glance
Options
3 ways to use Perplexity on a Mac
| Mac app | Comet browser | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Quick questions from anywhere; Personal Computer | AI help while browsing across tabs | No install, older Macs |
| Get it | perplexity.ai/personal-computer | perplexity.ai/comet | perplexity.ai |
| Shortcut | Both ⌘ keys opens the Command Bar | Built into the browser | Bookmark or pin the tab |
| Works with your files and apps | Yes, with Personal Computer (Pro/Max) | Web pages and tabs | Uploads only |
| Requirement | macOS 15 Sequoia or later | See the Comet download page | Any modern browser |
Install
How to install Perplexity on Mac
Check your macOS version
Click the Apple menu › About This Mac. The new Perplexity Mac app needs macOS 15 Sequoia or later.
- On an older Mac? Use perplexity.ai in Safari or Chrome instead.
Download from Perplexity’s site
Open perplexity.ai/personal-computer on your Mac and click the download button. Only download from perplexity.ai.
- Avoid third-party download sites and “cracked” versions.
Install the app
Open the downloaded file and drag Perplexity into your Applications folder, then open it from Applications or Spotlight.
- If macOS asks whether to open an app from the internet, check it’s from Perplexity and click Open.
Sign in
Sign in with your Perplexity account (Apple, Google or email). Your Library and Spaces sync with your other devices.
- Pro and Max subscribers get Personal Computer.
Remove the old app
If you used the earlier Perplexity Mac app, quit it and move it to the Bin once the new one works. The old app is being discontinued.
- Keep only one Perplexity app to avoid shortcut conflicts.
Command Bar
Ask from anywhere with the Command Bar
Press both Command keys at the same time to open Perplexity over whatever you’re doing.
⌘ left+⌘ right
Research while you write
Ask for sources or a summary while drafting in Pages, Word or Notes.
Follow up
Keep asking in the same thread, then open it in the full app to continue later.
Hands-free
Use voice to ask questions, then read the answer and its sources.
The shortcut not working? Make sure the new app is running and the old Perplexity app is closed, then check permissions below.
Personal Computer: Perplexity that works on your Mac
Included for Pro and Max subscribers. Personal Computer can carry out tasks across folders you connect, native Mac apps and the Comet browser. It runs actions in an isolated sandbox and asks for on-device approval before sensitive steps.
Your filesSearch, read and write files in folders you connect.“Find last month’s invoices and total them”
Notes and MailDraft, organise and summarise across native apps.“Turn today’s notes into an email draft”
MessagesHelp with messages, with your approval before sending.“Draft a reply to Sam about Friday”
Comet browserResearch and act on the web as part of a task.“Compare three laptops and save a table”
VoiceStart tasks by speaking.“Summarise my unread email”
From your iPhoneStart a task remotely; it runs on your Mac.Great on an always-on Mac mini
Stay in control: connect only the folders a task needs, read each approval prompt before tapping Allow, and double-check anything it drafts before it’s sent.
Privacy
Permissions and privacy on macOS
macOS asks before Perplexity can use protected features. Grant only what you’ll use, and review or remove access any time in System Settings › Privacy & Security.
| macOS permission | May be used for | Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone | Voice questions and commands | Only for voice |
| Files and Folders | Reading and writing files you connect | Only for Personal Computer |
| Automation | Working with apps like Notes, Mail and Messages | Only for Personal Computer |
| Accessibility / Input Monitoring | Global shortcut and controlling apps | If prompted for the Command Bar or tasks |
| Notifications | Task updates and finished answers | Optional |
The exact permissions requested depend on the features you use and the app version. Also review your data settings inside Perplexity’s own settings.
Mac setup checklist
Troubleshooting
Perplexity Mac problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Try this |
|---|---|---|
| App won’t install or open | macOS older than 15 | Update to macOS 15 Sequoia or later, or use perplexity.ai in your browser. |
| “App downloaded from the internet” warning | Normal macOS check | If you downloaded it from perplexity.ai, click Open. Never bypass warnings for files from other sites. |
| Both-⌘ shortcut does nothing | App not running, old app conflict or missing permission | Open the app, quit the old Perplexity app, and allow any Accessibility or Input Monitoring prompt. |
| Personal Computer missing | Free plan or signed in to another account | Personal Computer needs Pro or Max; sign in with your subscribed account. |
| Can’t access a folder or app | Permission not granted | Connect the folder in the app and check Files and Folders or Automation in Privacy & Security. |
| Voice not working | Microphone blocked | Allow Perplexity under Privacy & Security › Microphone. |
More help: app installation · Perplexity not working.
FAQ
Perplexity on Mac questions
Is there a Perplexity app for Mac?
Yes. Perplexity has a native Mac app, redesigned in May 2026. Download it from perplexity.ai/personal-computer. It’s free to install; some features, like Personal Computer, need Pro or Max.
What macOS version does Perplexity need?
The new Mac app requires macOS 15 Sequoia or later. On older Macs, use perplexity.ai in your browser.
What is the Perplexity Mac keyboard shortcut?
Press both Command keys at the same time to open the Command Bar from anywhere on your Mac.
What is Personal Computer?
An AI agent built into the Perplexity Mac app that can work with folders you connect, native apps like Messages, Notes and Mail, and the Comet browser. It runs actions in an isolated sandbox and asks for on-device approval on sensitive steps. It’s available to Pro and Max subscribers.
Is it safe to let Perplexity control my Mac?
Personal Computer asks for approval on sensitive steps, but you’re still in charge. Connect only the folders it needs, read what it plans to do before allowing actions like sending messages or emails, and review permissions in System Settings.
Is the Perplexity Mac app on the Mac App Store?
The new app is distributed from Perplexity’s own website. Download it from perplexity.ai to make sure you get the official version.
What happened to the old Perplexity Mac app?
Perplexity replaced it with the new native app in May 2026. The old app stays available for a while but will be discontinued, so switch to the new one.
Should I use the Mac app, Comet or the website?
Use the app for the Command Bar and Personal Computer, Comet if you want an AI browser that works across your tabs, and the website if you’re on an older Mac or don’t want to install anything.
Sources
- Perplexity: Personal Computer for Mac
- 9to5Mac: Perplexity’s all-new native Mac experience (May 2026)
Other platforms
Get the app
Download Perplexity for Mac
Free from perplexity.ai. Requires macOS 15 Sequoia or later. Then press both Command keys and ask.