TL;DR
NotebookLM confines its answers to the documents you upload, which makes its outputs traceable but leaves notebooks isolated. Using Gemini to add multiple NotebookLM notebooks into a single chat lets you cross-reference materials without merging notebooks.
What happened
NotebookLM operates only on sources a user provides — PDFs, Google Docs and notes — and does not reach outside that set, which helps keep its responses grounded and verifiable. That strict source constraint also creates a practical limit: each NotebookLM notebook is siloed, so cross-notebook questions require manual merging. The writer tested a workflow that uses Gemini as a connective layer by attaching multiple NotebookLM notebooks to one Gemini conversation. On the Gemini website you click the + icon in the message box, select NotebookLM, pick multiple notebooks and add them; once attached, Gemini answers questions using context from all selected notebooks. The integration is currently available via Gemini on the web (desktop or mobile browser); NotebookLM notebooks do not appear as selectable sources inside the Gemini mobile app. Conversations can be exported to Google Docs from the chat menu.
Why it matters
- Enables cross-referencing of scattered documents without consolidating notebooks manually.
- Preserves NotebookLM’s source-grounded responses while overcoming isolation between notebooks.
- Makes archived or older notes more useful by allowing them to inform current work.
- Streamlines turning cross-notebook insights into editable documents via export to Google Docs.
Key facts
- NotebookLM only uses the sources a user uploads (PDFs, Google Docs, notes) and does not pull in outside information.
- Each NotebookLM notebook is isolated from other notebooks; they don’t natively communicate.
- Gemini can add multiple NotebookLM notebooks into a single conversation, letting it reference them together.
- To attach NotebookLM notebooks you must open Gemini on the web, click the + icon in the message box, select NotebookLM, choose notebooks and add them.
- NotebookLM notebooks do not appear as selectable sources within the Gemini mobile app.
- After notebooks are attached, Gemini can answer questions that span all included notebooks at once.
- Exporting a Gemini conversation to Google Docs is done via the chat’s three-dot menu and creates an editable document.
- Pairing the two tools reduces the need to over-organize or merge notebooks preemptively.
What to watch next
- Whether NotebookLM notebooks will become selectable sources inside the Gemini mobile app — not confirmed in the source.
- Any future changes to how Gemini handles NotebookLM sources or to the web-only attachment flow — not confirmed in the source.
- Potential updates that change export options or add new cross-notebook workflows — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- NotebookLM: A note-focused tool that analyzes content you upload (documents, PDFs, notes) and answers questions strictly from those sources.
- Gemini: A conversational AI interface that can integrate multiple sources and chats; in this workflow it can reference multiple NotebookLM notebooks in one conversation.
- Notebook (NotebookLM): A collection within NotebookLM that contains uploaded sources and the notes or summaries derived from them; notebooks are isolated from each other by default.
- Export to Google Docs: A feature that converts a chat or conversation into an editable Google Docs file for sharing or further editing.
Reader FAQ
Can Gemini reference more than one NotebookLM notebook at once?
Yes. On the Gemini website you can add multiple NotebookLM notebooks to a single conversation so Gemini can draw context from all of them.
Do NotebookLM notebooks automatically appear in Gemini’s mobile app?
No. NotebookLM notebooks do not appear as selectable sources within the Gemini mobile app; adding must be done via Gemini on the web.
Does NotebookLM pull information from the web or outside sources?
No. NotebookLM works only with the documents and notes you provide and does not pull in outside information.
Can I export a cross-notebook conversation?
Yes. You can export a Gemini conversation that includes NotebookLM context to Google Docs via the chat’s three-dot menu.
I paired NotebookLM with Gemini and finally unlocked its full potential Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police By Anu Joy Published 30 minutes ago Anu is a Features author at Android…
Sources
- I paired NotebookLM with Gemini and finally unlocked its full potential
- Google Gemini Gets NotebookLM Integration With 300 Sources
- Google Just Connected NotebookLM and Gemini – Julian Goldie
- Google Connected NotebookLM and Gemini
Related posts
- System lets you control your Mac remotely using natural language
- Vibe Bot: a desk-based AI agent with rotating camera and note-taking
- How swapping my morning scroll for Google Gemini changed my routine