# Side panel: your NotebookLM library beside every tab

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/side-panel  
Section: Features  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

The side panel keeps your NotebookLM library open next to any web page. From it you find and open notebooks, save the current page to one, and browse your prompts, without switching tabs. It is free and uses the Google account already signed in to NotebookLM.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Where | Browser side panel, opened from the extension icon |
| Plan | Free |
| Free | Included. |
| Pro | Follows your Pro limits for imports and prompts. |

## 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: Browser side panel, opened from the extension icon.
3. Use it on one item first and check the result before running it on many.

## What it does

- Lists and searches your notebooks.
- Captures the current page into a chosen notebook.
- Switches between notebooks and prompts.

## Limits to know

- It needs a signed-in NotebookLM session in the same browser.
- Managing collections, templates and automation is done in the full workspace.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need Pro for the side panel?

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

### Is the side panel the same as the workspace?

No. The side panel is a compact companion for capture and navigation. The workspace is the full management view.

## Related guides

- [Quick capture: save the current page to NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/quick-capture)
- [Workspace: manage every notebook in one place](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/workspace)
- [Import center: bulk import sources into NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/import-center)
- [Import recipes and scheduled checks](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/import-recipes)
- [Background tasks: track imports and generation](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/background-tasks)
- [Right-click menu: add pages, links and selections](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/right-click-menu)