llms.txt is a proposed standard: a plain-text Markdown file at the root of your website, at yourdomain.lk/llms.txt, that gives AI systems a concise summary of your site and links to its most important pages. Think of it as a short guide for large language models.
Why it was proposed
Websites are built for humans and browsers, full of navigation, scripts and layout. AI tools working within limited context windows benefit from a clean summary that tells them what the site is about and where the key information lives.
What it is, and isn't
It is:
- An optional, simple text file
- A summary of who you are and what you offer
- A curated list of important pages
It isn't:
- A ranking factor for Google Search. Google has said it doesn't use llms.txt.
- A way to control AI crawling. That's what robots.txt does.
- A replacement for good content and SEO
Support across AI tools is uneven. Some developer tools and AI agents read it; major AI search products haven't confirmed using it.
Should you add one?
It takes 15 minutes and does no harm, so for most businesses it's a reasonable low-priority task. Don't expect it to move rankings or AI citations by itself. Your time is better spent first on content and the steps in generative engine optimisation.
The format
llms.txt uses Markdown:
- An H1 with your site or business name
- A short summary in a blockquote
- Optional paragraphs with key details
- H2 sections with lists of links and short descriptions
Example for a local business
# Lanka Dental Care
> Family and cosmetic dental clinic in Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
> Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm.
Treatments include check-ups, fillings, root canals, braces,
implants and teeth whitening. Prices are listed in LKR.
## Treatments
- [Dental implants](https://lankadental.lk/dental-implants): procedure, costs and recovery
- [Braces and aligners](https://lankadental.lk/braces): options for children and adults
- [Teeth whitening](https://lankadental.lk/whitening): in-clinic and take-home options
## About
- [Our dentists](https://lankadental.lk/team): qualifications and experience
- [Contact and directions](https://lankadental.lk/contact)
Tips
- Keep it short and factual. It's a summary, not a sales page.
- Link to your most useful pages, not every page.
- Keep it updated when services, prices or pages change.
- Serve it as plain text at the root of your domain.
- Generate it automatically if your site changes often.
This website has one: you can see it at /llms.txt. It's generated automatically and lists our services, locations, pricing and latest guides.
The bigger picture
llms.txt is a small piece of AI search readiness. What matters more:
- Pages that rank in Google and Bing
- Clear, specific, citable content
- AI search crawlers allowed in robots.txt
- Consistent brand information across the web
- Good structured data
Read Google AI Overviews and SEO for the full picture, or let our AI search optimisation service handle it.