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Tools · Level beginner

NotebookLM (now Gemini Notebook): what it is and how to use it for study and work

A practical guide to Gemini Notebook, Google’s former NotebookLM: supported sources, official limits, audio overviews, research and privacy, step by step.

By Cognenza editorial team · Updated · 3 min read · Sources cited

What it is and what has changed

Gemini Notebook is the new name for NotebookLM, Google’s tool for researching and learning from your own documents. Google announced it on 16 July 2026: it remains a standalone product but integrates more with the rest of Google. For example, you can already open and create notebooks inside the Gemini app, synced between both. Old notebooks and links keep working thanks to automatic redirects.

The key difference from a normal chat: here answers are grounded in the sources you upload, not the whole internet. That reduces, but doesn’t eliminate, hallucinations.

Supported sources (and limits)

According to Google’s official help:

  • Files: PDF, Word (.docx), text (.txt), Markdown, CSV, PowerPoint (.pptx), ePub and audio.
  • Google: Docs, Slides and Sheets.
  • Web: page URLs and public YouTube videos.
  • Limits: up to 500,000 words or 200 MB per source and up to 50 sources per notebook on the free version.

It also includes Fast Research and Deep Research to find new sources; Deep Research is for people aged 18 and over.

Uses worth your time

  1. Studying with your notes. Study guides, revision questions and summaries. More in studying with AI.
  2. Understanding long documents. Reports, regulations or manuals. See also summarising a PDF.
  3. Comparing sources. Ask what each document says about the same topic and where they contradict each other.
  4. Listening instead of reading. Generate an audio overview to revise while you walk.

Privacy and rights

  • Don’t upload documents you don’t have the rights to: Google itself asks this.
  • No third-party personal data or confidential work documents, unless your organisation allows it.
  • Review what data never to paste.

Frequently asked questions

Has NotebookLM disappeared?

No. On 16 July 2026 Google announced that NotebookLM is now called Gemini Notebook. It’s the same standalone product, and existing links and notebooks keep working through automatic redirects.

Is it free?

Yes, there’s a free version with up to 50 sources per notebook, according to Google’s help. Google AI plans raise limits and add features.

How large can sources be?

Each source can have up to 500,000 words, or up to 200 MB for uploaded files, according to Google.

Can I upload any document?

Google warns you not to upload documents you don’t have the rights to. Don’t upload documents containing other people’s personal data either.

Keep reading

Sources

Official sources are linked in their original language.

  1. NotebookLM is now Gemini Notebook (16 jul 2026) — Google
  2. NotebookLM is now Gemini Notebook (Workspace Updates) — Google Workspace
  3. Fuentes admitidas en Gemini Notebook — Google
  4. Planes de IA de Google (España) — Google

Change log

  • : First published, already with the new Gemini Notebook name.

Educational content, prepared with the help of AI tools, with sources cited. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Tools change fast: if you spot something out of date, write to us at contacto@cognenza.com. How we work.