- llms.txt is usually placed at the root of a domain.
- It should summarize the site and link to important canonical resources.
- It complements sitemap.xml and structured data; it does not replace either one.
What llms.txt is
llms.txt is a plain-text or markdown-style file that gives AI systems a concise overview of a website. It can describe the site, list priority pages and point to canonical resources.
Where to place it
Most sites place llms.txt at the domain root, such as /llms.txt, so it is easy to discover and not buried inside a section path.
What to include
A useful llms.txt file usually includes a short site summary, main product or service pages, documentation, pricing or contact pages where relevant and API descriptions. Keep it concise and current.
What to avoid
Do not use llms.txt to hide problems in the actual website. Avoid misleading claims, outdated URLs, private content or URLs that contradict canonical signals.c website structure.
How llms.txt fits AI visibility
llms.txt can improve machine-readable context, but it is one signal. Pair it with clean HTML, a valid sitemap, structured data, accessible content and clear robots.txt rules.
Practical checklist
- Place llms.txt at the domain root.
- Use markdown-style headings for readability.
- List only current and canonical URLs.
- Include key URL versions where relevant.
- Link to OpenAPI or API descriptions if available.
- Review it whenever major site sections change.
Implementation order
- Publish the file at /llms.txt in the root directory.
- List key resources such as homepage, guides, tools, pricing and contact pages.
- Keep the brand and service description short and clear.
- Update the file when important website content changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is llms.txt required?
No. llms.txt is not a mandatory search engine file, but it can help AI systems and agents understand the key resources on a website.
What should llms.txt include?
It should include a short brand description, key pages, documentation, guides, tools, API references and other useful resources.
Does llms.txt improve rankings by itself?
No. It supports machine-readable discovery, but helpful content and technical SEO still matter.