Build a smart knowledge base for your project from any sources in 7 minutes
Upload documents, links, and videos to NotebookLM - and get precise answers with citations for every source
- 1.Open NotebookLM in your browser and sign in with any Google account.
Do not upload documents with sensitive personal data - it is processed on Google's servers.
NotebookLM ↗ - 2.Click «+ Create new» - an empty notebook will appear. Name it at the top, for example your project name.
All sources and notes are stored inside the notebook, so a clear name helps you find it later.
NotebookLM ↗ - 3.In the left panel click «+ Add» and upload 3-5 sources: PDF files, Google Docs, website or YouTube links, or paste text directly. Wait for each source to process (a checkmark appears).
Up to 50 sources per notebook. YouTube links only work if subtitles are available; each file - up to 500,000 words.
NotebookLM ↗ - 4.In the chat box at the bottom, paste the following prompt, replacing the text in brackets with your topic. NotebookLM will answer only based on the uploaded sources - each statement gets a citation.
If the answer is too long - ask it to be shorter: «Make it shorter, bullet points only».
NotebookLM ↗PromptAnalyze all sources and create a structured project brief on [TOPIC]. Include: 1) Key facts and data points, 2) Main arguments or findings, 3) Contradictions or gaps between sources, 4) Three actionable recommendations. Cite the specific source for each point.
What this prompt doesThe prompt asks the AI to analyze all uploaded sources and build a structured brief: key facts, arguments, contradictions, and three recommendations. Replace [TOPIC] with your project topic, for example «remote onboarding best practices» or «trends in EV market 2026». - 5.Click «Save to note» under the answer you want to keep. The note appears in the center panel - you can edit it and export to Google Docs.
Notes are handy for assembling a report or article - click the three dots next to a note, then «Export to Docs».
NotebookLM ↗ - 6.For an audio summary, open the «Audio Overview» panel in the top right and click «Generate». In 2-5 minutes you will get a podcast-style dialogue between two AI hosts based on your sources.
This feature works in English. Great for listening on the go or forwarding to colleagues who prefer not to read.
NotebookLM ↗
- freeNotebookLMThe basic version of NotebookLM is free - no payment required, with a limit of up to 50 sources per notebook and up to 100 notebooks per account. Check current limits at notebooklm.google.com.
Why today
AI services change fast - interfaces and free limits may differ from what's described.