llms.txt
llms.txt is a proposed Markdown format for a curated website overview and links. Its usefulness depends on whether a particular system consumes it.
A file can describe the site and link to useful material. It does not replace robots.txt, an XML sitemap or clear website content.
Google does not require a special AI text file for its AI-search features. Publishing llms.txt is not proof that an assistant will read or cite your pages.
A practical example
A documentation site publishes a Markdown index for a system with a documented reason to consume it.
A common mistake
Selling the file as a Google AI-search requirement or citation guarantee.
How to check it
Confirm which system uses the file, verify its links, and keep normal crawling and indexing controls separate.
See what is broken on your website
Get a free technical SEO audit. Real checks on your real site, with fixes your developer can act on. No sales call required.
We explain every finding in your audit in plain language, like this.