# [llms.txt: what it is, how to write one, and whether it works](https://rebilder.com/learn/llms-txt)

> Learn what to put in llms.txt, where to publish it and how to maintain useful links and guidance alongside your business website.

- **Updated:** 2026-09-10
- **Author:** Rebilder
- **Published:** 2026-08-16

llms.txt gives participating agents a concise introduction to your site and its useful resources. Publish it as Markdown at the site root and maintain it alongside the information it describes.

Use it to make navigation easier. The linked pages still need complete, current answers and working access.

## What to put in the file

Start with the site name and a clear description. Then add the guidance and links a new reader needs: product information, service details, policies, documentation or supported actions. Keep the file focused on useful orientation.

The [llms.txt proposal](https://llmstxt.org/) defines the format and its evolution. Treat the file as an aid for clients that use it, and choose content according to the site’s purpose.

## A compact business example

llms.txt example

```markdown
# Basecamp Supply Co

> Independent outdoor gear shop. Packs, tents and trail equipment, shipped from Colorado.

## Products

- [Alpine Trail Pack 28L](https://basecamp-supply.example/products/alpine-trail-pack-28l): $148.00, in stock
- [Ridge Tent 2P](https://basecamp-supply.example/products/ridge-tent-2p): $329.00, in stock

## Policies

- [Shipping](https://basecamp-supply.example/policies/shipping): Free US shipping over $75
- [Returns](https://basecamp-supply.example/policies/returns): 60-day returns, unused with tags
```

This example combines a short introduction with links to products and policies. Include volatile details such as stock only when your publishing process keeps them current.

## Publish and verify

- Serve the file at `/llms.txt` on the relevant domain.
- Return readable Markdown with a suitable text content type.
- Fetch it without a logged-in browser and confirm the response is accessible.
- Follow each important link and check that it reaches the intended page.
- Include the file in your normal content maintenance process.

## Keep the index useful

A manually maintained file can work well for a small site. Generation from the same sources as the website can simplify updates at larger scale. Either approach needs a check for broken links and outdated descriptions.

Rebilder includes a [free generator](/tools/llms-txt-generator) and [gateway support](/docs/llms-txt). Choose the workflow that fits how your team maintains the site.

## Connect the index to useful page content

An index and a page response perform different jobs. The index helps a client find a resource; the response supplies the answer. Accessible HTML, structured data and supported Markdown views can all contribute.

If a client asks for `text/markdown`, the gateway can render configured source information in that format. Check the content and consistency of the response, rather than using format alone as evidence of visibility.

## Measure the actual use

Record requests to the file and linked resources where reporting is configured. Use that evidence to improve navigation and missing answers. A fetch does not prove that the assistant cited the page or that the index caused a sale.

## What is llms.txt?

A Markdown resource at the site root that helps participating agents understand a site and find useful information.

## Where do I put it?

Publish it at `/llms.txt` on the relevant domain and verify it can be retrieved as readable text.

## Is it a replacement for a sitemap?

No. Use it for concise orientation while the sitemap serves its own discovery role.

## Can I maintain it by hand?

Yes. Review it when pages or business details change; generation is useful when it reduces maintenance work.

## Does it guarantee citations?

Its direct function is navigation. Measure observed use and answer visibility separately.

## Related

- [AI search optimization: the definitive guide](https://rebilder.com/learn/ai-search-optimization)
- [Free llms.txt generator](https://rebilder.com/tools/llms-txt-generator)
- [Serving llms.txt from the gateway](https://rebilder.com/docs/llms-txt)
- [AI visibility tools: how to choose one](https://rebilder.com/learn/ai-visibility-tools)
- [Answer engine optimization: the method](https://rebilder.com/learn/answer-engine-optimization)
- [Gateway quickstart](https://rebilder.com/docs/quickstart)