# Prompt templates with variables

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/prompt-variables  
Section: Features  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Pro

A variable template is a saved NotebookLM prompt with named blanks, such as topic or audience, that you fill in each time you use it. Filling and copying a template is free; saving your own variable templates requires Ultra Exporter Pro.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Where | Prompts page in the workspace |
| Plan | Pro |
| Free | Fill and copy existing templates. |
| Pro | Save, organise, back up and share variable templates. |

## 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: Prompts page in the workspace.
3. Use it on one item first and check the result before running it on many.

## What it does

- Prompts you for each variable before inserting the text.
- Saves the placeholders, not the values you typed.
- Keeps templates in folders with tags.

## Limits to know

- Variable names must start with a letter and use only letters, numbers and underscores.
- Existing content stays readable and editable if Pro ends.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need Pro for prompt variables?

Yes. Save, organise, back up and share variable templates. Free: Fill and copy existing templates.

### Why use variables instead of editing the text each time?

They make the changeable parts explicit, so a prompt is reused consistently and nothing from the last run is left behind.

## Related guides

- [Prompt library: save and reuse prompts in NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/prompt-library)
- [Notebook templates: reuse a notebook setup](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/notebook-templates)
- [Source templates: tag and file sources consistently](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/source-templates)
- [Note templates: reusable note outlines](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/note-templates)
- [Studio batch generation and packs](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/studio-batch-generation)
- [Automation rules for NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/automation-rules)