Getting Started Beginner

In this lesson, you will access NotebookLM, create your first notebook, upload a source document, explore the workspace, and ask your first AI-grounded question with cited answers.

Accessing NotebookLM

1. Go to NotebookLM

   Open your browser and navigate to notebooklm.google.com.

2. Sign in with Google

   NotebookLM requires a Google account. Sign in with your existing Google account or create a new one.

3. Explore the dashboard

   You will see your notebook dashboard where all your notebooks are listed. Click "New Notebook" to get started.

Creating Your First Notebook

1. Click "New Notebook"

   From the dashboard, click the "+ New Notebook" button. A new empty notebook opens.

2. Name your notebook

   Click the default title at the top and give it a descriptive name like "AI Research" or "Course Notes."

3. Add your first source

   You will be prompted to add sources. Click "Add Source" and choose from the available options: upload a file, paste a URL, add Google Docs, or paste text.

The Workspace Layout

The NotebookLM workspace has three main areas:

Asking Your First Question

Once you have uploaded a source, start asking questions in the chat panel:

# Summarize the source
What are the main points of this document?

# Ask a specific question
What does the author say about climate change mitigation strategies?

# Cross-reference sources
How do the findings in Source 1 compare to Source 2?

# Generate structured output
Create a timeline of events mentioned in the sources.

NotebookLM will respond with an answer that includes numbered citations like [1], [2]. Click any citation to see the exact passage in your source document that supports the claim.

Suggested Actions

When you first add sources, NotebookLM suggests helpful actions at the top of the chat:

• Summary: Get a concise summary of the source contents
• Study Guide: Generate a study guide with key concepts and questions
• FAQ: Create a frequently asked questions document
• Timeline: Extract and organize chronological events
• Briefing Doc: Generate a professional briefing document