Definition
llms.txt
llms.txt is a proposed standard for a plain-text Markdown file at the root of a website that gives AI models a short, structured summary of the site and links to its most important pages.
The idea was proposed in 2024 to help large language models understand a website quickly without parsing complex HTML. A typical llms.txt includes the business name, a short description, key facts and grouped links to important pages with one-line descriptions.
llms.txt is still a proposal rather than an official standard, and not every AI tool reads it. It's quick to create and does no harm, so many businesses add one alongside robots.txt, a sitemap and structured data.
llms.txt in practice
An agency publishes zavyans.com/llms.txt with a summary of what it does, its office locations, contact details and links to every service, location and industry page. An AI tool reading the file gets an accurate overview of the business in seconds.
Related terms
Common questions about llms.txt
Where does llms.txt go?
At the root of your domain, for example example.com/llms.txt, in the same place as robots.txt.
Is llms.txt the same as robots.txt?
No. robots.txt tells crawlers what they may access. llms.txt summarises the site and points to important content.
Do ChatGPT and Google read llms.txt?
Support varies and isn't officially confirmed by every provider. Treat it as a helpful extra, not a replacement for good content and SEO.
What should an llms.txt include?
A clear description of the business, key facts, and organised links to your most useful pages, each with a short description.
