# Export NotebookLM sources to plain text

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

Yes. To export NotebookLM sources to plain text, select the sources in the Sources panel, choose Export and pick plain text. It is free in NotebookLM Ultra Exporter, with no daily quota and no account. You get the extracted text of each selected source as a plain .txt file.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Content | Sources are the documents, links, videos and pasted text a notebook is grounded in. |
| Output | plain text (.txt) |
| 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 **plain text** 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 extracted text of each selected source as a plain .txt file.

Plain text is the most compatible format for feeding source text into other tools.

## 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) |
| 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) |
| their original files (original) | Free | [Download original source files from NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-download-originals) |

## Frequently asked questions

### Is it free to export NotebookLM sources to plain text?

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

### Is the text the same as my original document?

It is the text NotebookLM extracted from the source. Layout, images and page numbers from the original file are not part of it.

### Can I also get a reference list for my sources?

Yes. The Sources panel has a separate bibliography tool that formats selected sources as APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX or RIS. See [export a bibliography in BibTeX](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-bibtex).

### 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 PDF](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-to-pdf)
- [Export NotebookLM sources to Word](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-to-word)
- [Download original source files from NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-download-originals)
- [Export NotebookLM sources to Markdown](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/sources-to-markdown)
- [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)