# Link source vs text source in NotebookLM

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/link-source-vs-text-source  
Section: Compare  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

A link source asks NotebookLM to fetch a web page itself; it keeps the URL and works for public pages. A text source is content you send, which works for pages behind a login and for anything NotebookLM cannot reach. NotebookLM Ultra Exporter can add a page either way, both free.

## Side by side

|  | Link source | Text source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Who fetches the content | Google servers | Your browser |
| Pages behind a login | Fail | Work, for content you can read |
| Keeps the source URL | Yes | Embedded links are kept in the text |
| Risk of capturing the wrong content | Cookie banners, blocked pages | Only what was loaded |

## Which to choose

- Choose **Link source** if the page is public and you want the original link attached.
- Choose **Text source** if the link import failed, or the page needs you to be signed in.

## Frequently asked questions

### Link source or Text source: which is better?

Neither in general. Choose Link source if the page is public and you want the original link attached. Choose Text source if the link import failed, or the page needs you to be signed in.

### Does a text source count toward the limit?

Yes. Each is one source, with the same size limit.

## Related guides

- [Add a link to NotebookLM from the right-click menu](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/link-to-notebooklm)
- [Add a page behind a login to NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/login-or-paywalled-page-to-notebooklm)
- [Why can NotebookLM not import my website link?](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/questions/why-cant-notebooklm-import-my-website)
- [NotebookLM Google Docs export vs a Word file](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/google-docs-export-vs-word-file)
- [Audio download vs private podcast for Audio Overviews](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/audio-download-vs-private-podcast)
- [Notebook template vs archive restore](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/notebook-template-vs-archive-restore)