# Import Markdown files into NotebookLM

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

To add Markdown notes or documentation, select the .md files in the NotebookLM Ultra Exporter import center. Each file becomes a text source, or several are merged into fewer sources to save slots. It is free, within 20 imports 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. Select the .md files or their folder.
4. Choose whether to merge them, confirm the target notebook and submit.

## Limits to know

- Images referenced from Markdown are not imported with the text.
- Merged sources keep a table of contents with the original titles.
- 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 import Markdown files into 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.

### Should I merge Markdown files?

Merge when you have many short files and limited source slots. Keep files separate when you want citations to point to a specific document.

### Does importing count toward the NotebookLM source limit?

Yes. Every imported item becomes a source in the notebook and counts toward its source limit, which depends on your Google plan. To free up slots, see [merge sources into one](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/merge-sources-to-notebooklm).

## Related guides

- [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)
- [Import PubMed articles into NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/pubmed-articles-to-notebooklm)
- [Bulk upload files and folders to NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/local-files-and-folders-to-notebooklm)