# Cite NotebookLM sources in MLA style

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

Yes. To cite NotebookLM sources in MLA 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 works-cited list in MLA style built from the selected sources' metadata.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Content | A bibliography is a formatted reference list built from the metadata of a notebook's sources. |
| Output | MLA style (MLA) |
| 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 **MLA 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 works-cited list in MLA style built from the selected sources' metadata.

MLA expects an access date for web sources, which the extension includes.

## 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 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| APA style (APA) | Free + Pro | [Cite NotebookLM sources in APA style](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-apa) |
| 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 MLA 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.

### Can I copy the MLA list into my essay?

Yes. Preview the list and copy it. Check hanging indents and italics after pasting into your word processor.

### 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 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)
- [Cite NotebookLM sources in APA style](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-apa)
- [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)