# Bulk upload files and folders to NotebookLM

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/local-files-and-folders-to-notebooklm  
Section: Import  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

To add many files at once, drop them, or a whole folder, into the NotebookLM Ultra Exporter import center. Markdown and TXT become text sources; PDF, Word, PowerPoint, images and audio use the official upload. Free allows 5 per batch and 20 per day.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Where | Import center, local files method |
| Plan | Free |
| Allowance | Free: 20 successful source imports per local day, up to 5 per batch. Pro removes both limits. |
| Data flow | The material you select is sent to Google NotebookLM. Capture reads the source site from your browser. |

## 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. Open the import center and choose local files.
3. Drop files or pick a folder; original files remain unchanged.
4. Review the list, which marks unsupported, empty and oversized files with a reason, then submit.

## Limits to know

- The formats finally accepted are decided by NotebookLM.
- Text files can be merged into fewer sources to save source slots.
- Google's own limits still apply: sources per notebook, file size and accepted file types are decided by NotebookLM, and Pro does not raise them.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is it free to bulk upload files and folders to NotebookLM?

Yes. It is a basic import method. Free allows 20 successful source imports per local day and 5 items per batch; Pro removes both limits.

### Which file types can I upload?

Text files such as Markdown and TXT, plus the documents, images and media NotebookLM itself accepts. Unsupported files are listed with the reason.

### What happens if a source is already in the notebook?

The import preview flags duplicates and items already in the target notebook, and you can skip them. If you import the same page again on purpose, NotebookLM creates a second copy.

## Related guides

- [Import an Obsidian vault into NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/obsidian-vault-to-notebooklm)
- [Import Markdown files into NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/markdown-files-to-notebooklm)
- [Import an EPUB book into NotebookLM by chapter](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/epub-book-to-notebooklm)
- [Split a large PDF into parts for NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/large-pdf-split-to-notebooklm)
- [Import research papers into NotebookLM by DOI](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/research-papers-doi-to-notebooklm)
- [Import arXiv papers into NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/arxiv-papers-to-notebooklm)