NotebookLM supports syncing Google Docs and Slides, ensuring your Sources stay relevant and updated for smarter and more efficient AI-powered insights
The Google Drive Sync Feature: Keeping Your Sources Up-to-Date in NotebookLM
One of the standout features of NotebookLM is the ‘Click to sync with Google Drive’ button, a small yet powerful tool that ensures your documents stay in sync with their latest versions stored in Google Drive. This button appears alongside your Sources in NotebookLM whenever a Google Docs document is added to NotebookLM from Google Drive and updates have been made to the original document. However, it only shows up if you have edit permissions for the file.
Option to sync appears instantaneously when you click open the newly added Google Docs document.
By clicking this button, users can immediately refresh the version of the document within NotebookLM, ensuring that any new changes, edits, or additions made in Google Drive are incorporated. This eliminates the need to re-upload or manually adjust the document, saving time and reducing the risk of outdated or incomplete analysis.
It’s important to note that for this feature to work, the file must either reside in your Google Drive or be shared with you with edit permissions. Additionally, no other uploaded Sources outside of Google Docs and Google Slides are allowed to sync in NotebookLM Free or NotebookLM Plus. This exclusivity highlights the seamless integration between Google’s ecosystem and NotebookLM’s capabilities.
Google Docs Syncing in NotebookLM
When syncing Google Docs with NotebookLM, the ‘Click to sync with Google Drive’ button appears instantaneously when you open the source file, even if no changes have been made to the document after uploading. This behaviour makes Google Docs the most dynamic option for users who work on iterative workflows and need immediate syncing.
However, while the sync ensures that the document content is updated, it does not automatically update the Summary displayed in Centrestage. To refresh the Summary and include newly added content, you must follow the NotebookLM Hack for Syncing Sources, which involves refreshing your browser. This re-analyses all Sources and updates the Summary, reflecting the most significant content.
Sources are the foundation of NotebookLM, driving its ability to generate accurate insights and meaningful analysis. By mastering how Sources work, you can unlock NotebookLM’s full potential, enhancing both efficiency and productivity in your workflows. For a deeper dive into best practices and tips to make the most of your Sources, explore our article: NotebookLM Sources and Best Practices. Discover how optimising your Sources can transform the way you use NotebookLM.
Google Slides Syncing in NotebookLM
Option to sync is absent when Google Slide has undergone no changes in Google Drive.
Google Slides syncing in NotebookLM works differently. The ‘Click to sync with Google Drive’ button appears only when the presentation has been edited and updated in Google Drive. If no changes have been made, the sync option will not be visible, even if you reopen the source file in NotebookLM.
As with Google Docs, the Summary in Centrestage (Chat panel) does not update automatically after syncing Google Slides. To ensure the Summary reflects all newly added or updated Sources, you must refresh your browser. This behaviour ensures that only the most current and relevant version of your slide content is analysed and incorporated into the Summary.
Option to sync appears after the Google Slide has been edited and stored in Google Drive, and not before.
Syncing Across NotebookLM Variants
The syncing of Google Docs and Slides functions uniformly across NotebookLM Free, Plus, and Enterprise variants. This consistent behaviour ensures that users across all tiers benefit from the seamless integration of their sources with Google Drive. Regardless of the variant, syncing allows users to keep their documents and presentations updated dynamically, supporting efficient workflows while maintaining Google Drive’s robust privacy and access controls. This consistency across tiers makes NotebookLM a reliable choice for individuals and organisations alike.
The Strategic Importance of Google Drive, Docs, and Slides in NotebookLM Plus and Enterprise
Google places importance on the integration of Google Drive, Docs, and Slides within NotebookLM Plus and NotebookLM Enterprise, highlighting the manifold advantages of using Google Drive as a repository. This integration ensures seamless syncing of sources, allowing organisations to keep their data current and accessible while maintaining control over privacy and access restrictions. By leveraging Google Drive’s robust security features, such as granular sharing controls and advanced encryption, organisations can implement their policies effectively and comply with regulatory requirements. The ability to sync files dynamically enhances collaboration within the unified ecosystem of Drive, Docs, and Slides, making it a desirable choice for enterprise users seeking efficiency, security, and innovation.
Managing Summary and Syncing Limitations in NotebookLM
Even when syncing Google Docs or Google Slides, the Summary remains unchanged unless you refresh your browser. The Summary in Centrestage (Chat) is influenced primarily by the first uploaded Source, and removing that Source can lead to issues such as a persistent ‘ghost Summary.’
Even when Google Docs or Google Slides is synced with NotebookLM, the Summary remains that of the first and original Source.
To resolve this, follow these steps:
- Add Your Sources: Upload content as usual; the Source count will update immediately.
- Save Chat Responses: Save AI responses as Notes to avoid losing them during the refresh process.
- Refresh the Browser: Refreshing re-analyses the Sources and updates the Summary dynamically.
Screenshot showing Summary after syncing of the existing Google Docs by refreshing the browser.
While the Summary prioritises significant content and adapts to space limitations, the title of the Notebook, influenced by the first Source, may persist even after refreshing unless manually updated. Read more about this in the article, ‘Managing Source Syncing Limitations in NotebookLM’.
Conclusion: Making the Most of NotebookLM Syncing
By understanding the different syncing behaviours of Google Docs and Google Slides, as well as the limitations of the Summary feature, users can effectively manage their Notebooks. While the syncing functionality is still evolving, refreshing the browser remains the most reliable way to ensure all Sources are accurately reflected in the Summary.
Disclaimer: The use of the NotebookLM, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Slides logos/icons in the featured image is for illustrative purposes only. NotebookLM.in and its authors or publishers are not associated or affiliated with Google in any way. All trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.
