If you have ever struggled to keep track of multiple AI chats while working on a long-running project, Google’s latest update is designed for you. Notebooks are personal knowledge bases that allow you to organize your files, PDFs, and conversations in one dedicated space.
While the feature launched earlier this month for AI Ultra and Pro subscribers, it is now appearing on the sidebars of free accounts globally.
How Notebooks Change the Way You Work
Instead of starting a fresh conversation every time you open Gemini, a Notebook acts as a permanent project folder. You can handpick past chats and move them into a specific Notebook, or upload external files like research papers and meeting notes.
Once organized, Gemini uses all the information within that Notebook as “context.” This means when you ask a question, the AI considers everything you have already saved, leading to much more accurate and personalized answers. You can even set Custom Instructions for each Notebook to control the tone and format of the responses.
The NotebookLM Connection
The most impressive part of this update is the seamless sync with NotebookLM, Google’s specialized research assistant. Because the two apps now share the same backend, any source you add in Gemini instantly appears in NotebookLM.
This allows users to jump between the two platforms to use specific tools. For example, you can use Gemini to brainstorm an essay outline, then instantly switch to NotebookLM to generate a Video Overview or an Infographic based on that same material.
Understanding the New Limits
While the feature is now free, Google has set specific limits on how much information you can store based on your subscription tier:
- Free Users: Up to 50 sources per notebook.
- AI Plus Subscribers: Up to 100 sources per notebook.
- AI Pro Subscribers: Up to 300 sources per notebook.
- AI Ultra Subscribers: Up to 600 sources per notebook.
Availability
Currently, Notebooks are live on the web version of Gemini (gemini.google.com). According to product updates, the feature has not yet reached the mobile app or the newly released Mac app, but full availability across all devices is expected in the coming weeks.
For users who want to try it out, simply look for the “Notebooks” section in the side panel, located between your “Gems” and your recent “Chats.”
