How to install perplexity on ubuntu 25.10

Perplexity is an AI-powered search and research tool that combines real-time web results with conversational answers. On Ubuntu 25.10, you can use Perplexity either as a web app or as a desktop-style application using AppImage or a Chromium-based web wrapper.

Step 1: Update the System

Make sure your Ubuntu system is fully up to date:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

The Perplexity desktop wrapper is based on Electron/WebView and needs a few base libraries:

sudo apt install -y wget curl libfuse2

libfuse2 is required if you plan to use the AppImage version.

Step 3: Download Perplexity AI Desktop App

The easiest and most stable Linux build is available on SourceForge.

Move to a temporary directory:

cd /tmp

Download the latest AppImage:

wget https://downloads.sourceforge.net/project/perplexity-ai-desktop-app/Perplexity-AI.AppImage

Step 4: Make the App Executable

Grant execution permission:

chmod +x Perplexity-AI.AppImage

Step 5: Run Perplexity AI

Launch the app directly:

./Perplexity-AI.AppImage

Perplexity AI will open as a standalone desktop application, not inside a browser.

Step 6: Move Perplexity to a Permanent Location (Recommended)

For long-term use, move it to /opt:

sudo mv Perplexity-AI.AppImage /opt/perplexity-ai
sudo chmod +x /opt/perplexity-ai

Run it from anywhere:

/opt/perplexity-ai

Step 7: Create a Desktop Launcher

Create a .desktop file so Perplexity appears in the Applications menu.

nano ~/.local/share/applications/perplexity-ai.desktop

Paste the following:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Perplexity AI
Comment=AI-powered search and research assistant
Exec=/opt/perplexity-ai
Icon=utilities-terminal
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=AI;Utility;

Save and close the file.

Refresh the desktop database:

update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications/

Now Perplexity AI will appear in your app launcher. If you want a lighter alternative, you can install Perplexity as a Progressive Web App (PWA) via Chromium or Chrome — but the AppImage version provides better desktop integration and isolation on Ubuntu 25.10.