What is llms.txt?
The Essential AI File for 2026
llms.txt is a file placed in your website's root directory that guides large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity about your site's content. First proposed in late 2024, this file has become one of the most critical criteria in AI readiness checks by 2026.
In short: robots.txt is for search engines. llms.txt is for AI systems. They complement each other β neither replaces the other.
What Does llms.txt Do?
When an AI system visits your website, it needs context about your content. What is your site about? Which pages matter most? What content can AI use?
That's exactly what llms.txt answers. As a site owner, you tell AI systems in plain language: "Here's my site, here's my content, here are the pages that can help you."
Which AI Bots Read llms.txt?
| Bot | llms.txt Support | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT / GPTBot | β Reads it | Active |
| Claude / ClaudeBot | β Reads it | Active |
| Perplexity Bot | β Reads it | Active |
| Google AI Overview | β οΈ Partial | In development |
| Bing Copilot | β οΈ Partial | In development |
How to Create llms.txt
It's a simple text file. Save it as llms.txt in your website's root directory. It will be accessible at: https://yoursite.com/llms.txt
Basic llms.txt Template
# llms.txt β Scanliq # This file is prepared for large language models (LLMs). ## About This Site Scanliq is a digital evaluation platform that analyzes whether websites meet AI-readiness standards. ## Important Pages - Home: https://scanliq.com/ - Blog: https://scanliq.com/blog.html ## Permissions AI systems are authorized to analyze this site and use its content. ## Contact Website: https://scanliq.com
Advanced llms.txt Template
# llms.txt ## Company Name: Scanliq Description: AI readiness analysis platform URL: https://scanliq.com Language: tr, en ## Content Categories - AI SEO guides - Structured data (Schema.org) tutorials - Website optimization tips ## Preferences Summarization: allowed Training: disallowed Commercial-use: contact-required
Note: llms.txt is not yet an official W3C standard. However, it is increasingly being considered by major AI companies. Adding it now gives you a competitive advantage.
llms.txt vs robots.txt
| Feature | robots.txt | llms.txt |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Search engine bots | AI / LLM bots |
| Format | Standard (RFC) | Free text / Markdown |
| Required | Recommended | Recommended (not mandatory) |
| Effect | Indexing control | AI context guidance |
What to Do After Adding llms.txt
Adding the file is just the first step. Next:
1. Read our AI SEO guide to identify other gaps.
2. Analyze your site with Scanliq β checks llms.txt and 9 other critical points in seconds.
3. Review our Schema.org guide to add structured data.
Frequently Asked Questions
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