How to Create an llms.txt File

What is an llms.txt File?

An llms.txt file is a standardized text file that websites can include to provide structured information specifically designed for Large Language Models (LLMs). It helps LLMs understand useful context about the website’s offerings, company information, and key features. Including llms.txt files in your website allows AI models to get accurate information directly from the source rather than having to parse and interpret the entire website.

Let’s Look at an Example

Check out the llms.txt file that the financial company Stripe has publicly available (https://stripe.com/llms.txt).

You’ll see that it provides information about its services, documentation, resources, and areas of the website. It also includes links to reference its pages.

Why is this Important?

llms.txt provides AI models with information about a website in a format they can easily understand. AI models can pull information from existing web standards like robots.txt and sitemap.xml, but these standards don’t assist with content processing - only llms.txt does. 

Formatting Structure

• Include the following sections. In a txt file, you can indicate a new section with a ##.
  
  • About (summary of the company)
  • Key Benefits
  • Key Features and Products
  • Company Information (i.e. headquarters, founding date, industry)
• Use simple headings and bullet points. 
• Provide direct links to subpages when relevant 

Technical Details

• File should be accessible via HTTP/HTTPS
• Use UTF-8 encoding
• Keep file size reasonable (under 10KB is ideal)
• Test that the file loads correctly at domain.com/llms.txt

How to Save an llms.txt File

Before sending the llms.txt file to your website’s web developer, it will need to be saved in the appropriate format. The file should then be placed in your website's root directory.

On a Mac

1. Open the TextEdit application
2. Type your llms.txt content
3. Click “Format” > “Make Plain Text”
4. Save and name the file exactly “llms”

On a Windows

1. Open the Notepad application 
2. Type your llms.txt content
3. Save and name the file exactly “llms”
4. Select the file type “.txt”

Best Practices

• Be factual and current - Include accurate information about your services, policies, and key differentiators.
• Keep it concise - LLMs work best with clear, structured information rather than marketing copy. 
• Update regularly - Keep the file current with any major changes to your business model or services.
• Include context - Help AI understand your position in the market and what makes you unique.
• Developer-focused - Emphasize APIs, SDKs, and integration guides if applicable
• Resources: If your website has lots of subpages that you want to link to, you can head to https://geordy.ai/ to create an llms.txt file for your website. Just make sure to include any additional information that is relevant.