# Merge NotebookLM sources into one to free source slots

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

When a notebook reaches its source limit, NotebookLM Ultra Exporter can combine several sources into one text source that keeps a table of contents, the original titles and the links. The original sources are not deleted; remove them yourself once you are happy with the merged one.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Where | Sources panel tools menu |
| 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. In the Sources panel select at least 2 sources.
3. Choose **Merge into one source** and give the merged source a title.
4. Check the merged source, then delete the originals if you no longer need them.

## Limits to know

- Merging does not raise Google limits; a merged source must still fit the per-source size limit.
- Citations will point to the merged source instead of the individual documents.
- Keep a backup before deleting originals.
- 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 merge NotebookLM sources into one to free source slots?

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.

### How many sources does a notebook allow?

Google documents 50 sources per notebook on the free tier, with higher limits on paid Google plans. The limit is set by Google, not by the extension.

### 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

- [Restore a NotebookLM archive into a new notebook](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/restore-archive-to-notebooklm)
- [Add a web page to NotebookLM in one click](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/web-page-to-notebooklm)
- [Add selected text to NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/selected-text-to-notebooklm)
- [Add a link to NotebookLM from the right-click menu](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/link-to-notebooklm)
- [Add a page behind a login to NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/login-or-paywalled-page-to-notebooklm)
- [Import all open browser tabs into NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/open-tabs-to-notebooklm)