Frequently Asked Questions about NotebookLM / Gemini Notebook — Google

NotebookLM and Gemini Notebook at a Glance

NotebookLM is now called Gemini Notebook: Google’s AI tool for researching, summarizing, and converting your own sources into study materials, audio, or presentations, for example. You can get started for free, but available features and limits vary by account; always double-check important answers against the genuine source material.

What is NotebookLM / Gemini Notebook?

What is NotebookLM?

NotebookLM is the former name of Google’s AI research assistant, which is now called Gemini Notebook. You collect sources in a notebook and ask questions about them. The application helps you understand and organize information, for example, for a course, research, or work project.

Has NotebookLM really been renamed to Gemini Notebook?

Yes. Google announced the name change on July 16, 2026. It remains an independent product, with connections to the broader Gemini ecosystem. According to the genuine announcement, existing links will continue to work via automatic redirection.

What can you do with Gemini Notebook?

You can discuss sources, create summaries, compare information, and use available Studio features. These include audio summaries, mind maps, practice questions, and slide presentations. The most useful starting point is a specific question about material you want to understand, rather than simply collecting as many files as possible.

What’s the difference from the regular Gemini app?

Gemini Notebook focuses on working with a collection of resources. The standard Gemini app supports broader conversations and tools. There’s also a link between the two. So check which environment you’re working in and what information that environment can use.

Is Gemini Notebook the same as Google Keep or OneNote?

No. Keep and OneNote are primarily note-taking applications. Gemini Notebook focuses on AI-powered research and source analysis. You can use it to take notes, but its main added value lies in asking questions, exploring connections, and having material processed into other formats.

Who might be interested in the Gemini Notebook?

For people who regularly need to analyze documents or other source material—such as students, educators, researchers, and employees who work with manuals or reports. You don’t need to have a technical background, but you must be able to assess whether the results align with the sources.

Getting Started, Signing In, and Devices

Where do you open Gemini Notebook?

Get started via notebook.google.com, or the genuine Google links. You may still come across the old name, NotebookLM, in links, apps, and documentation. When downloading, check the provider and do not use any random application with a similar name.

Do you need a Google account?

Yes, you must be signed in with a compatible Google account. This can be a personal account or a supported work or school account. Before adding files, check which account is active, especially if you use different email addresses for personal and business purposes.

Can you use Gemini Notebook with a school account?

This is possible within supported educational environments. The administrator helps determine whether the service is available. If you lack access, please first check with your institution’s settings. Do not automatically transfer class or student data to a personal account to circumvent this restriction.

At what age can you start using it?

Age requirements apply to personal accounts and may vary by country. Certain features are only available to users 18 years of age or older. Workspace for Education has its own access rules. Therefore, please check the terms and conditions of the specific account rather than assuming a single age requirement applies to all situations.

Does Gemini Notebook work in the Netherlands and Belgium?

Yes, the service is available in supported regions in the Netherlands and Belgium. Not every brand new feature appears everywhere at the same time. Your account type, age, language, and device may affect what you see. Therefore, please check for a missing feature separately from general availability.

Can you use NotebookLM on a phone?

There is an genuine Gemini Notebook mobile app for supported devices. The app and web version do not always offer the same features. For extensive resource selection or certain Studio operations, the browser may be more suitable. Compare the requirements before planning to work entirely on a mobile device.

Does it work without an internet connection?

To process sources, chat, and generate brand new content, you’ll need internet access. Downloading an available result or listening to it offline is different from using the AI service completely offline. Check the options your app or browser offers for each output format.

How do you create your first notebook?

Create a notebook with a descriptive name and add a few relevant resources. Then start with a specific question. A name like “Installation Guides for Product X” is easier to find later than “Brand New Notebook.” Keep different topics separate when their resources are not closely related.

Adding and Understanding Sources

What is a source in Gemini Notebook?

A source is material you add to work with, such as a document or web page. Depending on the type, it may be an imported copy or synchronized content. Your answers depend in part on what is actually readable and available within it.

What types of files can you add?

Google Supports, among others, PDF, DOCX, TXT, Markdown, CSV, and PowerPoint files, plus various Google document types, images, and audio. The genuine source guide lists the current formats. For unusual files, check the content restrictions as well, not just the file extension.

