# NotebookLM prompt: study guide from your sources

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/study-guide-from-sources-prompt  
Section: Prompts  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

Use it at the start of revision to turn course material into one structured guide. 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 | Lecture notes, slides or textbook chapters for one unit. |
| Cost | Free to copy. Saving it in the extension is free for up to 10 plain prompts. |

## The prompt

```text
Create a study guide for [COURSE OR UNIT].
Sections: key concepts with one-sentence definitions; how the concepts connect; worked examples taken from the sources; common confusions; ten short-answer questions with answers.
Order the concepts so that each builds on the one before.

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 the guide to PDF](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/reports-to-pdf).

## Adapt it

- Ask for the guide at two levels: first pass and exam week.
- Generate it as a Studio report to export it directly.

> 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 study guide from your sources prompt?

Lecture notes, slides or textbook chapters for one unit.

### 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 reports to PDF](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/reports-to-pdf)
- [NotebookLM prompt: exam practice questions](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/exam-practice-questions-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: explain a difficult concept](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/concept-explainer-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: better flashcards](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/flashcard-generation-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: study plan for the time you have](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/study-plan-by-time-budget-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: teach-back check](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/teach-back-check-prompt)