# NotebookLM prompt: executive summary

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/executive-summary-prompt  
Section: Prompts  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

Use it once the full document exists and needs a tight front page. Paste the prompt below into the NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) chat and replace the parts in square brackets. It tells NotebookLM to answer only from your sources, cite them and flag what they do not cover.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Works in | NotebookLM / Gemini Notebook chat, and the customise box of Studio items |
| Sources needed | The finished report or the documents it rests on. |
| Cost | Free to copy. Saving it in the extension is free for up to 10 plain prompts. |

## The prompt

```text
Write an executive summary of [DOCUMENT] in 150 words.
Order: the conclusion, the three findings that support it, the recommendation, the main uncertainty.
Use numbers with their units and dates. Do not add findings that are not in the document.

Use only the sources in this notebook. Cite the source for every claim. If the sources do not cover something, say "not covered in the sources" instead of filling the gap.
```

## How to use it

1. Open the notebook and tick only the sources this question is about.
2. Paste the prompt into the chat and replace every part in [SQUARE BRACKETS].
3. Open two or three citations in the answer to confirm they say what the answer claims.
4. Save the answer as a note, then keep it: [Export to PDF](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notes-to-pdf).

## Adapt it

- Produce a one-sentence version and a 300-word version.
- Ask for an abstract in the style of [JOURNAL].

> NotebookLM can misread or over-generalise a source. A prompt reduces that; it does not remove it. Check cited passages before you rely on an answer.

## Frequently asked questions

### What should be in the notebook before I use the executive summary prompt?

The finished report or the documents it rests on.

### Does this prompt work in Gemini Notebook?

Yes. Gemini Notebook is the new name of NotebookLM since July 16, 2026. The chat works the same way: it answers from the sources you select.

### How do I save this prompt in NotebookLM?

NotebookLM has no prompt library of its own. With NotebookLM Ultra Exporter you can save it to My prompts and insert it in the chat box by typing /. Free saves 10 plain prompts; variable templates, folders and backup need Pro.

## Related guides

- [Export NotebookLM notes to PDF](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notes-to-pdf)
- [NotebookLM prompt: Zettelkasten notes](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/zettelkasten-notes-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: verifiable timeline](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/timeline-extraction-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: glossary from your sources](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/glossary-from-sources-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: compare sources in a table](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/source-comparison-table-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: article outline from sources](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/article-outline-from-sources-prompt)