A Complete Guide to llms.txt: Everything You Need to Know about llms.txt
As large language models (LLMs) become integral to modern websites, apps, and platforms, the demand for transparency in AI usage is rising. Enter llms.txt — a simple yet powerful tool to declare and disclose how AI models are used on your digital property.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about llms.txt, including what it is, why it matters, how to structure it, and how to implement it.
To support the adoption of this standard, a dedicated initiative—llmstxt.org—has been launched. The site serves as the official hub for the llms.txt movement, offering:
📄 Documentation on how to create and structure your
llms.txtfile🛠️ Templates to help you get started quickly
🔍 Examples from live websites
🧭 Best practices for AI transparency and ethical model usage
✅ Compliance tips for aligning with AI-related regulations like the EU AI Act
The project is open-source and community-driven, making it easier for businesses, developers, and policymakers to standardize their AI disclosure practices.
Whether you’re building your first chatbot or managing a complex AI pipeline, llmstxt.org is the go-to resource to implement llms.txt the right way.
🔍 What is llms.txt?
llms.txt is a plain text file hosted at the root of a website (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/llms.txt). Inspired by robots.txt, it allows organizations to publicly disclose which large language models they use, what they’re used for, and how user data is handled in the process.
It’s part of a growing initiative to foster AI transparency, especially as regulations like the EU AI Act begin to take shape.
🧠 Why Use llms.txt?
With generative AI models like GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, and others being embedded into various applications, there’s a growing need to:
Ensure ethical AI usage
Disclose AI-generated content
Protect user privacy
Build user trust
Stay compliant with emerging global regulations
llms.txt provides a standardized, accessible way to do all of this.
📁 Where Should You Place It?
The file should be accessible at:
https://yourwebsite.com/llms.txt
Placing it in the root directory makes it easy for users, crawlers, and auditors to access and review.
🧾 What Should Be in llms.txt?
Here’s an example:
# llms.txt - Transparency file for AI usage
model: GPT-4
provider: OpenAI
usage: Customer support, blog writing
data_retention: No user data is stored
fine_tuned: No
contact: ai@example.com
last_updated: 2025-04-10
model: Claude 3
provider: Anthropic
usage: Internal document summarization
data_retention: Deleted after processing
fine_tuned: Yes (on internal knowledge base)
contact: ai@example.com
last_updated: 2025-04-10
✍️ Recommended Fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
model | The name of the language model used (e.g., GPT-4, Claude 3). |
provider | Company or entity providing the model. |
usage | Description of how the model is used on your platform. |
data_retention | Explains whether any user data is stored or processed. |
fine_tuned | States whether the model is fine-tuned with custom data. |
contact | Email for inquiries or concerns. |
last_updated | Date of the most recent update to the file. |
✅ Benefits of Using llms.txt
Transparency: Clearly communicates your AI practices.
Trust: Builds confidence with users and partners.
Compliance: Helps meet regulatory and ethical standards.
Standardization: Aligns with broader industry efforts for responsible AI.
🧪 Who Should Use llms.txt?
This file is beneficial for:
SaaS platforms with AI chatbots
E-commerce sites using AI recommendations
News and content sites leveraging AI for writing or summarizing
Educational platforms using AI tutors
Any business integrating or exposing LLMs to users
🛠️ How to Set It Up
Create a plain text file named
llms.txt.Include entries for each model used with the suggested fields.
Upload the file to the root of your domain.
Keep it updated whenever AI usage changes.
🔮 Future Potential of llms.txt
In the future, we might see:
Machine-readable formats like JSON support
Integration with AI audit tools
Standardized discovery by AI crawlers
Legal mandates to declare AI usage publicly
📝 Sum-up
llms.txt may be a simple file, but its impact on AI transparency and ethical practice is significant. It reflects a proactive commitment to openness and responsibility in an AI-driven world.
Whether you’re an AI startup or a Fortune 500 company, adding a well-maintained llms.txt file to your website is a small action with long-lasting impact.