Summarize 5 documents and notes in 7 minutes
Upload PDFs, articles, and your notes to NotebookLM and get a structured summary with citations and source links - no payment and no setup required
- 1.Open NotebookLM and create a new notebook: click Create new in the top-left corner. Any free Google account works.
If the service is unavailable in your region, use a VPN or the mirror domain provided by Google. Do not upload documents containing personal or confidential data of third parties without their consent.
NotebookLM ↗ - 2.Add sources to the Sources panel: click Add → upload a PDF/Google Doc, paste text, or provide a link to a website or YouTube. NotebookLM works only with your sources and does not mix in outside knowledge.
Limit - up to 50 sources per notebook, each up to 500,000 words. The more precise your sources, the more accurate the response.
NotebookLM ↗ - 3.In the chat box at the bottom, paste the ready-made prompt for analysis. Replace the text in square brackets with your topic.
NotebookLM will automatically add numeric citation links pointing to specific parts of the sources - you can click them to jump to the original.
NotebookLM ↗PromptAnalyze these sources and produce a structured summary focused on [your topic or key question]. Output format: 1) Key findings (3-5 bullets). 2) Contradictions or disagreements between sources. 3) Open questions that sources do not answer. Add inline citation numbers for every factual claim.
What this prompt doesThe English prompt asks the model to produce a structured summary: 1) key findings, 2) contradictions between sources, 3) open questions. Every claim should get a citation number. Replace [your topic or key question] with what you are interested in, for example «the impact of remote work on productivity». - 4.Save the response as a note: hover over the model's response → click the Save to note icon. This pins the summary in the right panel so you can edit it.
Notes can be color-coded and linked to each other via Backlinks.
NotebookLM ↗ - 5.If you want a format for listening or retelling - click Audio Overview in the right panel and wait 2 - 4 minutes. The model will create an audio podcast from your sources.
The feature generates output in English, but it understands documents in many languages, including Russian.
NotebookLM ↗
- freeNotebookLMAs of now, NotebookLM is available for free with a Google account sign-in; premium features occasionally appear as part of the Google AI Premium subscription, but basic document analysis, notes, and Audio Overview remain in the free plan.
Why today
AI services change fast - interfaces and free limits may differ from what's described.