Gemini adds free Notebook projects

Google has opened Gemini’s new Notebooks feature on the web to all users for free, extending a tool it introduced earlier this month as a project hub tied to NotebookLM. (blog.google) Google announced Notebooks in Gemini on April 8, 2026, describing them as a place to keep files, links, notes and chats together inside the Gemini app. Google’s help pages say notebooks created in NotebookLM now appear in Gemini, and users can view, edit and chat with them from either product. (blog.google) (support.google.com) NotebookLM is Google’s research assistant for working from source material rather than a blank prompt. Google says users can add PDFs, websites, YouTube videos, audio files, Google Docs and Google Slides, then ask questions grounded in those sources with inline citations. (support.google.com 1) (support.google.com 2) The change gives free Gemini users a persistent workspace instead of a one-off chat box. Google’s product post says Notebooks in Gemini are meant to help people track ongoing projects, while the NotebookLM integration keeps the same material available across both interfaces. (blog.google) (support.google.com) Google has been pushing that workflow across its broader AI lineup. In recent Workspace materials, the company grouped the Gemini app and NotebookLM together as core parts of its AI offering for business, education and nonprofit customers, with premium tiers still reserved for higher limits and extra features. (knowledge.workspace.google.com) (support.google.com 1) (support.google.com 2) The free version still sits below paid plans. Google’s NotebookLM upgrade page says paid options add higher limits and additional capabilities through Google AI plans, Google Cloud or qualifying Google Workspace plans. (support.google.com) Availability is broad, but not universal. Google’s NotebookLM frequently asked questions page says the browser version is available to users age 13 and up, or the applicable age in their country, across more than 180 regions where the Gemini app is offered. (support.google.com) For Google, the pitch is less about a single chatbot answer than about keeping the same documents, sources and prior conversations attached to a project. Making that workspace free on the web gives Gemini a wider on-ramp as Google tries to turn AI from a chat window into everyday software. (blog.google) (support.google.com)