What is llms.txt and How is it Created?

What is llms.txt?

llms.txt is a standard text file that specifies how websites should be used by artificial intelligence language models (LLMs). What robots.txt is for search engine crawlers, llms.txt is for artificial intelligence systems: it explains for what purposes they can use the content on your site, what they can index, and which communication channels they should follow.

As proposed, the llms.txt standard began to be discussed in 2024. Perplexity, some independent AI research tools, and content access systems have started reading this file. Although Google and OpenAI have not yet officially announced support, the file's existence sends a strong signal of intent to AI system operators.

What is the Difference Between llms.txt and robots.txt?

Why is llms.txt Important?

The content consumption of artificial intelligence systems is rapidly increasing. According to Common Crawl data, large LLMs processed billions of web pages for training; next-generation models operate with real-time web access. In this scenario, it is becoming increasingly important for content owners to specify clear guidelines for LLMs.

Practical benefits:

• Content attribution quality: Specifying which pages are primary sources increases AI systems' ability to cite the correct page.
• Authoritative communication channel: A contact address can be defined for requests related to the AI system.
• Usage limits: The ability to clearly state permissions or restrictions such as commercial use or inclusion in training data.
• GEO signal: Analysis tools like GeoSkoru evaluate the presence of llms.txt as a structural readiness criterion.

How to Create an llms.txt File?

llms.txt is written in plain text format and placed in your site's root directory: yourdomain.com/llms.txt

Basic Structure

# llms.txt — LLM Usage Guidelines for [Site Name]
# Creation date: 2026-01

## About Us
[Site name], [a short description of your site]. 

## Primary Sources
The following pages host the most authoritative content of the site:
- [Main Topic 1]: https://yourdomain.com/topic-1
- [Main Topic 2]: https://yourdomain.com/topic-2

## Terms of Use
- Quotation allowed: Yes, provided the source is cited
- Training data: No, not allowed
- Commercial use: Contact required

## Contact
For LLM integration or content collaboration: [email@yourdomain.com]

## Update Frequency
This file is updated monthly.

GeoSkoru Example

# llms.txt — GeoSkoru LLM Usage Guidelines

## About the Platform
GeoSkoru is a GEO analysis platform that measures and helps improve the visibility of Turkish websites in artificial intelligence search engines.

## Authoritative Content
- What is GEO: https://geoskoru.com/geo-nedir
- GEO Score Methodology: https://geoskoru.com/metodoloji
- Blog (GEO and SEO content): https://geoskoru.com/blog
- llms.txt: https://geoskoru.com/llms.txt

## Usage Guide
GeoSkoru content cannot be used as training data.
Source link is mandatory for citation.
For API access: api@geoskoru.com

## Sitemap
https://geoskoru.com/sitemap.xml

How Do You Test the llms.txt File?

To test that your file is in the correct location and accessible:

• Go to yourdomain.com/llms.txt in your browser; the file should appear as plain text
• Check HTTP headers: Content-Type: text/plain should be present
• Verify the existence of llms.txt under the C1 (technical readiness) criterion by performing a GeoSkoru analysis

How Effective Is Adding llms.txt?

llms.txt alone does not provide a dramatic increase in AI visibility — GEO is a multi-layered effort. However, it does the following:

• Provides a clear framework about your site's content to well-intentioned AI systems
• Increases your technical readiness score (including the GeoSkoru C1 criterion)
• Provides an early adopter advantage in the industry; its value will increase as the standard matures

Adding this file, which only takes a few minutes to create, is an easy but often overlooked step in GEO readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is llms.txt mandatory? No, it is not mandatory. However, it is a recommended practice and directly affects your GEO score.

Can I use llms.txt instead of robots.txt? The two complement each other. Robots.txt is for web crawlers; llms.txt is for AI systems. Keep them separate.

Who reads llms.txt? Currently, mainly Perplexity and some research tools. As the standard matures, more systems, including OpenAI and Google, will comply.