What is the maximum size for a source file?

Google Currently, the platform allows a maximum of 500,000 words per source and a maximum of 200 MB for local uploads. These are different limits. A compact text file can contain many words, while a large scan may have relatively little recognizable text. The actual import must comply with the applicable terms and conditions.

Can you add a website as a source?

Yes, via a suitable web URL. However, this does not automatically import an entire website with all its subpages. Add relevant pages individually and check what has been imported. A homepage may contain much less information than the manual it links to.

Can you summarize YouTube videos?

Public YouTube videos with subtitles can be used as a source. The import is based on the text transcript. Therefore, an action that is only visible and not spoken may be omitted. For instructional videos, also check the genuine footage.

Are " Google " Drive sources updated automatically?

The current documentation describes automatic synchronization for supported Drive sources, with the option to synchronize manually. When working on important tasks, check to see if the expected change is visible. For a standalone file uploaded locally, do not assume it is linked to the genuine.

Can Gemini Notebook alter my genuine documents?

Viewing or processing an imported Drive source is not the same as editing the genuine file. Google notes that the source display may differ from the genuine formatting. For each operation, check where a change or brand new result is saved.

Can you use files from Office 2024 ?

Yes, you can submit compatible files from Word or PowerPoint as a source, provided the format and size are supported. Your Office key covers the use of Office; access to Gemini Notebook is via Google. An Office product key does not activate a Google AI subscription.

Do you need to upload all documents related to a specific topic?

No. Select material that is relevant to your question. Including multiple outdated versions can make interpretation more difficult. Give sources clear names and specify which version is the primary one. A smaller, carefully chosen collection is often easier to verify.

Ask questions and check answers

How do you ask a good question about your sources?

Specify the topic, the desired outcome, and the relevant documents. For example, ask about the differences between two procedures, rather than simply saying “summarize everything.” Indicate who the answer is intended for and what information must not be omitted during the summarization process.

Example of a practical assignment

Compare these two employee handbooks. Identify any changes in procedures, exceptions, and missing information. For each substantive difference, cite the source used.

Can you restrict access to specific sources?

Yes, you can select available sources to narrow down the question. Also, include the recognizable source names in your assignment. If you receive an unexpected answer, check whether the correct selection is active and whether the necessary information is actually contained in those sources.

What do the source references in an answer mean?

They help you identify the basis for an answer. Open the reference and read the passage in context. A reference allows for verification, but does not automatically prove that the conclusion is correct or that all relevant exceptions have been taken into account.

Why is a reference sometimes missing?

According to Google , a very short source can be cited in its entirety without quoting specific passages of text. However, when presenting an important conclusion, be sure to specify which part of the source supports it. If the supporting evidence remains unclear, do not treat the conclusion as confirmed.

Are the answers more reliable because they come from our own sources?

Working with selected sources makes the task more clearly defined and easier to monitor. However, AI can misinterpret information or miss an important detail. Furthermore, the source itself may be inaccurate. Therefore, verify both the source quality and the processing.

Can Gemini Notebook indicate that information is missing?

You can explicitly request this. Have confirmed facts, interpretations, and open questions listed separately. An answer that highlights a gap is more useful than a seemingly complete explanation filled with assumptions. Check whether this distinction is actually being followed.

Can it search for information on the internet?

There are opportunities to discover brand new sources and conduct research. Distinguish between searching for sources and selecting answers from an existing list. Evaluate the material you find before adding it: relevance, source, and alignment with your question remain important.

What if two documents contradict each other?

Place the relevant passages side by side and consider possible explanations, such as a different version or time period. Then indicate which source is authoritative, if known. Otherwise, leave the discrepancy as an open question rather than arbitrarily choosing one version.

Summaries, notes, and studying

Can Gemini Notebook summarize a long course?

Yes, you can have a summary created based on suitable material. Decide in advance what should be included: definitions, examples, exceptions, or learning objectives. Then compare the key points with the course material. A summary can support your studies, but it does not automatically replace the entire course material.

Can it create practice questions and tests?

With the available Studio features, you can generate practice materials. Choose a topic and difficulty level, then check the answers. You can also request explanations for incorrect answers so you understand why an answer is wrong. The quality depends in part on the content of your sources.

