With AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude shaping how users discover and consume information online, website owners now have a unique opportunity to guide how their content is interpreted, using a simple file called llms.txt.
This guide walks you through how to create a well-structured llms.txt file and host it correctly at the root of your website, plus answers to common questions at the end.
What Is llms.txt?
llms.txt is a proposed open standard that lets you provide AI models with a curated map of your website’s most important and reliable resources.
Think of it as a signpost for AI systems — highlighting documentation, product information, policies, or anything you want them to understand and prioritize accurately.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Generate an llms.txt File
Step 1: Create the File
You can build the file two ways:
- Manual Method:
Open a text editor (Notepad, TextEdit, VS Code) and create a new file namedllms.txt. - Automated Method:
Use a tool like:
These tools can help pull links and generate a file automatically based on your site’s structure.
Step 2: Format the Content Using Markdown
Use simple Markdown to organize your content clearly. Include:
- A top-level
#header with your brand name - A
>blockquote summarizing what your site does ##headers for main categories like Documentation, Services, Policies, etc.- Bullet points listing URLs with short, helpful descriptions
Example:
# TrailPeak Gear
> TrailPeak designs high-performance hiking and backpacking gear for outdoor explorers worldwide.
## Product Resources
- [Gear Finder](https://trailpeak.com/tools/gear-finder): Interactive tool to match hikers with recommended gear.
- [Backpack Comparison Chart](https://trailpeak.com/products/compare): Detailed feature breakdown across our backpack models.
## User Guides
- [Tent Setup Instructions](https://trailpeak.com/guides/tent-setup): Step-by-step setup videos and manuals.
- [Sleeping Bag Care Guide](https://trailpeak.com/guides/sleeping-bag-care): Tips to extend the life of your sleeping bag.
## Company Policies
- [Warranty Information](https://trailpeak.com/policies/warranty): Details on our lifetime gear warranty.
- [Return Policy](https://trailpeak.com/policies/returns): Process and eligibility for product returns.
## Optional
- [Field Notes Blog](https://trailpeak.com/blog): Outdoor advice, survival tips, and gear reviews.
- [Ambassador Program](https://trailpeak.com/community/ambassadors): Join our explorer community.
Step 3: Save the File
Ensure the file is saved with the name llms.txt, not .docx, .md, or .html. Use plain text encoding (UTF-8).
Step 4: Host the File at the Root of Your Website
The file must be accessible at:https://yourdomain.com/llms.txt
Hosting Options:
For WordPress and CMS Sites:
- Use your hosting control panel (like cPanel or Plesk) or an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla).
- Navigate to the root folder of your website — where your
robots.txtorindex.phpfiles live. - Upload
llms.txtinto this folder.
For Static Site Generators (Netlify, Vercel, GitHub Pages):
- Place
llms.txtin yourpublic/or root project folder. - Redeploy your site so it appears at the root domain.
Verify Installation:
Open your browser and go to https://yourdomain.com/llms.txt. You should see your content in plain text.
Step 5: Maintain the File Regularly
As your site evolves, keep the llms.txt file up to date:
- Add new links when launching new features or products
- Remove outdated or broken content
- Review the file every few months to ensure accuracy
FAQ: llms.txt Best Practices
No — creating and hosting an llms.txt file is simple enough for most non-technical users, especially if you use a generator.
While sitemap.xml helps search engines index content and robots.txt manages crawler access, llms.txt is for LLMs and AI systems to better understand and represent your content.
Focus on high-quality, evergreen pages: documentation, product specs, pricing, tutorials, policies, and authoritative content.
Only if those pages are publicly accessible. AI systems can’t access login-gated or private URLs.
Not yet — but early adopters are laying the groundwork. Some platforms (like Mintlify) are already using it to enhance AI responses.
Final Thoughts
The llms.txt file is a small but powerful tool for future-proofing your website. It lets you play an active role in how AI models interpret and surface your content, reducing misrepresentation and increasing content visibility in AI-powered tools.
Start building your own today using a text editor or generator, and make your site’s most valuable content AI-ready in minutes.
