Perplexity AI Cheat Sheet

The Perplexity Cheat Sheet: Research Smarter, with Sources You Can Trust

Perplexity doesn’t just answer. It shows its work, with numbered citations for every claim. This two-sided, letter-size quick-reference card teaches you how to ask better questions, get better sources and check the answers yourself, and it’s designed to be laminated so it can sit on your desk for years.

What’s included

• The question formula: five simple parts (Question, Scope, Sources, Time Frame, Format), with a real before-and-after example that turns “best heat pump” into a precise, sourced comparison.
• 10 quick tips: easy habits for better research, including how to choose your sources, set a time frame, stay in one thread and compare options side by side.
• Common mistakes to avoid: six beginner errors, from typing keywords like a search box to skipping the citations, each with a simple fix.
• Follow-up power phrases: ten ways to get the bottom line, find better or more recent sources, hear the other side, check a claim or narrow results to your area.
• Features worth knowing: each with a sample of what to say:
  • Pro Search
  • Deep Research
  • Source filters
  • File uploads
  • Spaces
  • The Comet browser
  • Computer
  • Finance and shopping tools
• 32 ready-to-use prompts: copy-and-fill templates in nine categories:
  • News and quick facts
  • Comparing and buying
  • School and learning
  • Health questions to research
  • Money and business
  • Work research
  • Travel and local
  • Home and everyday life
  • Fact-checking
• Search, Research and Computer explained: when you need a fast sourced answer, when to go deep with a full report, and when to hand off a whole task.
• Accuracy and privacy tips: how to judge source quality, protect your information and supervise AI agents that act for you.

Who it’s for

• Students, teachers and researchers who need sources they can cite.
• Smart shoppers comparing products before they buy.
• Professionals who need quick, reliable briefs on a topic.
• Anyone tired of scrolling through search results and ads to find a straight answer.

What makes it great

• Built for research, not just chat: the question formula and tips are designed for getting accurate, well-sourced answers.
• Fact-checking built in: includes a whole prompt section for checking claims, quotes and viral stories, plus reminders to verify every citation.
• Plain English, no tech jargon: every tip comes with a real example.
• Fill in the blanks: highlighted [brackets] show exactly where your details go.
• Everything at a glance: both sides are packed with practical advice and designed for quick scanning.
• Honest and responsible: it reminds you to weigh sources, consult professionals for big decisions and credit your sources in your own work.