What is llms.txt, and how do you write one?
Updated June 4, 2026 · 5 min read
llms.txt is a simple text file at the root of your domain that gives AI systems a curated, human-written map of your most important pages. Think of it as a robots.txt focused on understanding rather than permission — and an easy way to stand out while it's still early.
What llms.txt actually is
It's a Markdown file served at yourdomain.com/llms.txt. It starts with your name and a one-line summary, then lists your key pages with short descriptions grouped under headings. The goal is to let an AI quickly grasp what you offer and where the authoritative information lives, without crawling and guessing.
Why it's worth doing now
- It curates the signal: you decide which pages represent you, instead of leaving AI to infer it.
- It's still rare, so early adopters get cleaner representation in answers.
- It's low-effort and low-risk — a single static file with no downside.
A minimal llms.txt template
Keep it short and accurate. A simple structure works well:
- # Your Brand — followed by a one-line description of what you do.
- ## Core pages — your homepage, product/services, and pricing, each as a Markdown link with a short description.
- ## Key facts — a few bullet points stating the things you most want AI to get right.
- ## Contact — how to reach you.
How to publish it
Place the file so it's reachable at /llms.txt (on most stacks, that means putting it in your public/static directory or adding a route). Verify it loads in a browser, then re-run an AI readiness audit to confirm it's detected.
See where your site stands in AI search
Run a free AI Search Readiness audit and get your score plus the exact fixes.
Frequently asked questions
Is llms.txt required?
No. It's an emerging convention, not a mandate. But it's cheap to add and helps AI represent you accurately, which is why early adopters use it.
How is llms.txt different from robots.txt?
robots.txt controls which crawlers may access which paths. llms.txt does the opposite job: it actively points AI to your best content and explains it. They complement each other.