IMPORT · SOURCE UPKEEP
Merge NotebookLM sources into one to free source slots
Short answer
When a notebook reaches its source limit, NotebookLM Ultra Exporter can combine several sources into one text source that keeps a table of contents, the original titles and the links. The original sources are not deleted; remove them yourself once you are happy with the merged one.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where | Sources panel tools menu |
| 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
- Install NotebookLM Ultra Exporter in desktop Chrome, then refresh any open NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) tab.
- In the Sources panel select at least 2 sources.
- Choose Merge into one source and give the merged source a title.
- Check the merged source, then delete the originals if you no longer need them.
Limits to know
- Merging does not raise Google limits; a merged source must still fit the per-source size limit.
- Citations will point to the merged source instead of the individual documents.
- Keep a backup before deleting originals.
- 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.
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 merge NotebookLM sources into one to free source slots?
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.
How many sources does a notebook allow?
Google documents 50 sources per notebook on the free tier, with higher limits on paid Google plans. The limit is set by Google, not by the extension.
Does importing count toward the NotebookLM source limit?
Yes. Every imported item becomes a source in the notebook and counts toward its source limit, which depends on your Google plan. To free up slots, see merge sources into one.
Related guides
To rebuild a notebook from a backup, or move it to another Google account, use Restore archive in NotebookLM Ultra Exporter Pro.
To add the page you are reading to NotebookLM without copy and paste, click the NotebookLM Ultra Exporter icon, or right-click the page and choose Add this.
To save only a passage, select the text on any page, right-click and choose Add selected text to NotebookLM with NotebookLM Ultra Exporter installed.
To add a page without opening it, right-click any link and choose Add this link to NotebookLM with NotebookLM Ultra Exporter installed.
NotebookLM cannot fetch pages that need a login, so a link source fails. With NotebookLM Ultra Exporter, choose Add page text to NotebookLM instead: the.
To turn a research session into a notebook, open the NotebookLM Ultra Exporter import center, choose browser tabs, tick the tabs you want and import them.
To import a reading list, a syllabus or a resource page, use Import all links on this page in NotebookLM Ultra Exporter Pro.
To use a Reddit discussion as a source, open the thread and click the NotebookLM Ultra Exporter icon.