Where exactly should the llms.txt file go?

At your site root, e.g. example.com/llms.txt, saved as plain markdown. A subfolder location won't be recognized, and the file doesn't replace robots.txt or sitemap.xml — all three should coexist as separate files.

Does Google require llms.txt?

No. Google's own generative AI search optimization guide states that special files like llms.txt aren't needed for AI Overviews or AI Mode visibility. That's Google's specific stated position — whether other AI search systems actually use the file isn't officially confirmed anywhere.

Is llms.txt an official standard?

No. It's a community convention proposed by Jeremy Howard of Answer.AI in September 2024 via llmstxt.org, not a standard ratified by the W3C or IETF. Adoption and interpretation still vary by site and by AI system.

How Do You Write an llms.txt File?

llms.txt is a markdown file at your site root built from three parts — an H1 title, a blockquote summary, and H2 link sections — that tells AI directly what your site covers. It complements, not replaces, robots.txt and sitemap.xml.

Updated 2026-07-07

Frequently asked questions

How Do You Write an llms.txt File?: llms.txt is a markdown file at your site root built from three parts — an H1 title, a blockquote summary, and H2 link sections — that tells AI directly what your site covers. It complements, not replaces, robots.txt and sitemap.xml.
Where exactly should the llms.txt file go?: At your site root, e.g. example.com/llms.txt, saved as plain markdown. A subfolder location won't be recognized, and the file doesn't replace robots.txt or sitemap.xml — all three should coexist as separate files.
Does Google require llms.txt?: No. Google's own generative AI search optimization guide states that special files like llms.txt aren't needed for AI Overviews or AI Mode visibility. That's Google's specific stated position — whether other AI search systems actually use the file isn't officially confirmed anywhere.
Is llms.txt an official standard?: No. It's a community convention proposed by Jeremy Howard of Answer.AI in September 2024 via llmstxt.org, not a standard ratified by the W3C or IETF. Adoption and interpretation still vary by site and by AI system.