Urgent Alert: Stop Using NotebookLM as Your Note-Taking App

UPDATE: Users are being urged to reconsider using NotebookLM as a note-taking application, as its capabilities are fundamentally misaligned with traditional note-taking needs. This urgent warning comes as users continue to mistakenly treat NotebookLM—an AI research tool—as a conventional note-capturing app.

NotebookLM is not designed to serve as a space for jotting down thoughts or organizing ideas. According to recent reports, its focus is on functioning as a research assistant and thinking partner, rather than a tool for capturing notes. Users are encouraged to rethink their approach to using NotebookLM, as its core functionality revolves around processing external information rather than providing a blank canvas for notes.

When users search for NotebookLM, the official description emphasizes its role as an AI Research Tool. Unlike typical note-taking applications that present an empty page for brainstorming, NotebookLM requires users to first upload material before engaging with the tool. This means that users must gather their information elsewhere before utilizing NotebookLM, which complicates the workflow and undermines its effectiveness as a note-taking solution.

For example, once a user uploads sources, they can generate outputs such as podcasts, videos, or mind maps. However, outputs are a result of prior information collection, making the process less intuitive than traditional note-taking apps. Notably, users reported feeling overwhelmed by NotebookLM’s lack of organizational features, which are essential for effective note management.

According to feedback from users, the application does not offer any systematic way to organize notes. While users can create notebooks to house their sources, there are no tagging, sorting, or linking features available. This absence of structure means users must manually manage their notebooks, leading to potential confusion and clutter over time.

Recent discussions on tech platforms like XDA have highlighted that while NotebookLM can be integrated with traditional note-taking apps, it cannot replace them. Users have reported pairing NotebookLM with tools like Notion, Google Keep, and Apple Notes to streamline their workflows and leverage the strengths of both systems. This hybrid approach allows users to capture notes efficiently while utilizing NotebookLM for its intended purpose of enhancing research.

Despite its limitations, some users are exploring ways to use NotebookLM for notes. However, the process remains cumbersome and less effective compared to dedicated note-taking applications. Each notebook can accommodate up to 1,000 notes, but managing and retrieving these notes can be a challenge due to the lack of organization features.

As the conversation around NotebookLM evolves, users are encouraged to remain informed and tactically approach their note-taking and research strategies. For those interested in maximizing their productivity, the need for effective integration with established note-taking tools has never been clearer.

Stay tuned for further updates and best practices on how to balance your use of NotebookLM with your preferred note-taking app.