llms.txt vs robots.txt
Two important files for AI crawlers – but with completely different purposes. Here is the clear difference.
| Feature | robots.txt | llms.txt |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Control crawler access | Give AI systems context |
| Target | All crawlers (Google, Bing, AI) | AI systems (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity) |
| Content | Allow/Disallow, Crawl-delay, Sitemap | Product description, URLs, features, prices |
| Format | Key-value (User-agent: ...) | Markdown (# Title, ## Section) |
| Required? | Recommended (de facto standard) | Optional, but important for AEO |
| Standard since | 1994 | 2024 (llmstxt.org) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between llms.txt and robots.txt?
robots.txt is an access control file: it defines which pages crawlers may visit and which not (Allow/Disallow). llms.txt is a content description file: it explains to AI systems what the website is, what features it has, which pages matter. Both files live in the root directory, but robots.txt is required for crawlers, llms.txt is optional for AI systems.
Do I need llms.txt if I already have robots.txt?
Yes, if you want AI visibility. robots.txt tells crawlers what they may visit. llms.txt tells AI systems what matters and how your product should be described. Without llms.txt, AI systems have to guess your content – with llms.txt, they know. Both files are complementary.
How do I create a llms.txt?
A llms.txt follows the Markdown format per llmstxt.org standard: # Product name, then ## sections for features, URLs, company info. AEO Pro automatically generates the llms.txt from your WordPress content and keeps it current. Manual maintenance is not necessary.
Is llms.txt read by ChatGPT and Claude?
Yes. OpenAI (GPTBot), Anthropic (Claude-Web), Perplexity (PerplexityBot), and Google read llms.txt when it exists and is correctly formatted. The file is evaluated when indexing the website and influences how AI systems describe your company and product.
Auto-generate llms.txt with AEO Pro
AEO Pro automatically generates and maintains llms.txt and robots.txt – based on your WordPress content, products, and settings.