Google research notebook that answers using only the sources you upload
NotebookLM is a research and reading assistant from Google that works from a closed set of sources instead of the open web. You upload PDFs, documents, slide decks or web pages, and it answers questions, summarises and compares them while citing the exact passage behind each reply. Grounding the model in your own material is what makes it dependable on dense reports and paper collections. Audio Overviews turn a notebook into a spoken two-host discussion, which is the feature most people notice first. It runs as a hosted product, so anything you upload leaves your machine.
Last updated: 2026-09-20. This site only provides an index; for exact features, pricing, and licensing, see the official website.
paper reading, report summarisation, study notes and literature triage
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No. It answers only from the sources you add, which is why the citations hold up. If you need live web results with citations, a hosted answer engine such as Felo or Genspark is the better fit.
It converts a notebook into a spoken conversation between two synthetic hosts that walks through the main points. It is useful for revisiting material away from a desk, though it is a summary rather than a full reading.
Yes, a free tier covers ordinary personal use with a normal Google account. Heavier document counts and higher usage limits sit behind a paid Google AI subscription, so check current allowances.
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