Step-by-step guide
How to use NotebookLM
Google research assistant that works with sources you upload.
What is it?
Google research assistant that works with sources you upload. It can help with practical tasks, but its outputs still need review.
What can you use it for?
- Summarise your own PDF or notes.
- Find answers grounded in uploaded sources.
- Build a study guide from reference material.
Getting started
- 1Open NotebookLM using the official website.
- 2Create a notebook and add a document you may upload.
- 3Ask a question about that document.
- 4Check the cited source passages before reusing the answer.
Try it now
A guided exercise you can complete in about five minutes.
Practical exercise
about 5 minutesTry a five-minute exercise
Goal: You have completed a small practical task and improved the result.
Instructions
Tap a step to check it off as you go.
Ready-to-copy prompt
Explain [topic] to a complete beginner in six sentences, with an everyday example and three quiz questions.
Tip to improve your result: Try changing one instruction and compare the two outcomes.
Progress is saved on this device without an account.
Example prompt
Copia il prompt, incollalo in NotebookLM e sostituisci le parti tra parentesi quadre con i tuoi dati.
Useful first request
Explain [topic] to a complete beginner in six sentences, with an everyday example and three quiz questions.
Improve a draft
Improve this draft for clarity while preserving my meaning: [paste text]. Explain the main changes.
Explain simply
Explain [topic] to a beginner in five short points and give one everyday example.
Plan a task
Create a practical checklist for [task], including time estimates and things to verify.
Compare alternatives
Compare three approaches to [goal]. List pros, cons and assumptions.
Review results
Check this result against my instructions: [instructions] and [result]. Identify what needs correction.
Tips
For better results
- Be specific about your goal, audience and desired format.
- Use follow-up questions to improve the first result.
- Check facts, costs and licensing on official sources.
Mistakes to avoid
- Giving unclear instructions with no context.
- Publishing an unverified result.
- Sharing passwords, private documents or sensitive data.
Limitations
- Outputs can be inaccurate or unsuitable; verify important information.
- Features, free usage and plans may change without notice.
- Do not upload confidential material without reviewing the service's privacy terms.
Always check results before using them and avoid sharing personal or confidential data.