How to Stop Perplexity from Creating Paste.txt File

Key takeaways:

• Perplexity creates paste.txt when you paste a large block of text.
• Two main fixes: a Chrome extension or a manual workaround.
• The manual method is more reliable right now.

Ever tried to paste a long transcript or document into Perplexity AI, only to get hit with that annoying paste.txt file? Yeah, it’s a pain, especially if you work with big prompts or transcripts. You’re not alone—this has bugged a lot of users, and Perplexity hasn’t fixed it yet. But don’t worry, I’ve got a couple of ways to dodge this problem, and I’ll break them down for you.

Why Perplexity Keeps Creating Paste.txt with Big Prompts

So here’s the deal: when you paste a lot of text into Perplexity, it automatically turns your input into a document file called paste.txt. This is supposed to help manage big chunks of data, but honestly, it just gets in the way for most people who want to work directly with their text.

This happens every time you try to paste something long—like a video transcript, a report, or a big chunk of code. If you’re like me and you use Perplexity for summarizing or analyzing large files, this default behavior slows you down.

Two Ways to Stop Perplexity from Making Paste.txt

Let’s get right to the solutions. There are two main ways to handle this:

Using a Chrome Extension: Complexity

There’s a Chrome extension called Complexity that a lot of Perplexity users swear by. It adds a bunch of features, including a module to stop file creation when you paste text.

• Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for Complexity.
• Install the extension.
• Open the dashboard (from the welcome page or the extension menu).
• Look for the module called prevent file creation on paste and enable it.

After you turn that on, refresh your Perplexity tab. The extension should block the paste.txt file from being created when you paste large text.

But here’s the catch: Perplexity updates its interface a lot, and sometimes the extension stops working until the developer updates it. If you notice the extension isn’t blocking paste.txt anymore, you’re not alone. This is a common issue, and it’s why I don’t rely on this method.

Manual Workaround: Edit Query Trick (No Extension Needed)

This is the method I use, and it’s way more reliable. Here’s how you do it:

1. Start a new prompt in Perplexity—just type something short like “thanks” or “summarize this.”
2. Send the prompt first (even if it’s just a single word).
3. After sending, click the edit query button.
4. Now paste your long text into the prompt area.
5. Hit enter to send.

Now, Perplexity will process your big chunk of text without creating a separate paste.txt file. You can edit the prompt, add more text, or tweak your question as needed. This trick works for follow-ups too—just edit your last prompt and paste in your new content.

If you want more tips on managing files and text, check out how to copy and paste text in Putty SSH client terminal or how to convert PDF to Word without additional software.

What If Perplexity Changes Again?

Honestly, Perplexity’s UI changes a lot, so any extension or workaround might break in the future. If the manual edit query trick stops working, keep an eye out for updates from the Complexity extension or check Perplexity’s support channels for new fixes.

Quick Table: Extension vs. Manual Method

Why This Matters for Heavy Users

If you’re working with big files, transcripts, or need to summarize lots of data, having Perplexity turn everything into a paste.txt file is just extra hassle. The manual method keeps your workflow smooth and lets you edit on the fly.

You might also want to merge multiple pages with extensions or extract certain pages from PDF if you’re juggling lots of documents.

FAQs

How do I stop Perplexity from making paste.txt when pasting text?

Use the manual edit query method: send a short prompt first, then edit and paste your big text. No file gets created.

Does the Complexity Chrome extension always work?

Not always. If Perplexity updates its UI, the extension might break until it’s updated.

Can I use this trick for follow-up prompts?

Yes! Just edit your last prompt and paste in your new content.

Why does Perplexity make paste.txt in the first place?

It’s meant to handle large inputs as files, but it’s not helpful for everyone.

What if both methods stop working?

Keep an eye on Perplexity’s updates or look for new extensions or workarounds from the community.

Hope this helps you keep your workflow clean and free from those random paste.txt files! If you need more file tips, check out how to convert Word to JPEG or how to merge PDF files. 🚀