# Notebook template vs archive restore

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/notebook-template-vs-archive-restore  
Section: Compare  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free + Pro

Both create a new NotebookLM notebook from an existing one. A template reuses the setup, meaning tags, collection, reference sources and a starter note, for many future notebooks. Archive and restore copies the content of one specific notebook, sources and notes, into a new notebook, including in another account.

## Side by side

|  | Notebook template | Archive and restore |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Copies | Setup and packaged sources | Sources and notes |
| Notes and chats | Starter note only | Notes; chats as text sources |
| Use repeatedly | Yes, that is the point | One copy per restore |
| Across Google accounts | Not its purpose | Yes |
| Plan | Free within limits | Restore is Pro |

## Which to choose

- Choose **Notebook template** if every new project should start the same way.
- Choose **Archive and restore** if you need this notebook, with its work, somewhere else.

## Frequently asked questions

### Notebook template or Archive and restore: which is better?

Neither in general. Choose Notebook template if every new project should start the same way. Choose Archive and restore if you need this notebook, with its work, somewhere else.

### Does either keep Studio outputs?

No. Studio items are regenerated in the new notebook, or restored as text sources.

## Related guides

- [Notebook templates: reuse a notebook setup](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/notebook-templates)
- [Restore an archive into a new notebook](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/archive-restore)
- [Can you duplicate a NotebookLM notebook?](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/questions/can-you-duplicate-a-notebooklm-notebook)
- [NotebookLM extensions compared: importers, exporters and organisers](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/notebooklm-extension-types)
- [ZIP archive vs folder sync for NotebookLM backup](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/zip-archive-vs-folder-sync)
- [Batch export vs merged export in NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/batch-export-vs-merged-export)