How to add sources to your NotebookLM notebook

Upload PDFs, link Google Docs, paste URLs, import YouTube videos, and add audio files to a NotebookLM notebook as sources for your AI assistant.

Sources are the foundation of every NotebookLM notebook. The AI only draws on the sources you add, so the quality and relevance of your sources directly shapes what NotebookLM can help you do. You can add sources at any time—when you first create a notebook or as your research grows.

NotebookLM cannot access private, paywalled, or login-protected content. This includes private Google Docs you do not own, paywalled articles, and YouTube videos set to private. Make sure any content you want to add is accessible to you before attempting to add it.

Add multiple related sources at once to give NotebookLM a richer picture of your topic. The more relevant sources you include, the more comprehensive and accurate the AI’s responses will be across your notebook.

Upload a file

Use this method to add a PDF or audio file stored on your device.

1. Open your notebook

   Go to notebooklm.google.com and open the notebook you want to add a source to.

2. Open the Sources panel

   In the left panel, find the Sources section. If the panel is collapsed, click to expand it.

3. Click Add source

   Click the + button or Add source to open the source picker.

4. Select Upload file

   In the source picker, choose Upload file.

5. Choose your file

   Select the PDF or audio file from your device. Supported formats include .pdf, .mp3, .m4a, and .wav.

6. Wait for processing

   NotebookLM uploads and indexes the file. A progress indicator appears while processing is underway. Once complete, the source appears in your Sources panel.

Large files—especially audio files that need transcription—may take several minutes to process. Avoid closing the tab until processing is complete.

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Add a Google Doc or Google Slides presentation

Use this method to pull in content from your Google Drive.

1. Click Add source

   In the Sources panel, click + or Add source.

2. Select Google Drive or paste a URL

   Choose Google Drive to browse and select a file, or choose Google Docs / Google Slides to paste a URL directly.

3. Authorize access if prompted

   If this is your first time connecting Google Drive, you will be asked to grant NotebookLM permission to access your files. Follow the on-screen prompts to authorize.

4. Select or confirm your document

   If using the Drive picker, select the document you want to add. If you pasted a URL, confirm it is correct and click Add.

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Add a website

Use this method to import content from any publicly accessible webpage.

1. Click Add source

   In the Sources panel, click + or Add source.

2. Select Website

   Choose Website from the source picker.

3. Paste the URL

   Paste the full URL of the webpage you want to add.

4. Click Add

   Click Add. NotebookLM fetches the page content and indexes it as a source.

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Add a YouTube video

Use this method to add a YouTube video that has captions or a transcript available.

1. Click Add source

   In the Sources panel, click + or Add source.

2. Select YouTube

   Choose YouTube from the source picker.

3. Paste the video URL

   Paste the full YouTube video URL (for example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...).

4. Click Add

   Click Add. NotebookLM retrieves the video’s captions and indexes them as the source content.

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Paste copied text

Use this method to add plain text you have copied—no file or URL required.

1. Click Add source

   In the Sources panel, click + or Add source.

2. Select Copied text

   Choose Copied text from the source picker.

3. Paste your text

   Paste the text content into the text box that appears.

4. Click Insert

   Click Insert. The text is saved as a source in your notebook.