How to Re-Run a Perplexity Search With Different Sources

When you run a search in Perplexity, the tool automatically selects a set of online sources to build its answer. Sometimes those sources are not what you expected — they may be outdated, from the wrong domain, or too general for your question. You can re-run the same query while changing the source pool without starting over from scratch. This article explains how to adjust the source filters and re-execute a search to get better, more relevant results.

What Source Selection Means in Perplexity

Perplexity uses a large language model combined with real-time web search to generate answers. The model picks sources from the open web by default. When you ask a question, the system searches across thousands of pages and selects the top results to inform its response. This process is automatic, but it does not always match your intent.

The source pool matters because it directly affects answer accuracy. A search about a medical condition using general web pages might return blog posts instead of peer-reviewed journals. A search about a code library might return outdated documentation. Perplexity provides several tools to control which sources the model uses. You can change the focus mode, attach a specific file, or add follow-up instructions that steer the model toward a particular domain.

Focus Mode Options

The focus mode dropdown sits in the search bar area. It contains these options:

• All: Searches the entire web. This is the default mode.
• Academic: Limits sources to peer-reviewed papers, journals, and educational publications. Uses databases like PubMed and arXiv.
• Writing: Uses language model knowledge without real-time web search. Best for creative writing or brainstorming.
• Math: Activates a calculation engine for mathematical problems. Does not use web sources.
• Video: Searches video transcripts, mainly from YouTube.
• Social: Searches social media platforms such as Reddit and Twitter.

Steps to Re-Run a Search With a Different Source Focus

1. Open your original search thread
   Go to the Perplexity home page or your library. Click on the search thread that contains the query you want to re-run. This preserves the conversation history and allows you to continue from where you left off.
2. Copy the original query text
   Select and copy the exact question you typed. Use Ctrl+C on Windows or Cmd+C on Mac. Keeping the same wording ensures you test only the source change, not a different query.
3. Open a new search tab
   Click the plus icon or the new search button in the sidebar. A fresh input field appears.
4. Select the desired focus mode
   Locate the dropdown to the left of the search bar. Click it and choose the mode that matches your source requirement. For example, pick Academic for research papers or Social for Reddit discussions.
5. Paste your query and submit
   Paste the copied question into the search bar using Ctrl+V or Cmd+V. Press Enter or click the search icon. Perplexity runs the same query but retrieves sources only from the selected domain.
6. Compare the answers
   Read the new response and check the source citations at the bottom of each paragraph. The citations now come from the restricted source pool. If the result still does not meet your needs, repeat the process with a different focus mode.

Re-Run With an Attached File or Link

Sometimes you want the model to base its answer on a specific document or webpage. You can attach a file or paste a URL to force the source.

1. Open a new search thread
   Click the new search button.
2. Click the paperclip icon
   This icon sits next to the search bar. It opens a file picker. Supported formats include PDF, TXT, CSV, and DOCX.
3. Select the file or paste a URL
   Choose a file from your computer. Alternatively, paste a full URL into the search bar before typing your question.
4. Type your query and submit
   Enter the same question you used originally. Press Enter. The model now reads the attached file or the content from the URL as the primary source.

Re-Run Using a Follow-Up Question

If you want to keep the original thread but redirect the source pool, use a follow-up question. This method avoids retyping the full query.

1. Stay in the existing thread
   Do not start a new search. The thread keeps the context from previous messages.
2. Type a follow-up that specifies the source
   Write something like “Now find the same information but only from academic journals” or “Show me results from Reddit instead.”
3. Press Enter
   Perplexity interprets your instruction and adjusts the source selection for the follow-up answer. The original query remains visible in the thread history.

If the Source Change Does Not Produce Different Results

Perplexity Ignores the Focus Mode Setting

The focus mode is a request, not a hard filter. In some cases, especially with very broad queries, the model may still pull from general web sources even when Academic or Social is selected. To enforce a stricter filter, add explicit instructions in your query. For example, write “Answer based only on peer-reviewed papers from 2023 or later.”

Attached File Does Not Change the Answer

When you attach a file, the model reads it in addition to web sources, not instead of them. If the web sources contradict the file, the model may blend both. To force the model to rely solely on the attached file, add a phrase like “Ignore all other sources. Base your answer only on the attached document.”

Follow-Up Question Gets Ignored

The model may lose track of long thread context. If a follow-up instruction does not change the source selection, start a new thread with the focus mode set first. Then paste your query. This gives the model a cleaner starting point.

Perplexity Free vs Pro: Source Control Features

Item	Free	Pro
Focus mode options	All, Academic, Writing, Math, Video, Social	Same six modes plus custom source lists
File attachments	Up to 3 files per day, max 25 MB each	Unlimited file uploads, max 100 MB each
Custom source lists	Not available	Create a list of up to 20 domains to restrict searches
Search history retention	7 days	Unlimited

You can now re-run any Perplexity search with a different source pool by using focus modes, file attachments, or follow-up questions. Start with the focus mode dropdown for the quickest change. If you need more control, attach a specific document or URL. Pro subscribers can create custom source lists for repeat searches. This method works for any query type — from academic research to social media trends.