Google adds EPUB support to NotebookLM, streamlining e-book uploads for students and researchers

NotebookLM Gains Native Support for EPUB Files

Google has added support for EPUB files to NotebookLM, its AI-powered tool that helps users analyze and summarize source material without hallucinations. According to Google, EPUB support was one of the most requested features from the NotebookLM team 3

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. The update allows users to upload digital books directly as sources, eliminating the need to convert EPUB files to PDFs before processing them. EPUB (Electronic Publication) is the standard open format for e-books, offering advantages over PDFs including smaller file sizes, reflowable text that adapts to different screen sizes, and support for interactive elements 2

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How EPUB Support Benefits Students and Book Lovers

The addition of EPUB support makes NotebookLM significantly more useful for students and book lovers who maintain digital libraries. Previously, anyone working with EPUB-based e-book collections had to convert their books into PDFs before uploading them to NotebookLM, creating an unnecessary hurdle 2

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. Now, researchers and students can upload textbooks and reference materials directly, building a searchable knowledge base from their entire e-book library. Once uploaded, users can leverage all of NotebookLM's capabilities on their books, including AI-generated summaries, study guides, FAQs, and mind maps 3

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Audio Overviews and Video Content Generation

With the uploading of EPUB e-book files now enabled, users can transform their digital books into Audio Overviews that turn content into podcast-style discussions, or generate Cinematic Video Overviews that walk through material visually 3

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. They can also create slide decks or get content summaries in just a few taps 2

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. Google didn't announce any limits specific to EPUB files beyond NotebookLM's standard 500,000-word-per-source cap, meaning most books should fall well within range 3

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Recent NotebookLM Updates and Integration with Gemini

This EPUB feature arrives as part of a steady stream of improvements to NotebookLM. Since the beginning of 2025, the platform has gained support for Gemini's latest model, direct integration through Gemini x Projects, and recently added Cinematic Video Overviews 2

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. The tool received a major Gemini 3 upgrade late last year that enhanced its reasoning across complex source material 3

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. Additionally, custom infographic styles featuring 10 distinct visual themes have rolled out to all users 1

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What's Still Missing from NotebookLM

Despite rapid improvements, NotebookLM still lacks key organizational features. The platform needs folder organization to help users manage growing collections of notebooks and source material 2

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. One-click export options would also make sharing generated files easier. As students and researchers build larger knowledge bases with their newly accessible EPUB libraries, these organizational tools will become increasingly important. For now, the practical impact is clear: researchers working with published material can skip the PDF middleman entirely, and anyone trying to understand dense books has a much cleaner path forward 3

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