Getting Started with Comet Browser

Welcome to Comet Browser! This guide will help you get started in just 5 minutes.

What is Comet Browser?

Comet Browser is the first web browser with native AI integration, developed by Perplexity AI. Launched in July 2025 and made free in October 2025, it combines traditional browsing with powerful AI capabilities.

Key Features

• AI Assistant Built-In: Powered by Perplexity AI with access to GPT-4, Claude 3.5, and other models
• Smart Summarization: Instantly summarize web pages, YouTube videos, and PDFs
• Multi-Tab Comparison: AI-powered comparison of content across multiple tabs
• Voice Mode: Activate AI assistant with Shift + Alt + V
• Chrome Extension Compatible: Works with most Chrome extensions

System Requirements

Mac

• macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later
• Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) or Intel processors
• Minimum 4GB RAM

Windows

• Windows 10 or later
• 64-bit processor
• Minimum 4GB RAM

Note: Linux support is coming soon. iOS and Android versions are planned for 2025.

Download & Installation

Step 1: Download Comet Browser

1. Visit the official download page
2. Click “Download for Mac” or “Download for Windows”
3. The installer will download automatically (approx. 200MB)

Step 2: Install on Mac

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file
2. Drag Comet icon to Applications folder
3. Open Applications and right-click Comet
4. Select “Open” (first time only)
5. Click “Open” in the security dialog

Security Note: You may need to go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click “Open Anyway”.

Step 3: Install on Windows

1. Run the downloaded .exe installer
2. Follow the installation wizard
3. Choose installation location (default recommended)
4. Launch Comet Browser from Start menu or desktop shortcut

First Launch Setup

Sign In or Create Account

When you first launch Comet, you’ll see a welcome screen:

1. Sign in with Google: Fastest option (one-click)
2. Sign in with Email: Use any email address
3. Continue as Guest: Limited features

For Free Pro: Must sign in with a NEW account to qualify for the 1-month free Perplexity Pro subscription.

Import Your Data

Comet can import from Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox:

• ✅ Bookmarks
• ✅ Passwords (encrypted)
• ✅ Browsing history
• ✅ Extensions (Chrome-compatible)
• ✅ Settings

Select your browser and click “Import Now”.

Choose Default Search Engine

Options available:

• Perplexity (recommended) - AI-enhanced search with direct answers
• Google
• Bing
• DuckDuckGo

You can change this later in Settings → Search.

Understanding the Interface

Browser Layout

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  [←] [→] [⟳]  [Address Bar / AI Search]  [≡]  │  ← Toolbar
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                 │
│              Main Content Area                  │
│                                                 │
│                                                 │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  [AI Assistant Sidebar] ← Toggle open/close    │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Key Interface Elements

1. Smart Address Bar: Type URLs or ask questions directly
2. AI Button: Top-right corner (lightning bolt icon)
3. Assistant Sidebar: Slides in from the right
4. Tab Bar: Enhanced with AI preview on hover
5. Omnibox: Combined search and navigation

Using AI Assistant for the First Time

Method 1: Click the AI Button

1. Click the lightning bolt icon (top-right)
2. The Assistant sidebar opens
3. Type your first question
4. Press Enter

First question activates Free Pro! (for new users)

Method 2: Voice Mode (Recommended)

1. Press Shift + Alt + V (Shift + Option + V on Mac)
2. Start speaking your question
3. AI responds with voice and text
4. Press Shift + Alt + V again to stop

Method 3: Natural Language Commands

Type directly in the address bar:

• “Summarize this page”
• “Compare these 3 tabs”
• “Find flights to Tokyo”
• “Open Gmail”

The browser understands natural language!

Essential Settings to Configure

Privacy Settings

Go to Settings → Privacy:

• Do Not Track: Enable
• Ad Blocking: Built-in (enable recommended)
• Tracking Prevention: Standard/Strict
• Clear on Exit: Choose what to clear

AI Settings

Settings → AI Assistant:

• Default Model: GPT-4, Claude 3.5, or Gemini Pro
• Search Mode: Academic, General, or Focus
• Voice Settings: Choose voice and speed
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize

Appearance

Settings → Appearance:

• Theme: Light (default), Dark, or Auto
• Font Size: Adjust for readability
• Sidebar Position: Left or Right

Quick Tips for New Users

Keyboard Shortcuts to Learn First

• Shift + Alt + V: Voice mode
• Cmd/Ctrl + K: Open command palette
• Cmd/Ctrl + L: Focus address bar
• Cmd/Ctrl + T: New tab
• Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + N: Incognito mode

Full list: Keyboard Shortcuts Guide

Try These Commands

1. “Summarize this article”
2. “What are the main points on this page?”
3. “Compare prices across these tabs”
4. “Find similar articles”
5. “Translate this page to Spanish”

Enable Pro Features

To unlock free Perplexity Pro (new users only):

1. Download Comet via this link
2. Sign in with a NEW account
3. Look for Assistant icon (top-right)
4. Ask your first question
5. Pro activates automatically!

Pro Benefits:

• Access to GPT-4, Claude 3.5, Gemini Pro
• Unlimited AI queries
• Advanced research mode
• Priority support
• $20/month value, FREE for 1 month

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Browser Won’t Open

Mac: Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Click “Open Anyway” Windows: Right-click installer → “Run as Administrator”

Assistant Not Responding

1. Check internet connection
2. Restart Comet Browser
3. Sign out and sign in again
4. Check Settings → AI Assistant → Model Status

Extensions Not Working

• Only Chrome Web Store extensions are compatible
• Install from: chrome.google.com/webstore
• Some extensions may need permission updates

Slow Performance

1. Clear cache: Settings → Privacy → Clear Browsing Data
2. Disable unused extensions
3. Close unused tabs (or use Tab Groups)
4. Update to latest version

Next Steps

Now that you’re set up, explore these guides:

• AI Assistant Complete Guide - Master all AI features
• Keyboard Shortcuts - Boost your productivity
• Content Summarization - Save reading time
• Multi-Tab Comparison - Compare anything with AI

Get Help

• Help Center: Browse all guides
• Community: Reddit r/perplexity_ai
• Official Docs: Perplexity Help Center

Last Updated: October 24, 2025
Comet Version: Latest (Free for all users)