Quick answer
An llms.txt file is a plain text file in your website's root folder that lists your most important pages in a clean, readable format for AI language models. It is a proposed standard, not a ranking factor, and it does not replace robots.txt or a sitemap.
Key takeaways
- It is a proposal, not an official web standard.
- Major AI providers have not confirmed that they rely on it.
- It is cheap to add and harmless when done correctly.
- Content quality still matters far more than the file.
What does an llms.txt file contain?
The proposed format is a Markdown file served at /llms.txt. It starts with your site name and a one-line summary, then lists key pages under short headings, each with a link and a brief description. Think of it as a curated reading list for an AI tool.
How is it different from robots.txt and sitemaps?
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
| robots.txt | Tells crawlers what they may access |
| sitemap.xml | Lists all pages for search engines |
| llms.txt | Highlights the best pages for AI tools to read |
Should your business add one?
It takes little effort and costs nothing, so adding an llms.txt file is reasonable for documentation-heavy or service-rich sites. Treat it as a small extra, not a strategy. Fix clear page structure, accurate facts and fast loading first. Then list your core service pages, guides and contact details in the file.
How do you create one?
- List your 10 to 30 most useful pages.
- Write a one-line description for each.
- Save it as llms.txt in plain Markdown.
- Upload it to the root of your domain.
- Review it whenever you add or remove key pages.
What a basic file looks like
A small business file might have a title, a one-line summary, then three headings: Services, Guides and Contact. Under each heading you list a link and a short note.
Keep the wording factual. If a page is out of date, remove it from the list instead of leaving it there.
Bottom line
An llms.txt file is a small, optional extra. Add it if you like, but spend your real effort on clear content, accurate facts and a fast site.
Sources and further reading
Checked against the sources above and our own project experience. Last reviewed 7 October 2026.