What are flashcards?

Flashcards are short study questions with answers, such as for concepts and definitions. They’re useful for actively retrieving information from your memory. Use them alongside examples and applications; simply knowing individual definitions doesn’t automatically mean you can apply the subject matter in a brand new situation.

Can you add your own notes?

Yes, you can take notes and save important findings. Clearly indicate which observations are your own and which come from a source. This prevents a preliminary idea from being treated as an established fact in a summary later on.

What is a mind map?

A mind map visually represents topics and connections. It can help you explore a complex subject or organize a learning topic. Be sure to verify the meaning of the connections, though. A clear structure does not guarantee that every connection is factually correct.

Can I answer this in Dutch using English sources?

Yes, you can use Dutch as the target language for sources in other supported languages. Check translated technical terms, names, and definitions. For important concepts, it may be helpful to retain the genuine term in parentheses.

Audio reviews and samples

What is an audio overview?

An audio summary is an AI-generated summary of source material. It makes information audible, for example, as an additional way to explore a topic. It is not a verbatim recording of the genuine author’s words, nor is it automatically a complete representation of all sources.

Is an audiobook the same as an audio summary?

No. An audiobook typically follows an existing text, while an audio summary selects and discusses specific content. Details and exceptions may be omitted. Therefore, when studying or making decisions that require precision, be sure to also consult the genuine text and relevant source passages.

Can you have Dutch audio produced?

You can select a supported output language from the available language settings. Before generating the text, check whether Dutch is available for the selected function. It’s a good idea to briefly review the wording, pronunciation of names, and translation of technical terms afterward.

Can you determine what the audio overview is about?

If customization options are available, you can specify the desired focus. Indicate the target audience and subtopic, such as the updated security steps from a manual. Don’t expect every detail to be covered perfectly; check to make sure the key points are included.

Can an audio overview contain errors?

Yes. A conversational tone can make information sound convincing, even if a detail has been misrepresented. Therefore, double-check numbers, names, and key conclusions. Use the overview to make the material more accessible, and refer back to the source for precise details.

Videos, infographics, and presentations

What is a video overview?

A video overview presents source information in a visual, AI-generated format. It can help provide an initial explanation of a topic. There is no guarantee that every image, phrasing, or conclusion is suitable for your audience. Review the result before sharing it.

Can Gemini Notebook create an infographic?

With the available infographic feature, you can visually summarize information. Specify what the reader needs to understand and which data points are key. Be sure to double-check labels, numbers, and ratios. An attractive product type should not give an inaccurate impression of the data.

Can it create a slide presentation?

Yes, there is a feature that allows you to generate a presentation based on lecture notes. Define your target audience and key message. Then review the content, order, and readability. You’ll need different slides for a brief explanation than for an in-depth training session.

Can you open the presentation at PowerPoint ?

The current Google guide describes downloads as “ PDF ” and “PowerPoint files.” Open the output yourself and check the formatting and usability. Being able to download a PPTX file does not mean that every element will behave exactly like a manually created presentation.

Free use, subscriptions, and limits

Is NotebookLM / Gemini Notebook free?

Yes, Google offers free Standard access. In addition, more comprehensive access levels are available through compatible Google AI, Workspace, and Cloud offerings. Start with the free options if you’re still figuring out how the application fits with your documents and workflows.

How many notebooks and resources do you get for free?

The current overview specifies a maximum of 100 laptops per user and 50 sources per laptop for the Standard plan. Additionally, limits apply to certain offers. If you’re a heavy user, be sure to check the current subscription details and limits, as numbers are subject to change.

What other limitations might apply?

In addition to the number of notebooks and resources, there may be quotas for chat, audio, video, and other output. A free resource slot therefore does not automatically mean that every generation function is still available. Read which action is limited by the notification.

Is paid use unlimited?

No. Higher access levels offer more capacity or features, but still come with terms and limits. Consider an upgrade based on your actual needs. Someone who only summarizes a source occasionally has different needs than someone who processes a lot of material every day.

How much does an upgrade cost?

