Urgent Alert: Stop Using Google’s NotebookLM as a Note-Taking App

UPDATE: Users are being urged to cease using Google’s NotebookLM as a note-taking app following widespread misconceptions about its functionality. Despite its name, experts confirm that NotebookLM is not designed for capturing notes or organizing thoughts like traditional note-taking tools.

Experts emphasize that NotebookLM, launched by Google, serves primarily as an AI research tool and thinking partner, not a note-taking app. Users looking for a straightforward platform to jot down ideas or organize information may find themselves frustrated, as NotebookLM lacks the essential features of a dedicated note-taking application.

NotebookLM requires users to upload their own sources for it to function effectively. Unlike conventional note-taking apps, which welcome users with a blank page for brainstorming, NotebookLM waits for uploaded content to assist in processing and understanding information. This distinction is crucial for students, researchers, and anyone seeking a reliable tool for note management.

The application does not offer traditional organizational features such as folders, tags, or a robust system for sorting content. Users must create notebooks for each project or subject, and even then, they face the challenge of manually tracking their materials. For example, if you’re a student with multiple courses, managing separate notebooks for each class can quickly become unwieldy.

As of now, there are no capabilities for creating subfolders or linking notes across notebooks. This limitation has led many to express dissatisfaction, highlighting the need for better organizational tools within the app.

However, if users still wish to integrate their research with NotebookLM, they can create a workaround. For instance, students can upload lecture slides to relevant notebooks and use the notes feature to pen down ideas. Each notebook can hold up to 1,000 notes, which allows for ample space for thoughts. Yet, this approach is not as intuitive as using established note-taking applications like Notion or Evernote.

Many experts recommend pairing NotebookLM with traditional note-taking apps to leverage its unique features effectively. This strategy allows users to enjoy the benefits of NotebookLM while still maintaining the organizational structure offered by dedicated note-taking tools.

For those unfamiliar with the features of NotebookLM, it offers capabilities like converting uploaded materials into podcasts, videos, and mind maps. However, these functions are supplementary and do not replace the foundational role of note-taking.

Next Steps: Users are encouraged to reconsider their use of NotebookLM for note-taking and explore its intended purpose as a research companion. For those still interested in optimizing their workflow, resources are available on platforms like XDA to help integrate NotebookLM with popular note-taking applications.

With the growing popularity of AI tools, understanding the right applications for specific tasks has never been more critical. As developments continue, users are advised to stay informed about updates and best practices in utilizing NotebookLM effectively.