# Import an Obsidian vault into NotebookLM

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

To query your Obsidian notes in NotebookLM, pick the vault folder in the NotebookLM Ultra Exporter import center. Markdown notes become text sources, and you can merge them into as few sources as possible to stay within the notebook source limit. Free allows 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, then pick the vault folder or a subfolder.
3. Turn on **Merge text files into fewer sources** if the vault has many small notes.
4. Review the list and submit.

## Limits to know

- A large vault exceeds the source limit quickly; merge notes or import one folder at a time.
- Wiki-links are imported as text, not as links between sources.
- This is a one-time copy. Re-import after your notes change.
- 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 an Obsidian vault 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.

### Can NotebookLM content go back to Obsidian?

Yes. See [NotebookLM to Obsidian](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/integrations/notebooklm-to-obsidian).

### How do I know the import finished?

Imports run as background tasks that continue when you switch pages. Submitted means Google received the item; Ready means processing was confirmed. Check the tasks view and retry only the failures.

## Related guides

- [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)
- [Import PubMed articles into NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/pubmed-articles-to-notebooklm)