# Cite NotebookLM sources in APA style

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-apa  
Section: Export  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free + Pro

Yes. To cite NotebookLM sources in APA style, select them in the Sources panel and choose the bibliography tool that Ultra Exporter adds to the tools menu. The basic version is free in NotebookLM Ultra Exporter; the downloadable and repeatable options need Pro. You get a reference list in APA style built from each selected source's title, link and access date.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Content | A bibliography is a formatted reference list built from the metadata of a notebook's sources. |
| Output | APA style (APA) |
| Plan | Free + Pro |
| Where | Sources panel tools menu |
| Processing | Converted in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to export. |

## Steps

1. Install [NotebookLM Ultra Exporter](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/notebooklm-ultra-exporter/afchokljnhhggkhedfbmkcmdagjmjchj) in desktop Chrome, then refresh any open NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) tab.
2. In the Sources panel, select the sources to cite and choose the bibliography tool in the tools menu.
3. Choose **APA style** in the list of outputs and set any options shown for it.
4. Open the downloaded file and check it before you rely on it or share it.

## What you get

You get a reference list in APA style built from each selected source's title, link and access date.

Entries without an author or date follow the APA rules for missing information. Add the missing fields before submitting.

## Limits to know before you export

- NotebookLM does not provide authors or publication dates, so entries use the no-author, no-date rules with an access date. Complete them in your reference manager.
- Free previews and copies up to 5 sources. Pro removes the source cap and adds downloadable files.
- This formats source metadata. It does not check whether a claim is supported by its source.

## Can NotebookLM export a source bibliography on its own?

NotebookLM has no bibliography or citation-style export for a notebook's sources. Google changes these menus often. The item's own menu in your notebook shows what is built in today.

## Other outputs for a source bibliography

| Output | Plan | Guide |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MLA style (MLA) | Free + Pro | [Cite NotebookLM sources in MLA style](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-mla) |
| Chicago style (Chicago) | Free + Pro | [Cite NotebookLM sources in Chicago style](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-chicago) |
| BibTeX (.bib) | Free + Pro | [Export NotebookLM sources to BibTeX](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-bibtex) |
| RIS (.ris) | Free + Pro | [Export NotebookLM sources to RIS](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-ris) |

## Frequently asked questions

### Is it free to cite NotebookLM sources in APA style?

Partly. A limited version is free, and the full feature needs Ultra Exporter Pro. The limits are listed in the quick facts on this page.

### Does the APA list include in-text citations?

No. It produces the reference list. In-text citations depend on where you use each source in your own writing.

### Why are authors and dates missing from my NotebookLM bibliography?

NotebookLM does not expose author or publication-date metadata for sources, so the entry is built from the title, link and access date. Add the missing fields in Zotero, Mendeley or by hand.

### How many sources can one bibliography include?

The bibliography covers every source you select. Free is capped at 5 sources per bibliography; Pro has no source cap.

## Related guides

- [Cite NotebookLM sources in MLA style](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-mla)
- [Cite NotebookLM sources in Chicago style](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-chicago)
- [Export NotebookLM sources to BibTeX](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-bibtex)
- [Export NotebookLM sources to RIS](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-ris)
- [Back up a whole NotebookLM notebook as a ZIP archive](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notebook-to-zip-backup)
- [Sync a NotebookLM notebook to a local folder](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notebook-to-local-folder)