# Turn NotebookLM citations into footnotes

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/citations-to-footnotes  
Section: Features  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

When you export a note, report or chat from NotebookLM, Ultra Exporter can convert the inline citation markers into numbered footnotes. Each footnote names the cited source, so the reference survives outside NotebookLM, where the interactive citation pop-ups do not exist.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Where | Option in the export panel: Convert references to footnotes |
| Plan | Free |
| Free | Included. |
| Pro | Merged export unifies footnote numbering across several items. |

## 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. Find it here: Option in the export panel: Convert references to footnotes.
3. Use it on one item first and check the result before running it on many.

## What it does

- Replaces citation chips with footnote numbers.
- Lists the cited sources at the end of the document or page.
- Keeps the original markers if you leave the option off.

## Limits to know

- A footnote identifies the source NotebookLM cited. It is not a formatted academic reference.
- NotebookLM does not expose authors or dates, so complete formal references in a reference manager.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need Pro for footnote conversion?

No. It is part of the free extension and needs no account.

### Why do citations disappear when I copy from NotebookLM?

The citation chips are interactive page elements, not text. Copying drops them. Exporting reads the underlying reference data instead.

## Related guides

- [Export NotebookLM notes to Word](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notes-to-word)
- [Export NotebookLM sources to BibTeX](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-bibtex)
- [Branded Word and PDF templates](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/document-templates)
- [Convert NotebookLM slides to editable PowerPoint](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/slide-conversion)
- [Export NotebookLM mind maps](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/mind-map-export)
- [Study and Teaching Pack for flashcards and quizzes](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/study-and-teaching-pack)