EXPORT · SOURCES
Export NotebookLM sources to plain text
Short answer
Yes. To export NotebookLM sources to plain text, select the sources in the Sources panel, choose Export and pick plain text. It is free in NotebookLM Ultra Exporter, with no daily quota and no account. You get the extracted text of each selected source as a plain .txt file.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Content | Sources are the documents, links, videos and pasted text a notebook is grounded in. |
| Output | plain text (.txt) |
| Plan | Free |
| Where | Sources panel tools menu, or the source detail view |
| Processing | Converted in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to export. |
Steps
- Install NotebookLM Ultra Exporter in desktop Chrome, then refresh any open NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) tab.
- In the Sources panel, select the sources you want and open the download entry in the panel's tools menu, or open a single source's detail view.
- Choose plain text in the list of outputs and set any options shown for it.
- Open the downloaded file and check it before you rely on it or share it.
What you get
You get the extracted text of each selected source as a plain .txt file.
Plain text is the most compatible format for feeding source text into other tools.
Limits to know before you export
- The export contains the text NotebookLM extracted, not a pixel-perfect copy of the original PDF or web page.
- Sources that failed to process in NotebookLM have no text to export.
- Free batches are limited to 5 sources; Pro removes that limit and can organize downloads by notebook.
Can NotebookLM export sources on its own?
Gemini Notebook does not offer a download of the text it extracted from your sources, and has no bulk download. Google changes these menus often. The item's own menu in your notebook shows what is built in today.
Other outputs for sources
| Output | Plan | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Markdown (.md) | Free | Export NotebookLM sources to Markdown |
| PDF (.pdf) | Free daily quota | Export NotebookLM sources to PDF |
| Word (.docx) | Free daily quota | Export NotebookLM sources to Word |
| their original files (original) | Free | Download original source files from NotebookLM |
Free or Pro?
Free, with no daily export quota and no website account needed. Pro covers the extension only; it does not include a Google subscription or raise NotebookLM's own limits. Current prices are on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to export NotebookLM sources to plain text?
Yes. It is a basic format with no daily export quota, no account and no payment card. Free batches are limited to 5 items.
Is the text the same as my original document?
It is the text NotebookLM extracted from the source. Layout, images and page numbers from the original file are not part of it.
Can I also get a reference list for my sources?
Yes. The Sources panel has a separate bibliography tool that formats selected sources as APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX or RIS. See export a bibliography in BibTeX.
Can I export several NotebookLM sources at once?
Yes. Select several sources in the Sources panel and download them together. Free handles 5 items per batch; Pro removes that limit.
Related guides
How to export NotebookLM sources to PDF. You get the extracted source text laid out as a PDF for printing or sharing.
How to export NotebookLM sources to Word. You get the extracted source text as an editable .docx.
Download original source files from NotebookLM. You get the original file for each selected source where NotebookLM still makes it available, in its own.
How to export NotebookLM sources to Markdown. You get the extracted text of each selected source as a .md file that keeps headings and lists where NotebookLM.
How to export NotebookLM slides to PowerPoint. You get a .pptx in which each slide is the original slide image.
How to export NotebookLM slides to editable PowerPoint. You get a .pptx with native title and body text boxes rebuilt from the text available in the slide.
How to export NotebookLM slides to PDF. You get a PDF with one slide image per page, ready to share as a handout.
How to export NotebookLM slides to PNG images. You get individual slide images you can drop into documents, posts or another deck.