How to Use Perplexity AI as an AI Companion in Your Browser

Key takeaways:

• You can make Perplexity AI act like a browser companion using a Chrome extension.
• It works on most Chromium browsers, not just Chrome.
• The AI can’t see your current page, but you can copy-paste info for help.

Ever wanted an AI companion right in your browser, ready to answer questions while you work or browse? I get it—sometimes you just want that AI sidekick always on standby, like some of those fancy Chrome extensions or built-in browser features. While Perplexity AI doesn’t have an official sidebar or overlay, there’s a simple workaround that gets you pretty close. Here’s how you can set up Perplexity AI as your own research buddy, and what you should expect from this setup.

Setting Up Perplexity AI as a Browser Companion with a Chrome Extension

So, Perplexity AI doesn’t have a native sidebar or pop-out mode for browsers. But you can still use it as an AI companion by using a Chrome extension that opens any webpage in a sidebar. I use the “Page Sidebar” extension, but there are others out there too. This works on any Chromium-based browser—Brave, Microsoft Edge, and a bunch of others.

Just hit the Chrome Web Store, search for “Page Sidebar,” and add it to your browser. Once installed, pin the extension so it’s easy to access. Every time you open a new page, just click the sidebar icon and load up Perplexity AI in there. You can type in the URL or drag and drop it. Now you’ve got Perplexity AI chilling right beside your main browser window, always ready for questions.

If you’re curious about other ways to multitask in your browser, check out how to split your screen on a Chromebook. It’s a neat trick for working with multiple apps or sites side by side.

What This Setup Can and Can’t Do

Let’s be real—this isn’t the same as having a full-blown AI assistant that’s aware of everything you see online. Perplexity AI in the sidebar can’t “see” the page you’re on. If you want it to summarize something or answer a question about a page, you’ll need to copy the link or the text and paste it into the Perplexity prompt.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

If you’re annoyed by Chrome’s default behaviors or want to tweak your browsing, you might also want to change your Chrome default download location or disable page prediction.

Why Use This Method as an AI Companion

Even with these limits, having Perplexity AI in a sidebar is pretty handy. You can:

• Look up quick facts while writing emails or reports.
• Summarize articles by pasting links.
• Rewrite or rephrase content using different AI models.
• Keep your workflow moving without switching tabs all the time.

If you’re someone who likes to keep things efficient, this is a pretty good hack. Plus, since it works in any Chromium browser, you’re not stuck with just Chrome.

Platform Differences: Web vs Mobile App

Heads up: The Perplexity AI web version (even in sidebar mode) is not the same as the mobile app. There’s no voice feature in the web version, while the app on iOS and Android does have it. That’s a bummer if you like talking to your AI, but for most typing and research tasks, the web version is solid.

If you want to make your browser experience even smoother, check out how to make Chrome consume less memory, especially if you’re running multiple tabs and sidebars.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Perplexity AI in the Sidebar

• Pin the extension: Makes it quicker to open the sidebar.
• Copy and paste efficiently: Use keyboard shortcuts to move links or text into Perplexity.
• Try different AI models: Perplexity lets you switch models for different types of answers.
• Share answers: You can copy or share results with friends or coworkers.

Want to keep your browsing private or tweak your Chrome setup? Here’s a guide on how to activate incognito mode.

Limitations and Workarounds

The biggest limit: Perplexity AI in the sidebar doesn’t know what’s on your main tab. If you want it to summarize a news article, you’ll need to copy the link or the text and send it over. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does mean a couple extra clicks.

If you’re looking for more automation or integration, you might want to explore browser extensions that offer more advanced features, but for now, this is the most straightforward way to keep Perplexity AI by your side.

Keeping Your Workflow Smooth

If you’re juggling lots of tabs and tasks, having a sidebar companion like this can really help. It’s not perfect, but it saves time and keeps your research flow steady. For more browser hacks, see how to open a link in a new tab in Chrome or how to manage extensions in Google Chrome.

FAQs

How do I add Perplexity AI as a sidebar in my browser?

Just install the “Page Sidebar” Chrome extension, pin it, and load Perplexity AI in the sidebar.

Does this work on browsers other than Chrome?

Yep, any browser based on Chromium like Brave or Microsoft Edge will work.

Can Perplexity AI see the page I’m browsing?

Nope, it can’t read your current tab. You’ll need to copy-paste links or text for help.

Is there a voice feature on the web version?

No, the voice feature is only on the mobile app, not on the web or sidebar version.

Can I use this setup for multitasking?

Absolutely. It’s great for asking questions, summarizing content, or getting quick info without leaving your main tab.