That depends on the selected offer, account type, and local pricing. Check whether access is already included in your existing Google subscription. Compare the actual billing period and renewal price; a monthly average for annual billing is not the same as paying monthly.

Do you need a separate subscription in addition t Google AI Pro?

First, check which Notebook benefits are included with your current package. Compatible Google AI and Workspace subscriptions may already offer more extensive access. Don’t buy again until you’ve reviewed your account and the included benefits.

Sharing, collaboration, and Gemini integration

Can you share a laptop with others?

Yes, you can grant access using the available sharing options. Google distinguishes between viewers and editors, among other roles. Before sharing, check which content recipients can view and what changes they’re allowed to make. A notebook may contain more than just the one result you want to discuss.

Can recipients also view my sources?

This is possible, depending on the access granted. Google warns that a targeted view of a conversation may hide sources without completely removing the underlying access. Therefore, do not use such a view as a substitute for a proper assessment of access rights.

Do you have to share the entire laptop for just one result?

First, check which sharing or download option is available for the specific result. Sharing a single presentation may be a different option than accessing the entire collection of resources. Verify the actual scope of the link, not just the visible title.

Can you use Gemini Notebook in Gemini?

There is an integration for using and managing laptops from within Gemini Apps. Google is rolling out these features in phases. Within the European Economic Area, the connection must be set up manually according to the current instructions. Check the terms and conditions for laptops in Gemini Apps.

Are the privacy policies the same everywhere?

No. Using Gemini Apps may affect different data agreements and settings than working directly in Gemini Notebook. Check which service receives and processes the information. A single privacy choice is not a universal setting for all connected Google products.

Privacy, Confidential Information, and Control

Are notebooks publicly available by default?

A notebook that you don’t share isn’t automatically a public publication. Be sure to check account access, organizational management, and existing sharing settings. A private collection may contain confidential information that isn’t suitable for later release in its entirety.

Does Google use my data to train AI?

Google Google states that, for Gemini Notebook, content is not used directly to train base models unless you provide feedback. For Workspace and Workspace for Education, describes additional protections. Read the current privacy terms for your account.

What happens when you submit feedback?

For personal access, feedback may include relevant context, such as questions, sources, and output. Google describes possible human review in this context. Please review what you’re sending if the material is confidential. Separate agreements apply to managed Workspace environments.

Are you allowed to upload customer or employee documents?

Only when that processing aligns with the agreements regarding the material and the environment in which it is used. Limit the content to what is necessary and remove unnecessary personal data. A technically supported document is not automatically suitable for processing in every account environment.

Can you use any book or document as a source?

Check whether you are permitted to upload and, if applicable, share the material. The fact that a file is technically accepted does not grant any additional usage rights. Also, do not share generated output without first assessing which passages or information have been taken from protected source material.

Troubleshooting and getting started

Why is a source rejected?

Check the format, size, and the full error message. For example, a file might be too large or copy-protected. Open the file in its genuine application and, if necessary, test a small, suitable sample. Changing the file extension will not convert the content.

Why isn’t Gemini Notebook responding?

Perhaps information is missing from the selected sources, the question is too broad, or there is an access or security restriction. Try asking a specific question about a single, clear passage. Also, make sure the correct source selection is active before re-uploading files.

Why is a feature missing?

Features may vary by account, device, age, and access level. The mobile app may also lag behind certain web features. Compare it with the browser version and check the genuine instructions before changing your subscription or reinstalling the app.

Can you recover deleted notes?

Google states in its FAQ that deleted notes cannot currently be recovered. Save important results before clearing them out, and double-check every deletion confirmation. Storing a source file elsewhere is not the same as backing up all the notes you’ve created.

What makes a good first test?

Add two short, non-confidential documents that you’re familiar with. Identify similarities, differences, and open questions, with source references. Then review the results. This way, you can discover the practical value without immediately becoming dependent on a large, difficult-to-monitor project.

Topics and related search terms

Key Insights

• NotebookLM is now called Gemini Notebook and remains focused on research and source processing.
• The app helps with summaries, questions, study materials, and various output formats.
• Check source selection, timeliness, and key conclusions; source references do not guarantee an error-free answer.
• Free and paid access have different limits, depending on the account and the offer.
• Review privacy and sharing permissions before making confidential resources or results available.