> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://google-40.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 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.

<Warning>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.</Warning>

<Tip>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.</Tip>

## Upload a file

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your notebook">
    Go to [notebooklm.google.com](https://notebooklm.google.com) and open the notebook you want to add a source to.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Sources panel">
    In the left panel, find the **Sources** section. If the panel is collapsed, click to expand it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Add source">
    Click the **+** button or **Add source** to open the source picker.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Upload file">
    In the source picker, choose **Upload file**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your file">
    Select the PDF or audio file from your device. Supported formats include `.pdf`, `.mp3`, `.m4a`, and `.wav`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>
</Steps>

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

***

## Add a Google Doc or Google Slides presentation

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Add source">
    In the Sources panel, click **+** or **Add source**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Add a website

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Add source">
    In the Sources panel, click **+** or **Add source**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Website">
    Choose **Website** from the source picker.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste the URL">
    Paste the full URL of the webpage you want to add.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Add">
    Click **Add**. NotebookLM fetches the page content and indexes it as a source.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Add a YouTube video

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Add source">
    In the Sources panel, click **+** or **Add source**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select YouTube">
    Choose **YouTube** from the source picker.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste the video URL">
    Paste the full YouTube video URL (for example, `https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Add">
    Click **Add**. NotebookLM retrieves the video's captions and indexes them as the source content.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Paste copied text

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Add source">
    In the Sources panel, click **+** or **Add source**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Copied text">
    Choose **Copied text** from the source picker.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste your text">
    Paste the text content into the text box that appears.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Insert">
    Click **Insert**. The text is saved as a source in your notebook.
  </Step>
</Steps>