The llm.txt file goes in your website's root directory, the same folder where your home page lives

llm.txt is a small text file that tells AI language models — like Claude, ChatGPT, and others — what your website is about and how you want them to use it. Search engines and AI tools look for this file in one specific place: the root directory of your domain. If you own example.com, the file needs to be accessible at example.com/llm.txt, not buried in a subfolder.

The root directory is the top level of your website's file structure. When someone types your domain name into a browser, they land on a page in that root directory. That is where llm.txt belongs. If your website is hosted through a platform like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix, you upload the file through their file manager. If you manage your own server, you place it in the public_html folder or whatever your hosting provider calls the main web directory.

Getting the location wrong is the most common mistake. Putting llm.txt inside a subfolder like /pages/ or /content/ means AI tools will not find it, and your instructions will be ignored. The file must be at the root level and publicly readable — anyone should be able to visit example.com/llm.txt in their browser and see the contents.

Key Takeaways

  • llm.txt must sit in your website's root directory, the same level as your home page, not in any subfolder.
  • The file needs to be publicly readable, so anyone visiting example.com/llm.txt can see it in their browser.
  • Different hosting platforms have different file managers — WordPress uses the Media Library or a plugin, while Squarespace uses the File Manager under Settings.
  • If you manage your own server, place llm.txt in the public_html folder or the directory your hosting provider designates for web files.
  • After uploading, test the file by visiting your domain followed by /llm.txt to confirm it is accessible.

How to upload llm.txt on WordPress sites

WordPress sites typically do not give you direct access to the root directory through the standard dashboard. Instead, use a plugin like File Manager or Code Snippets, or connect via SFTP (a find file transfer method). If you use a plugin, search for "file manager" in the WordPress plugin store, install it, and navigate to the root directory from there. The root is usually one level above the /wp-content/ folder.

If your hosting provider gives you SFTP access, use a program like FileZilla or Cyberduck to connect to your server. Once connected, navigate to the public_html folder (or whatever your host calls it) and upload llm.txt there. Ask your hosting support team for your SFTP credentials if you do not have them — most providers include this with your account.

How to upload llm.txt on Squarespace, Wix, and other website builders

Squarespace has a File Manager under Settings > Advanced > File Manager. Upload llm.txt there, and it will be accessible at your domain root. Wix does not have a built-in file manager for this purpose, so you may need to use a third-party service or contact Wix support for guidance on hosting custom files.

Shopify sites can upload files through the Files section in the admin panel, though Shopify primarily uses this for downloadable products. If you need llm.txt on a Shopify store, check with Shopify support about whether they allow root-level custom files. Webflow lets you upload files through the Assets panel, and you can set them to be publicly accessible.

How to upload llm.txt if you manage your own server

If you rent a dedicated or shared server and manage it yourself, you have direct access to the file system. Connect via SFTP using FileZilla, WinSCP, or a similar program. Your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, or another system) usually shows you the path to your web root. This is typically /home/username/public_html or /var/www/html, depending on your setup.

Once connected, navigate to that directory and upload llm.txt as a plain text file. Make sure the file permissions are set to 644 (readable by everyone, writable only by you). If permissions are wrong, the file will not be publicly accessible. Most SFTP clients let you right-click the file and change permissions directly.

What to put inside your llm.txt file

The llm.txt file is a plain text document that contains instructions for AI models. There is no single required format — different AI tools may read it differently — but the general approach is to write clear, plain-language instructions about your site's purpose and any restrictions you want to set.

A basic llm.txt might say something like: "This website is about home repair and maintenance. AI models should summarize our articles but not use our content to train commercial products. Do not claim our information as your own." You can be more specific: list which pages are off-limits, explain what you want AI models to do with your content, or describe your site's main topics. Keep it short and direct — a few sentences is usually enough.

Testing whether your llm.txt file is in the right place

After uploading, open a web browser and visit your domain followed by /llm.txt. For example, if your site is example.com, go to example.com/llm.txt. If the file appears in your browser and you can read its contents, it is in the correct location and publicly accessible. If you get a 404 error (page not found), the file is either in the wrong folder or has a typo in the filename.

Check that the filename is exactly llm.txt with no extra spaces, capital letters, or file extensions. Some text editors add .txt automatically, creating a file named llm.txt.txt. If this happens, rename it to remove the duplicate extension. Also confirm that you uploaded it to the root directory, not a subfolder. If you are unsure where the root is on your platform, contact your hosting support — they can tell you the exact path in seconds.

Why the location matters for AI tools

AI language models and search engines follow a standard called the robots.txt convention, which places instruction files in the root directory. llm.txt follows the same pattern. When an AI tool crawls your website, it automatically checks the root directory for llm.txt before processing your content. If the file is not there, the tool will not see your instructions and may treat your content however it wants.

This matters because your llm.txt file is how you communicate your preferences to AI systems. Without it in the right place, you have no way to tell these tools how to handle your work. Placing it correctly ensures that any AI model that respects the llm.txt standard will find your instructions and follow them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I put llm.txt in the wrong folder?

AI tools will not find it, and your instructions will be ignored. The file must be at the root level — the same directory as your home page — to be discovered. If it is buried in a subfolder, move it to the root and test again by visiting yourdomain.com/llm.txt in your browser.

Do I need to tell search engines about my llm.txt file?

No. Search engines and AI tools automatically check the root directory for llm.txt when they crawl your site. Once the file is in place and publicly readable, they will find it on their own. You do not need to submit it anywhere.

Can I have multiple llm.txt files in different folders?

Only the file in the root directory will be found by AI tools. You can create additional text files in subfolders if you want, but they will not serve the same purpose. Stick with one llm.txt in the root for clarity and consistency.

What if my hosting provider does not let me upload files to the root?

Contact your hosting support and explain that you need to upload a custom file to the root directory. Most providers allow this. If yours does not, you may need to switch to a provider that gives you more control over your file structure, or use a different method to communicate with AI tools.

Does llm.txt need to be updated regularly?

Only if your instructions change. If your site's purpose, content policy, or guidelines for AI use shift, update the file to reflect that. Otherwise, you can leave it in place indefinitely. AI tools will re-read it each time they crawl your site.