# How do I work around the NotebookLM source limit?

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/questions/how-to-get-around-the-notebooklm-source-limit  
Section: Questions  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

You cannot raise the limit, but you can fit more into it. Merge related sources into one text source, combine small text files before importing, and split work across notebooks by topic. NotebookLM Ultra Exporter has a merge tool in the Sources panel that keeps a table of contents, the original titles and links.

## 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, tick at least 2 sources.
3. Choose **Merge into one source** and name it.
4. Check the result, then delete the originals to free slots.

## What to know

- A merged source must still fit the per-source size limit.
- Citations then point to the merged source, not to the individual documents.
- The originals are not deleted automatically; remove them once you have checked the merged source.

> Google changes these menus often. The item's own menu in your notebook shows what is built in today.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is upgrading my Google plan the alternative?

Yes. Paid Google plans allow more sources per notebook. Merging is the no-cost option.

## Related guides

- [Merge NotebookLM sources into one to free source slots](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/merge-sources-to-notebooklm)
- [What is the NotebookLM source limit?](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/questions/what-is-the-notebooklm-source-limit)
- [Import Markdown files into NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/markdown-files-to-notebooklm)
- [How do I add multiple URLs to NotebookLM at once?](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/questions/how-to-add-multiple-urls-to-notebooklm)
- [How do I add a YouTube playlist to NotebookLM?](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/questions/how-to-add-a-youtube-playlist-to-notebooklm)
- [Why can NotebookLM not import my website link?](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/questions/why-cant-notebooklm-import-my-website)