How to Use NotebookLM for Better Learning and Creativity—All for Free
Have you ever felt that the web shows too much information when you need to learn? Have you ever wished for a simple assistant to scan your notes and answer your questions fast? NotebookLM is a smart tool that helps with these needs. It does not cost anything at the start.
What is NotebookLM?
NotebookLM runs on Google’s Gemini AI models. It does not try to answer with all known facts online. Instead, it looks only at the texts and files you add. You decide what it reads, and this cuts down on wrong or made-up answers.
You can add PDFs, text files, markdown files, audio files like MP3s, and even documents or spreadsheets from Google Drive. If you do not have your files ready, you can ask NotebookLM to find good articles and videos. Then, you choose which ones to include.
By using only your chosen documents, NotebookLM makes a knowledge space that fits your needs.
Features That Make NotebookLM Stand Out
• Multiple file uploads:
You can add PDFs, text files, markdown files, audio files, Google Drive documents, YouTube transcripts, or web links. Each file joins close to another, which makes learning fast.
• Clear source references:
When you ask a question, NotebookLM shows which file and section holds the answer. This builds trust in the answer.
• Limits and ways around them:
You can add up to 50 files. Each file can hold as many as 500,000 words. This means you can add up to 25 million words. If you need more words, merge several files into one so that you stay within the limit.
• Saving notes:
If the answer helps, you can save it as a note so it stays with you. You can also turn these notes back into files for a smarter search later.
How to Start Using NotebookLM
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Create a New Notebook
Visit notebookm.google.com and start a new notebook. The system shows you how to add files. This is where your work begins. -
Add or Find Files
• If you have PDFs, articles or notes, upload them.
• If you need web pages or YouTube videos, drop their addresses in the system. NotebookLM pulls the needed text.
• Use the “Discover sources” option by typing a word like “humanoid robotics.” NotebookLM searches and shows a list of good articles, papers, and videos. -
Handling Locked Articles
Sometimes an article is hidden behind a lock. In that case, copy its text and paste it into NotebookLM. This way, you keep the needed facts. -
Ask Simple Questions
With your files in place, chat with NotebookLM. Ask, for example, “How many moons does Saturn have?” and get a clear answer that shows its source. Or ask, “What slows down robot design?” and receive a plain summary from your files. -
Save Your Answers
When you like an answer, click “Save to note.” This keeps the helpful text safe, even if you leave the page. Slowly, you can build your own knowledge bank.
A Real Example: Learning About Saturn
Imagine your child asks about the moons of Saturn. Instead of searching many sites, you put trusted articles and videos on Saturn into NotebookLM. Then, you ask the tool. It gives quick answers with clear sources. You might even use the answer for a podcast or video script that grabs attention.
Tips for Frequent Users
• Combine files when needed:
If you reach the limit of 50 files, merge similar documents into one file and add that.
• Use different file types:
Mix PDFs with text files and audio transcripts. NotebookLM can match facts from each file.
• Check citations:
Numbers next to answers point to the file and location. This makes it easier to check the sources.
• Research in steps:
Save answers as notes. Then, add those notes as new files. This builds knowledge bit by bit.
Why This Is Useful for Students and Creators
Students often work with many sources when they research. NotebookLM brings these files together in one place. Writers, podcasters, and video makers can use it to form outlines, check facts, or come up with ideas. Anyone who loves learning can make a personal note collection that is always with them.
Some Limits to Watch For
• Sometimes, the AI might still give a wrong answer, but this happens less because it only reads your files.
• The answers vanish if you do not save them. So, make sure to save any good answer.
• Files behind a paywall must be copied manually.
Your Next Step
Try NotebookLM by visiting notebookm.google.com. Start with one topic that you like. Add a few articles or use the file search option. Ask questions, save answers, and see your own knowledge base grow.
This tool is more than just a chat with AI. It changes the way you keep and find knowledge. Once you start, NotebookLM may become your favorite partner for study or research.
Ready to organize your knowledge in a simple way? Begin your AI-powered notebook today.
