tools array, and within a single request the model runs an agentic loop — it reasons, calls a tool, observes the result, and repeats until it can answer.
Three kinds of tools
| Kind | What it is | Where the model runs it |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in tools | Perplexity-hosted capabilities, enabled by type. | Inside the loop; Perplexity runs it and returns results inline. |
| MCP servers | Your own remote MCP server, connected with type: mcp. | Inside the loop; the model calls its tools automatically. |
| Custom functions | Functions you control, declared with a JSON Schema. | Paused back to you; you run the call and return the result. |
Built-in tools
Enable each by itstype. Every tool has its own reference page for full settings, response shape, and pricing.
| Tool | type | Use it to |
|---|---|---|
| Web Search | web_search | Search the live web, with domain/date/location filters |
| Sandbox | sandbox | Run code in an isolated container |
| Fetch URL Content | fetch_url | Pull and extract content from specific URLs |
| Finance Search | finance_search | Retrieve structured financial and market data |
| People Search | people_search | Find professionals and people |
Bring your own
MCP servers
Connect a remote MCP server with
type: mcp and let the model call its tools automatically.Custom functions
Declare a
type: function tool with a JSON Schema and run the call on your side.