Ravi Kumar
••4 min read
How to Use NotebookLM
Topic: Using NotebookLM for Accurate Writing, Study, and Documentation
Introduction
Good writing is not only about English or grammar.
Quality writing depends on:
- Correct information
- Clear structure
- Proper explanation
- Reliable sources
NotebookLM is a Google tool designed to help you study, understand, and write using only your own materials. It is especially useful for technical topics, exam preparation, research work, and documentation.
This guide explains how to use NotebookLM in a practical way, with simple language and real examples.
What is NotebookLM?
NotebookLM is a research-based AI tool by Google.
It works like a smart notebook that:
- Reads the documents you upload
- Understands the content
- Helps you explain and organize information
Important point:
NotebookLM does not use the internet or guess answers.
It only works with the files and notes you provide.
What You Can Upload in NotebookLM
You can add:
- PDF files
- Google Docs
- Text files
- Copied study notes
- Official documentation
Examples
- .NET or API documentation
- Government exam PDFs
- Research notes
- Class notes
NotebookLM will answer only from these sources.
Why NotebookLM is Useful
NotebookLM is helpful when accuracy matters.
Main Advantages
- Content is 100% source-based
- Very low chance of wrong information
- Easy to understand long PDFs
- Useful for exams and technical topics
- Improves trust and correctness
Best Use Cases
- Technical explanations (.NET, APIs, AI)
- Government exam preparation
- Study notes and revision
- Project documentation
- Research writing
Step-by-Step: How to Use NotebookLM
Step 1: Open NotebookLM
- Open NotebookLM (Google)
- Sign in with your Google account
- Click New Notebook
Your workspace is now ready.
Step 2: Add Your Study or Reference Material
Upload the documents you want to work with.
You can add:
- PDFs
- Docs
- Notes
- Articles
Example
If you are studying a technical topic:
- Upload official documentation
- Upload your class notes
- Upload reference PDFs
NotebookLM will use only these materials.
Step 3: Ask Clear and Useful Questions
Do not ask general questions.
“Explain everything”
“Write full content”
Ask focused questions instead.
Good Question Examples
- “Create an outline from these notes”
- “Explain this topic in simple words”
- “Summarize this for beginners”
- “Explain this for exam preparation”
- “Convert this into step-by-step explanation”
The answers will be accurate because they come from your files.
Step 4: Work Section by Section
The best way is to work one section at a time.
For example:
- Introduction
- Basic concept
- Step-by-step explanation
- Example
- Use cases
- Summary
Example Prompt
“Explain the basic concept using uploaded documents.”
This keeps the explanation clear and focused.
Step 5: Make the Explanation Easier
If something feels difficult, ask again in a simpler way.
Helpful Prompts
- “Explain this like I am a student”
- “Rewrite this in simple language”
- “Add a real-life example”
- “Make this suitable for exams”
NotebookLM will not change facts, only the explanation style.
Step 6: Improve Structure and Keywords
NotebookLM can help organize content.
You can ask:
- “Create clear headings”
- “List important points”
- “Extract key terms”
This is useful for:
- Notes
- Study material
- Documentation
- Search-friendly content
Step 7: Final Review (Very Important)
NotebookLM is best for:
- Research
- Accuracy
- Structure
Final improvement should be done by you:
- Add personal understanding
- Add examples or diagrams
- Check grammar once
- Adjust tone if needed
This makes the content natural and practical.
Real Example (Simple)
Topic:
Using MCP with .NET Core
How NotebookLM Helps
1.Upload:
- MCP documentation
- API reference
- Your .NET notes
2.Ask:
- “Explain MCP in simple terms”
- “List integration steps”
- “Explain flow using examples”
3. Combine explanations
4. Review and finalize
Done ✔
NotebookLM vs Other AI Tools (Simple View)
Feature NotebookLM Other AI Tools
Uses your sources Yes No
Accuracy Very high Depends
Best for study & research Yes Medium
Creative writing Limited Better
Best approach:
Use NotebookLM for correct information, and other tools only for language polishing if needed.
Best Practices
- Upload trusted documents only
- Ask clear and specific questions
- Work in small sections
- Always review output
- Add your own understanding
Who Can Use NotebookLM?
- Students
- Teachers
- Developers
- Exam aspirants
- Researchers
- Documentation writers
Final Words
NotebookLM is a study-first and accuracy-first tool.
If your goal is:
- Correct information
- Clear explanation
- Reliable content
- Exam-ready or technical understanding
Then NotebookLM is one of the best tools you can use today.
Use it patiently, ask the right questions, and build content step by step.
R
Ravi Kumar
Technical writer and software development expert at Murmu Software Infotech, sharing insights on modern web development, software architecture, and best practices.