How to Add an llms.txt File to Your Website (For Coded Sites, WordPress, Wix, and Shopify)

As AI search grows smarter, the llms.txt file has become a key signal that helps large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT understand your website’s structure. Think of it like a sitemap, but for AI bots—not search engines. If you want your site content to show up accurately in AI answers, it’s time to implement llms.txt.

This guide breaks down what llms.txt is, why it matters, and exactly how to add it to your website—whether you use custom code, WordPress, Wix, or Shopify.

What is llms.txt?

llms.txt (sometimes stylized as llm.txt) is a simple, Markdown-formatted file placed at https://yourdomain.com/llms.txt. It gives AI models a human-readable summary of your site: what it does, key pages, guides, APIs, or resources you want highlighted.

Example format:

This file doesn’t replace your robots.txt or sitemap.xml. It complements them—specifically for AI.

Why Should You Use llms.txt?

• Improves AI visibility: Helps ChatGPT and similar tools surface your most important URLs and content.
• Gives you control: You define what parts of your site are highlighted.
• Lightweight SEO boost: LLMs are being integrated into search. This preps your content for that future.

How to Create an llms.txt File

• Use a text editor (VSCode, Notepad++) or an online tool like llms.txt Generator by Firecrawl.
• Follow the Markdown structure shown above.
• Save it as llms.txt.

How to Add llms.txt to Your Website (By Platform)

A. Fully Coded Website (HTML/CMS)

1. Upload your llms.txt to the root directory of your server.
2. Confirm it’s accessible at https://yourdomain.com/llms.txt
3. (Optional) Add a header in your server config: X-Robots-Tag: llms-txt

Tip: Use FTP or your hosting panel’s File Manager.

B. WordPress

Option 1: Using a Plugin

• Install an SEO or AI plugin that supports llms.txt (like AIOSEO or Website LLMs plugin).
• Navigate to the plugin’s settings and enable llms.txt support.
• Customize the content if allowed.

Option 2: Manual Upload

• Use FTP or your hosting control panel.
• Place llms.txt in the WordPress root directory (same as wp-config.php).

C. Wix

Wix doesn’t allow direct root access, but there are workarounds:

• Use the Wix Editor to upload llms.txt to your site files.
• If your plan supports it, place the file under .well-known/llms.txt
• If this fails, contact Wix support and request help exposing the file at yourdomain.com/llms.txt

D. Shopify

Shopify doesn’t offer root directory access, so use one of these:

Option 1: Use a Shopify App

• Install an app like llms.txt Generator AI Search from the Shopify App Store.
• The app will handle hosting and URL visibility.

Option 2: Manual Redirect

• Go to Content > Files in your Shopify Admin.
• Upload llms.txt
• Create a redirect from /llms.txt to the public file URL.

How to Test if It’s Working

• Visit https://yourdomain.com/llms.txt in a browser. If you see the file content, it’s live.
• Make sure the file is publicly accessible (no login walls).
• Run your file through a Markdown validator if needed.

FAQs

Q: Is this required for SEO?
A: Not yet, but it’s a smart move as AI-driven search becomes more mainstream.

Q: Can I update it later?
A: Yes—treat it like your sitemap. Update it when key site structure or content changes.

Q: Do I need both llms.txt and sitemap.xml?
A: Yes. They serve different audiences—search engines vs. AI.

Q: Will it improve my Google ranking?
A: No direct impact yet. But as AI answers become more common, this helps AI systems include accurate info about your site.

Final Thoughts

Setting up llms.txt is quick, easy, and gives your site an edge in the emerging AI browsing world. Whether you’re on Shopify or have a hand-coded site, this guide covers exactly what you need.

Want to stay ahead? Add llms.txt now, and keep it updated. The AI web is already here—and your content deserves to be understood clearly.