Findable glossary
What is llms.txt?
llms.txt is a proposed convention: a text file at a site's root that summarizes, in a human-readable format, the description and main page links an AI might read first when understanding the site.
What it contains
A short introduction to the service, the operator, links to key pages, and a one-line description of each. It uses Markdown, so people can read it too.
How is it different from robots.txt?
robots.txt tells crawlers where they may go; llms.txt suggests what to look at first. The roles differ and neither replaces the other.
A realistic view of the effect
llms.txt is not an official standard, and the major search and AI services have not officially confirmed using it as a basis. Do not expect that adding it puts you in AI answers. It is easy to make and harmless, so keep it as a supporting measure.
How to write it
State only facts, without exaggeration. Include only links that actually open and update them when things change. Put the official introduction and fact document, such as operator and product scope, first.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a penalty for not having llms.txt?
No known penalty. The page body, structured data, and outside sources matter far more.
Related terms
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