Sources: The First Step to Create a Notebook
NotebookLM is an AI-powered platform that enhances how you interact with documents. To unlock its full potential, you need to upload or import at least one source. These sources form the knowledge base that the AI uses to answer questions and fulfil requests. Without sources, the AI lacks the specific information needed to assist you meaningfully. One factor that affects the suitability of sources is the supported languages, which we discuss on a separate page.
What Are NotebookLM Sources?
Sources are static copies of documents that you import or upload into NotebookLM. They provide the content the AI references for tasks like summarisation, answering questions, and content analysis based on your specific documents. Uploading a source is the essential first step to create a notebook. When you add a source, NotebookLM automatically generates a summary and suggests topics and questions to help you engage with the content.
Supported NotebookLM Source Types
NotebookLM supports a wide variety of source types, including:
- Google Docs
- Google Slides
- PDF, Text, and Markdown Files
- Web URLs (text content only)
- Copy-Pasted Text
- YouTube URLs of Public Videos with Captions (transcript only)
- Audio Files (transcribed upon upload)
Details on Source Types
Google Docs & Slides
- Import Mechanics: Imported as static copies.
- Updating: You can manually sync with the original file if changes occur.
- Limitations: Does not automatically track changes.
PDF, Text, & Markdown Files
- Import Mechanics: Uploaded files are static and do not sync with the original.
- Updating: You must delete and re-upload to update the source.
Web URLs
- Content Imported: Only text content is imported.
- Exclusions: Images, videos, and embedded content are not included.
- Limitations: Paywalled or restricted websites are not supported.
Copy-Pasted Text
- Usage: Directly input text to create a source.
YouTube URLs
- Supported Content: Only public videos with captions.
- Content Imported: Imports only the text transcript.
- Limitations:
- Videos uploaded within the last 72 hours may not be available.
- Speechless videos are not supported.
- Auto-Deletion: Sources auto-delete after 30 days if the video is removed or made private.
Audio Files
Experimental Feature: NotebookLM currently supports audio sources in an experimental capacity. Functionality may vary, and users may experience limitations when importing and transcribing audio files. This feature is subject to change as it is further developed.
- Supported Formats: MP3 and WAV.
- Import Mechanics: Transcribed during import.
- Limitations:
- Speechless audio is not supported.
- Low-quality audio may hinder transcription.
- Audio support is currently experimental, and functionality may vary as development continues.
- Transcription quality depends on audio quality.
- Not all languages may be effectively supported if audio quality is poor. Supported languages are discussed here .
Capabilities and Limitations
Capabilities
- Diverse File Support: Handles various source types for a rich knowledge base.
- Automatic Summaries and Features: Generates summaries, key topics, suggested questions, FAQs, study guides, timelines, briefing documents, and audio summaries.
- Multiple Sources: Each notebook can contain up to 50 sources.
Limitations
Source Size Limits
- Each source: Up to 500,000 words or 200 MB.
Updating Sources
Sources do not automatically update if the original file changes. To update any source:
- Google Docs & Slides: Manually sync using the “Click to Sync” button in the source viewer. The button appears if the original file has changed and you have write access.
- Other Source Types: Delete the existing source and re-upload the updated file.
Content Limitations
- Web Pages:
- Only text content is imported.
- Does not support paywalled or restricted sites.
- YouTube Videos:
- Only public videos with captions.
- No support for recent uploads (less than 72 hours old) or speechless videos.
- Auto-deletion rules apply.
- NotebookLM cannot edit or delete your original files.
- It creates a copy for its own use upon import.
- YouTube Sources: Deleted after 30 days if the video becomes unavailable.
- Low-quality files may not import correctly.
- Do not upload documents without the necessary rights.
- Avoid copyrighted material without permission.
- Paywalled or restricted content cannot be imported.
- Ensure you have appropriate access rights for syncing.
- Summary of the Document: A concise synopsis capturing the main ideas.
- Key Topics: Highlighted subjects or themes within the document.
- Suggested Questions: Potential questions you might ask based on the content.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Common queries related to the document’s content.
- Study Guide: A structured guide to help you understand and retain key information.
- Timeline: A chronological arrangement of important events or points in the document.
- Briefing Document: A condensed version highlighting essential information for quick reference.
- Audio Summary: An engaging podcast-style summary that adds relevant background information, drawing from context and external sources.
Original Files
Automatic Deletions
Audio and Video Quality
Important Considerations
Supported Languages
The suitability of a source can be affected by the language it is written or spoken in. Detailed information about supported languages is available on a separate page.
Copyright Compliance
Privacy and Access
Organising Your Notebook by Theme
When you create a new notebook, it is highly recommended to add sources related to a specific theme or topic. Grouping documents of a similar nature leads to more relevant and insightful responses from NotebookLM. Unless you are comparing different sources, focusing on a particular theme enhances the AI’s effectiveness.
Benefits of Thematic Organisation
Focused Content
Providing sources centred on a specific theme trains NotebookLM on that subject matter. This enables the tool to develop a deeper understanding of the concepts, relationships, and nuances within that theme.
Enhanced Relevance
When you ask questions or make requests, NotebookLM draws upon a concentrated pool of information. This leads to more relevant and accurate responses tailored to your specific area of interest.
Coherent Exploration
A thematic approach allows you to explore a subject comprehensively and systematically. You can build your understanding by adding sources that delve into different aspects of the chosen theme.
Focusing your notebook on a particular theme or topic maximises the effectiveness and utility of NotebookLM’s tools.
What Happens When a Source is Added?
When you upload a source, NotebookLM automatically generates several features to help you engage with the content:
These features help you quickly grasp the core content and facilitate more productive interactions with the AI by guiding you towards relevant queries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can NotebookLM function without any sources?
No, uploading at least one source is essential for NotebookLM to function effectively. The AI relies on the content of your sources to provide informed and accurate responses.
Can NotebookLM edit my original source files?
No, NotebookLM cannot edit or delete your original files. It uses static copies for its operations
How do I update a NotebookLM Source if the original file changes?
For Google Docs and Slides: Click the “Click to Sync” button.
For other sources: Delete and re-upload the updated file.
Do NotebookLM Sources automatically sync with Google Drive?
No, syncing is manual. Use the “Click to Sync” button when available.
What happens if I upload a paywalled web page?
Paywalled or restricted web pages cannot be imported.
How many sources can each notebook contain?
Each notebook can include up to 50 sources, providing extensive opportunities for content coverage. Each source can contain up to 500,000 words or 200 MB. An account can have 100 such notebooks.
What content is imported from web pages and YouTube videos?
Web Pages: Imports text content only.
YouTube Videos: Imports the text transcript of public videos with captions.What languages are supported for audio transcription
A wide range of languages is supported. NotebookLM essentially relies on transcripts and texts. Though NotebookLM claims that audio sources are supported, this feature is still experimental and not fully functional as of November 2024
Is there a limit to the copied text I can paste?
The limit of 500,000 words or 200 MB for other sources apply for copied text too, though practically no such limits are in place. However, excessive copied text could result in less focused output.
Summary
Uploading sources is essential for effectively using NotebookLM. Focusing your notebook on a specific theme or topic enhances the AI’s ability to provide relevant and insightful responses. Keep in mind that the suitability of sources can be affected by the supported languages. NotebookLM supports various types of content, enabling you to build a rich knowledge base for AI-assisted tasks. The automatic generation of summaries and other features upon uploading helps you understand and interact with your documents more efficiently. Be mindful of limitations regarding source sizes, updating mechanisms, and content restrictions to ensure optimal use of the platform.