What is llms.txt and does Google use it?
Quick answer
llms.txt is a community proposal for a markdown index at your site root. It can list URLs assistants should read. Google states it does not use llms.txt for ranking or AI features in Search. Optional for discovery; HTML proof pages still do the work. Eco brands: see brand llms.txt for a claim-safe template.
What does the proposal specify?
A UTF-8 text file with an H1, optional summary, and markdown links to important paths. It is meant for agents, not shoppers.
What does Google say?
Google’s AI optimization documentation says focus on helpful HTML content and that llms.txt is not used for ranking or AI features in Search.
When should sustainable brands publish one?
After crawl policy is set and proof URLs exist. Use the eco DTC checklist in brand llms.txt. Restaurants compare dining llms.txt against GBP and schema first.
Frequently asked questions
Will llms.txt hurt SEO?
Google documents that it does not use the file for Search ranking. Keep claims in the file as sober as on your PDP.
Do we need llms-full.txt?
Optional companion in the proposal. Skip until you can generate it from live page copy.
Can llms.txt replace FAQ schema?
No. On-page FAQ HTML and JSON-LD remain the durable pattern.
Need this applied to your brand?
Book a call with fisagency, or continue in Calculators, Prompts, and Skills.