The Perplexity application for macOS improves user interaction by providing a keyboard shortcut for instant access to a search prompt. Recently, it has incorporated support for MCP, or Model Context Protocol, introduced by Anthropic, which is gaining traction as a standard interface for AI systems. MCP is designed to create a universal pathway for AI assistants to interface with different APIs and data sources, akin to how HTTP operates for the internet.
With the incorporation of MCP support, users can leverage the Perplexity application to interact with common applications like Apple Notes, reminders, and Google Drive files. Nevertheless, to activate this capability, users must install the Perplexity Helper App due to the sandboxing limitations of Mac App Store applications.
To configure MCP with Perplexity, execute the following steps:
1. Access account settings and go to **Connectors**.
2. Install the PerplexityXPC helper application to establish secure connections to local MCP servers.
3. Once installation is complete, go back to the Connectors settings and select **Add Connector**.
4. On the **Add Connector** page, enter an MCP Connector under the **Simple** tab:
– Designate a name for the “Server Name” (e.g., `MCP for AppleScript`).
– Input the command to run the MCP server, which can be located in the README of the MCP server.
5. Click **Save** and verify that the MCP server displays a **Running** status in the Connectors list.
6. Activate your MCP under **Sources** on the Perplexity homepage.
7. Validate the MCP server by executing a command in Perplexity that references it, such as “check my mac calendar”.
Perplexity has also published tutorial videos showing how to add connectors and use MCP integration. Users are encouraged to investigate different integrations but should proceed with caution when engaging with open-source projects, making sure they comprehend the ramifications of granting access to their data.
For those utilizing MCP servers, sharing preferred integrations in community discussions can be advantageous.
