This guide explains how to connect the Perplexity desktop app to your Ardoq MCP server, allowing Perplexity to interact with your Ardoq data through natural conversation.
Prerequisites
Node.js v18 or higher
If you don’t already have Node.js installed:
Go to nodejs.org/en/download
Download the LTS version for your operating system
Follow the installation instructions
To confirm the installation, open a terminal and run:
node --version
You should see a version number like v18.17.1.
1. Install Perplexity for macOS
Download and install the Perplexity desktop app for macOS.
Go to perplexity.ai
Sign in to your account
Click Install in the bottom left corner (visible after signing in)
Follow the installation instructions and sign in with your Perplexity account.
2. Enable Local MCP Support
Open Perplexity and go to Settings → Connectors.
Before adding MCP Connectors, install the PerplexityXPC Helper when prompted.
This helper enables Perplexity to securely connect to local MCP servers.
After the helper is installed and connected, return to Connectors and click Add Connector.
3. Add the Ardoq MCP Connector
In the Add Connector window, open the Simple tab, and select Standard I/O in the dropdown.
Chose a Server Name, for example:
ardoq-mcpEnter the following Command:
npx mcp-remote https://<your-org>.ardoq.com/mcp/ --header "Authorization: Bearer <your-token>"
Copy the command exactly as shown above, but replace:
<your-org>with your Ardoq organization hostname.<your-token>with your Ardoq API token.
Click Save.
Wait for the status indicator to show Running next to your new connector.
If the server does not start, confirm that Node.js is installed and the npx command is available. Also make sure your Ardoq API token is correct
4. Activate the Connector
Go back to the Perplexity home screen.
In the chat window, click on Sources (small globe icon)
Verify that ardoq-mcp is toggled ON.
This enables Perplexity to use your Ardoq MCP server when answering questions. It should be toggled on by default.
5. Test the Integration
In the chat, try prompting:
Please show me the reports I have in Ardoq
Click Allow
If everything is configured correctly, Perplexity will query your Ardoq instance through the MCP connection and return live data.
You can also try:
Can you give me more information about <report name>
Perplexity will then retrieve detailed information about that specific report from your Ardoq workspace.
You’re All Set!
Your Perplexity app is now connected to the Ardoq MCP server. You can explore reports, fetch insights, and generate summaries — all directly through Perplexity’s chat interface.