How to use and customize a LLMs.txt file

An LLMs.txt file automatically generates for every beehiiv publication website. It's a structured file that helps AI tools and large language models (LLMs) better understand your content. In this article, you'll learn how to view the default file, customize it with your own content, and reset it back to the original at any time.

An LLMs.txt file follows the llms.txt spec, an emerging standard that helps AI tools navigate and understand web content more effectively. Think of it as a structured summary of your publication. Your posts, pages, authors, categories, and more are written in a format that AI tools can read and reference.

Having an LLMs.txt file on your site can improve how AI platforms index and represent your publication's content. As AI tools become a more common way for people to discover and engage with content, beehiiv is committed to making sure your publication is well-positioned in that landscape.

1. From your account dashboard, go to Website > Builder. 
2. Click the Settings icon in the left panel, then select All general settings.
   
   
   
3. Your site settings will open on the General page. From the left panel, select Search Engine Optimization. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the LLMs.txt section.
   
   
   

4. Click the file link under Current llms.txt to view the current contents of your LLMs.txt file in your browser, auto-generated from your publication data.
   
   

   
   Pro Tip: Your LLMs.txt file is publicly accessible at your publication URL followed by /llms.txt.

5. By default, beehiiv auto-generates your LLMs.txt content based on your publication data, including up to 50 posts, pages, authors, categories, products, and podcast episodes.
   
   To replace it with your own custom content, you have the option to upload a file or paste into the provided field. Click on the Customize button to get started.
   
   
   
6. To upload a new file, click Upload .txt file and upload a new version of your file. 
   
   
   
   
   Alternatively, you can paste your content directly into the provided field. You can also make edits in this field regardless of whether you uploaded or pasted your content.
   
   
7. Click the Save llms.txt button to apply your changes. Your updated file will be live on your site immediately after saving.
   
   
   

8. If you've made custom edits and want to return to the auto-generated version, click Reset to default.
   
   
   
   
   A confirmation modal will appear. Click Reset to remove your custom llms.txt content and revert to the auto-generated file. 
   
   
   

What content is included in the auto-generated LLMs.txt file?
The auto-generated file pulls from your publication data and includes posts, pages, authors, categories, products, and podcast episodes, for up to 50 posts in total.
Can I upload a custom LLMs.txt file?
Yes. You have the option to upload a custom LLMs.txt file, or paste into the provided field. 
What happens if my content exceeds the size limit?
The file has a 6KB maximum size limit. If your content goes over this limit, the file will be automatically trimmed from the end, meaning the oldest or least prioritized posts are removed first.
Is the LLMs.txt file available on all plans?
The LLMs.txt feature is available on all beehiiv paid plans. 
Where can I find my LLMs.txt file?
Your file is publicly accessible at yourdomain.com/llms.txt. You can also view and edit it directly in Website builder settings > Search Engine Optimization.