As AI models and search engines evolve, websites are adapting to new standards to improve visibility and ensure better interaction with large language models (LLMs). One such emerging trend is the use of the llms.txt file — a structured document designed to communicate with AI crawlers. This guide will explain what llms.txt is, why it’s important, and how to generate it for your website effectively.
What is llms.txt?
The llms.txt file is similar to robots.txt, but it is specifically meant for large language models like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude. While robots.txt instructs web crawlers about which pages to index or ignore, llms.txt guides AI models on how they can use, summarize, or reference your website’s content.
This file allows website owners to define permissions for AI training and content usage, providing better control over data visibility and intellectual property protection.
Why You Should Use llms.txt
- Control Over Data Access: Decide which parts of your content can be used by AI models for training or summarization.
- Protect Intellectual Property: Restrict the use of proprietary or sensitive information.
- Improve AI Representation: Help models understand how to cite or summarize your brand accurately.
- Transparency: Promote ethical AI usage by providing clear guidelines for automated systems.
How to Create an llms.txt File
Step 1: Open a Text Editor
Use any plain text editor such as Notepad, Visual Studio Code, or Sublime Text to create the file.
Step 2: Define Access Rules
Write your rules in a clear, structured format. Here’s a sample template:
# Example llms.txt file for your website
User-agent: *
Disallow: /private/
Allow: /public/
Allow: /blog/
# Optional: Define usage terms for AI models
Policy: Do not use this content for training purposes without permission.
Contact: info@yourdomain.com
Explanation:
User-agent
specifies the AI crawlers you’re addressing (use*
for all).Disallow
andAllow
determine which parts of the site are off-limits or open.Policy
adds extra instructions regarding data use.Contact
provides a way for AI developers to reach you for permissions.
Step 3: Save the File
Save the file as llms.txt (in lowercase).
Step 4: Upload to Your Website Root Directory
Upload the file to your website’s root directory — for example:https://www.yourdomain.com/llms.txt
This ensures that AI crawlers can easily locate it when scanning your site.
Step 5: Test Accessibility
After uploading, visit the file’s URL in your browser to confirm that it loads correctly.
Best Practices for Managing llms.txt
- Update regularly as your site structure or policies change.
- Keep the rules concise and easy to interpret.
- Clearly define your stance on AI content usage.
- Monitor how LLMs interact with your website over time.
Conclusion
The llms.txt file is a proactive step toward responsible and controlled AI data sharing. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape digital interactions, businesses should use this tool to protect their content while ensuring fair and ethical AI collaboration.
At Achyutam Technology, we stay at the forefront of digital innovation, helping brands adapt to emerging AI and SEO trends. Our team ensures your website remains compliant, visible, and future-ready in this evolving landscape.