bibliottHow to Cite Perplexity in Harvard Cite Them Right 12th
Official Harvard referencing guidance for generative AI, applied to Perplexity (Perplexity AI). Format, in-text citation, and a copy-ready example.
About Perplexity
Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that returns sourced answers with citations. Unlike pure LLMs, Perplexity responses do have a stable shareable URL — making them easier to cite. Most styles still treat it like an AI tool, but you should always also cite the underlying sources Perplexity references.
Harvard format for Perplexity
Perplexity AI (Year) Search query. Available at: URL (Accessed: Day Month Year).
Perplexity AI (2024) What is the latest research on creatine and cognition? Available at: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/abc123 (Accessed: 7 May 2024).
Handling the prompt
Stable URL; cite as digital source.
Information to capture before citing
Perplexity AI is the publisher; the response (or "answer") is the work.
Always include the perplexity.ai/search/... URL — these links are stable.
Cite the underlying sources too — Perplexity exists to find them, not replace them.
Include the date of the search.
Recoverability of Perplexity responses
Perplexity answers have stable URLs and remain retrievable, so they can be cited as digital sources with a URL.
Cite Perplexity in another style
Citing Perplexity — FAQ
Yes. Harvard referencing (Cite Them Right 12th) has explicit guidance for AI-generated content. Treat Perplexity AI as the publisher and Perplexity as the work. Always check whether your instructor or journal accepts AI-generated material as a source — many require disclosure.
Perplexity answers have stable URLs and remain retrievable, so they can be cited as digital sources with a URL.
Stable URL; cite as digital source.
Cite the version you used. Perplexity typically displays the model name (Sonar, Perplexity Pro) in the interface. If the version isn't shown, cite the date of your conversation — that's enough for most styles.
Not when properly disclosed and cited. Most universities now allow AI assistance with attribution; a few require explicit instructor permission. Always check your course or institutional policy before submitting AI-assisted work.