# Download original source files from NotebookLM

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-download-originals  
Section: Export  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

Yes. To download original source files from NotebookLM, select the sources in the Sources panel and choose the download entry in the tools menu. It is free in NotebookLM Ultra Exporter, with no daily quota and no account. You get the original file for each selected source where NotebookLM still makes it available, in its own format.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Content | Sources are the documents, links, videos and pasted text a notebook is grounded in. |
| Output | their original files (original) |
| Plan | Free |
| Where | Sources panel tools menu, or the source detail view |
| 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 you want and open the download entry in the panel's tools menu, or open a single source's detail view.
3. Choose **their original files** 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 the original file for each selected source where NotebookLM still makes it available, in its own format.

Pasted text and web links have no original file. For those, export the extracted text instead.

## Limits to know before you export

- The export contains the text NotebookLM extracted, not a pixel-perfect copy of the original PDF or web page.
- Sources that failed to process in NotebookLM have no text to export.
- Free batches are limited to 5 sources; Pro removes that limit and can organize downloads by notebook.

## Can NotebookLM export sources on its own?

Gemini Notebook does not offer a download of the text it extracted from your sources, and has no bulk download. Google changes these menus often. The item's own menu in your notebook shows what is built in today.

## Other outputs for sources

| Output | Plan | Guide |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Markdown (.md) | Free | [Export NotebookLM sources to Markdown](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-to-markdown) |
| plain text (.txt) | Free | [Export NotebookLM sources to plain text](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-to-txt) |
| PDF (.pdf) | Free daily quota | [Export NotebookLM sources to PDF](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-to-pdf) |
| Word (.docx) | Free daily quota | [Export NotebookLM sources to Word](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-to-word) |

## Frequently asked questions

### Is it free to download original source files from NotebookLM?

Yes. It is a basic format with no daily export quota, no account and no payment card. Free batches are limited to 5 items.

### Can I bulk download every source in a NotebookLM notebook?

Yes. Select the sources in the Sources panel and download them together. Free handles 5 per batch; Pro removes the batch limit and can organize downloads by notebook.

### Can I get the transcript of a YouTube source out of NotebookLM?

If NotebookLM extracted text for the video, that text is what the source export contains. The extension reads the source text NotebookLM exposes; it does not transcribe audio itself.

### Can I export several NotebookLM sources at once?

Yes. Select several sources in the Sources panel and download them together. Free handles 5 items per batch; Pro removes that limit.

## Related guides

- [Export NotebookLM sources to Markdown](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-to-markdown)
- [Export NotebookLM sources to plain text](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-to-txt)
- [Export NotebookLM sources to PDF](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-to-pdf)
- [Export NotebookLM sources to Word](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-to-word)
- [Export NotebookLM slides to PowerPoint](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/slides-to-powerpoint)
- [Export NotebookLM slides to editable PowerPoint](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/slides-to-editable-powerpoint)