How to Use Perplexity AI Spaces

Key takeaways:

• Spaces work like folders for organizing your chats
• You can set custom AI models and instructions for each space
• Threads added outside a space won’t follow the space’s custom rules

Ever feel like your Perplexity AI chats are all over the place? I used to have the same problem—random threads, mixed topics, and no real order. But then I found Spaces, and now everything’s sorted and easy to find. Stick around, I’ll show you how to set up and use Perplexity AI Spaces so your chats stay clean and organized, and you can even give each space its own vibe.

Spaces in Perplexity AI are basically your chat folders

So, here’s the deal: Spaces are just folders for your conversations. You hit the Spaces menu, and you’ll see any spaces you’ve already made. Want to make a new one? Just click Create a Space. Give it a name (like “Guide” or “Work Stuff”), pick an emoji for some personality (no profile pics yet, but the emoji does the trick), and you’re halfway there.

You can add a description if you want, but it’s just for you—Perplexity won’t send that info to the AI. Skip it or fill it in, totally up to you.

Custom AI models and instructions for every space

Here’s where it gets cool. Each space can use a different AI model. My default is Sonar, but I can switch it up for a space—like picking Gemini 2.0 Flash just for that folder. Every thread you start inside that space will use the model you picked, not the global default.

You also get a custom instruction for each space. Think of it like telling the AI how you want it to act in that folder. For example, you can set it to always answer in a step-by-step style. That way, every time you ask something in that space, you’ll get a clear, structured response—no rambling paragraphs.

Adding files and links to your space

Once your space is set up, you can upload files right into it. Got a document you want the AI to read? Drop it in. Need the AI to check out a website? Add the link. This is handy if you’re working on a project and want all your resources in one place.

If you’re into organizing files, you might want to see how to create a new folder in Google Drive for even more control over your digital stuff.

Starting threads inside and outside a space

When you start a new thread inside a space, it follows the custom model and instructions you set up. For example, if your space is set to answer everything step-by-step, even a vague question like “my monitor won’t turn on” will get a numbered troubleshooting list.

But if you start a thread somewhere else and then move it into a space, it won’t follow the space’s custom instruction. It’s more like bookmarking that thread in the folder for easy access, but it keeps its original settings.

If you’re curious about organizing bookmarks or files, check out how to open file folder with one click.

Spaces are all about keeping your AI chats organized

Honestly, Spaces are a lifesaver for anyone who uses Perplexity AI a lot. You can separate work, personal, and hobby chats, and each folder can have its own AI personality. It’s like having a bunch of mini-AIs, each with their own job.

And if you’re a file hoarder like me, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to keep docs, links, and threads all in one spot. If you want to move files between devices, here’s how to transfer files from phone to computer without USB.

How to actually use Spaces, step by step

1. Open the Spaces menu in Perplexity AI.
2. Click Create a Space.
3. Name your space and pick an emoji.
4. Add a description if you want.
5. Choose the AI model for this space.
6. Set a custom instruction (like “always answer step by step”).
7. Click Continue to create it.
8. Upload files or add links if you need.
9. Start new threads inside the space for them to follow your settings.

And that’s it. You’re set up. If you want to keep your other apps organized too, you might want to make a desktop shortcut for quick access.

What to expect with custom instructions

Let’s say you set your space to always give step-by-step answers. Even if your question is open-ended, the AI will break it down into steps. So, you ask, “How do I fix my computer monitor?” and you get:

• Step 1: Check the power cable
• Step 2: Make sure the monitor is turned on
• Step 3: Test with a different device
• And so on…

If you move a thread into the space later, it won’t follow this rule—it’ll just be stored in the folder.

Spaces are like folders and bookmarks rolled into one

You can assign threads to spaces even after creating them, but those threads keep their original settings. So, if you want the custom instruction to apply, always start the thread inside the space.

If you’re looking to organize even more, see how to create new boards to organize work in Miro.

Wrapping up

Perplexity AI Spaces are simple but super useful for anyone juggling lots of chats or projects. You get folders, custom AI models, and instructions—all in one spot. Give it a try, and your AI life will be way less messy. 😎

FAQs

How do I create a new space in Perplexity AI?

Open the Spaces menu, click Create a Space, name it, pick an emoji, set your model and instruction, and you’re done.

Can I upload files to a space?

Yep, you can upload documents or add links so the AI can read or use them in that space.

Do threads always follow the space’s custom instruction?

Only if you start the thread inside the space. Threads added later won’t follow the space’s custom rules.

Can I use different AI models in different spaces?

Absolutely. Each space can have its own model, so you can mix and match as needed.

What’s the point of the emoji in a space?

It’s just for fun and makes it easier to spot your spaces at a glance. No profile pics yet, but emojis keep things personal.