QUESTIONS · SOURCES AND LIMITS
How do I upload a PDF that is too large for NotebookLM?
Short answer
A PDF over 200 MB or 500,000 words is rejected by NotebookLM. Split it into parts and upload each part as its own source. NotebookLM Ultra Exporter Pro does this on import: it splits by the PDF bookmarks, or by pages if there are none, into smaller PDFs that keep their layout.
What to know
- Splitting by chapter also gives more precise citations.
- The original file is not changed.
- No OCR is performed; a scanned PDF without text stays unreadable.
Google changes these menus often. The item's own menu in your notebook shows what is built in today.
Free or Pro?
Requires Ultra Exporter Pro (annual or one-time). 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
Can I split a PDF for free?
Yes, with any PDF tool, then upload the parts by hand. The Pro import automates splitting and uploading.
Related guides
When a PDF is too large for one NotebookLM source, the book import in NotebookLM Ultra Exporter Pro splits it into smaller PDFs that keep their layout, by.
To study a book in NotebookLM, use the book import in NotebookLM Ultra Exporter Pro. It parses the EPUB, previews it by chapter, and imports each selected.
Mostly no. A web or file source is a copy taken when you added it; only Google Docs and Slides sources can be re-synced by hand.
Google documents a limit of 50 sources per notebook on the free tier, with each source limited to 500,000 words or 200 MB.
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.
NotebookLM accepts website links through its add-source dialog, a few at a time. To import a long list, paste the URLs, one per line or mixed into text, into.
NotebookLM takes YouTube videos one link at a time and does not expand a playlist. Paste the playlist URL into the YouTube import of NotebookLM Ultra.
NotebookLM fetches links from Google servers, not from your browser. A page fails when it needs a login, sits behind a paywall, blocks automated requests, or.