Open Notebook
Open Notebook is an open-source, privacy-focused alternative to Google's NotebookLM that provides AI-powered note-taking and research capabilities with customizable apps and complete data control.
https://noodleflow.ai/notebook?ref=producthunt
Product Information
Updated:Sep 28, 2025
What is Open Notebook
Open Notebook is an open-source research and note-taking platform designed for researchers, students, and professionals who want to enhance their learning while maintaining privacy. Built as an alternative to Google's NotebookLM, it combines AI capabilities with customizable workflows, allowing users to analyze documents, generate summaries, create podcasts, and transform content while keeping full control over their data. The platform serves as a cognitive partner that helps users develop skills and knowledge in a personalized way.
Key Features of Open Notebook
Open Notebook is an open-source, privacy-focused alternative to Google's NotebookLM that combines AI capabilities with complete user control. It supports multiple AI model providers, handles various content formats (PDFs, videos, websites, etc.), and offers features like intelligent note generation, content transformation, podcast production, and customizable workflows - all while ensuring users maintain ownership of their data and research process.
Multi-Model AI Integration: Supports various AI providers including OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, and Vertex AI, giving users flexibility in choosing their preferred AI models
Comprehensive Content Support: Handles multiple content formats including PDFs, EPUBs, Office documents, YouTube videos, audio files, and web links for comprehensive research management
Customizable Apps and Workflows: Allows users to create, remix, and share custom AI apps and workflows using a visual canvas interface
Privacy-Focused Architecture: Built with strong privacy controls and local data storage options, ensuring users maintain complete control over their data and research
Use Cases of Open Notebook
Academic Research: Researchers can organize sources, generate summaries, and create study materials while maintaining control over their research data
Content Creation: Writers and content creators can transform written content into different formats like podcasts and video overviews
Educational Teaching: Teachers can create and share study guides, generate quizzes, and develop learning materials for their students
Personal Knowledge Management: Individuals can organize personal learning materials, generate insights, and create custom knowledge bases
Pros
Complete control over data and privacy
Open-source flexibility and customization
Support for multiple AI models and content formats
No vendor lock-in
Cons
Requires technical setup and configuration
Needs at least 4 different AI models for full functionality
May require more technical knowledge compared to commercial alternatives
How to Use Open Notebook
Installation & Setup: Install Open Notebook using Docker by setting up the docker.env file and running the Docker container with SurrealDB database. Configure your preferred AI models and API keys as shown in .env.example file.
Create a New Notebook: Create a new notebook by providing a name and detailed description. The description helps the LLM understand the context and provide better responses.
Add Sources: Upload your study materials like PDFs, videos, websites, or notes to the notebook's source area. These will serve as the knowledge base for the AI.
Apply Transformations: Use various transformations to extract valuable data from your sources like summaries, key points, and reflections. You can customize these transformations based on your needs.
Control Context: When asking questions, select which sources/notes should be exposed to the AI model. You can choose between 'Not in Context', 'Summary' or 'Full Content' modes for each source.
Use Built-in Apps: Utilize built-in apps like video generators and podcast creators to transform your content. Apps are customizable and you can see their entire AI workflow.
Create Custom Apps: Build your own custom apps using the visual canvas if you can't find the right app for your needs. Share your custom apps with others.
Interact with AI Assistant: Use the chat interface to interact with the AI assistant about your sources and get insights while maintaining privacy of your data.
Open Notebook FAQs
Open Notebook is an open-source alternative to Google's NotebookLM. It's an AI-powered tool designed for researchers, students, and professionals who want to enhance their learning while maintaining control over their workflows, models, and data privacy.
Open Notebook Video
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