How to Create Perplexity API Chatbot Using Perplexity AI

Key takeaways:

• You can use your Perplexity API credits to build a custom chatbot.
• The chatbot is more customizable than the web interface.
• No dev skills needed—just copy, paste, and tweak.

So you’re paying for Perplexity Pro but those $5 API credits are just sitting there? You’re missing out. With the Perplexity API, you can build your own chatbot, tweak how it responds, and pick the model you want. It’s way more flexible than the regular site. Here’s how to get it working, step by step, even if you don’t code.

Why Use the Perplexity API Instead of Just the Website?

The Perplexity web interface is cool, but the API lets you do more. You can:

• Change the temperature for more creative or focused answers.
• Set the max tokens for shorter or longer replies.
• Choose your model (like Sonar or Claude).
• Build your own UI and features.

If you’ve ever wanted a chatbot that feels like yours, this is it. And you don’t need to be a developer—just follow along.

Getting Your API Key from Perplexity

First, you need your API key. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Perplexity account.
2. Go to Settings and find the API section.
3. If you haven’t already, hit Generate to get your key. Copy it somewhere safe.

You get $5 in free credits if you’re on Pro. That’s enough for a bunch of queries.

Using Perplexity to Write the Chatbot Code for You

Here’s where it gets fun. You can actually use Perplexity itself to write the code for your chatbot. Just start a new thread and give it this prompt (copy from the video or comments):

“Write a simple HTML + JavaScript chatbot that connects to the Perplexity API. It should let me enter my API key, pick a model, set the temperature, and send messages. Show the conversation in the browser.”

Send the prompt. Perplexity will spit out the code you need. If you want better code, switch to a different model like Claude 3 for the response.

Previewing and Editing Your Chatbot

Once you’ve got the code, you can preview it before making it live:

• Go to a site like htmledit.squarefree.com.
• Paste your code in to see how it looks.
• Want to tweak the colors or add features? Just ask Perplexity to modify the code for you.

Saving and Running Your Chatbot Locally

Now, let’s make it real:

1. Open Notepad or any text editor.
2. Paste the code from Perplexity.
3. Save it as index.html.

• If you’re on Windows, you might need to enable file extensions first. Rename from .txt to .html.

1. Drag and drop the file into your browser.

You’ll see your chatbot UI. It’s not functional yet—you need to plug in your API key.

Plugging in Your API Key and Testing

Paste your API key into the chatbot. You can also set the system prompt or pick the model right in the UI. Try sending a message like “Hi, how are you?” and see what comes back. If you get a response, congrats—you’re talking to the Perplexity API!

Customizing Your Chatbot

You can modify the system prompt, temperature, or model. If you want extra features (like saving chat history or changing the layout), just ask Perplexity to update the code. You can even add a domain filter or other advanced settings by checking the Perplexity API documentation.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Stick with the regular Sonar model if you want to save credits.
• Don’t share your API key with anyone.
• If you run out of credits, you can buy more or wait for your next monthly refill.

If you’re new to coding, this is a great way to get started. Just copy, paste, and play around. If you want to learn more about coding basics, check out this guide on how to write and generate code using AI chatbot. 💡

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• If your file opens as text, make sure it’s saved as .html, not .txt.
• If you get errors from the API, double-check your key and model selection.
• For browser issues, try a different browser or clear your cache.

If you ever need to transfer your chatbot to another device, you can use a USB stick. Here’s a quick guide on how to transfer files from computer to USB stick.

Adding More Features

Want to make your chatbot stand out? You could:

• Add a dark mode toggle.
• Let users upload files or images.
• Save previous conversations to a file (see how to save text messages for later use).
• Connect it to other APIs for more info.

Keeping Your API Key Safe

Your API key is like a password. Don’t put it in public code or share it online. If you think it’s leaked, go to Perplexity settings and generate a new one.

Wrapping Up

Building a chatbot with the Perplexity API is easy—no coding background needed. You get more control, more features, and a fun way to use your Pro credits. If you’re curious about other AI APIs, check out this article on how to utilize the ChatGPT conversational AI API.

Now go build something cool! 🚀

FAQs

How do I get my Perplexity API key?

Go to your Perplexity account settings, find the API section, and hit generate. Copy the key and keep it private.

Can I use the chatbot without coding skills?

Yes! Just copy the code from Perplexity, paste it into a text editor, save as .html, and open in your browser.

What models can I use with the API?

You can pick from models like Sonar or Claude. Some models cost more credits, so check before using.

How do I keep my API key secure?

Never share your key online or in public code. If you think it’s leaked, generate a new one in settings.

What if I want to transfer my chatbot to another computer?

Save your .html file to a USB stick. Here’s a guide on how to transfer big files to USB stick.