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Update LLMs.txt File

OfficialFree

Keep your LLMs.txt file accurate and compliant.

by github37.7k stars on github/awesome-copilot
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Updated Aug 10, 2026
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What Update LLMs.txt File does

The Update LLMs.txt File skill is designed to help developers maintain the accuracy and relevance of the llms.txt file in their repositories. This file is crucial for guiding large language models (LLMs) to understand the repository's structure and purpose. By ensuring that the llms.txt file reflects the latest changes in documentation, specifications, and repository structure, this skill enables better interaction with LLMs, facilitating improved understanding and usability of the repository.

To use this skill effectively, you must first analyze the current state of the llms.txt file and the repository structure. This involves reviewing the existing content, comparing it with the official llms.txt specification, and identifying any discrepancies or outdated references. The skill outlines a structured approach to update the file, ensuring that it remains optimized for both human and LLM readers. Key steps include discovering new documentation files, identifying changes in existing files, and planning the necessary updates to maintain compliance with the llms.txt specification.

The skill emphasizes the importance of clarity and organization in the llms.txt file. It provides guidelines on how to format the file correctly, including the necessary headers, summaries, and file lists. By following these guidelines, users can ensure that the file serves as an effective navigation tool for LLMs, making it easier for them to find and understand relevant content within the repository.

This skill is particularly useful for developers and teams who frequently update their documentation or repository structure. By automating the process of keeping the llms.txt file current, it reduces the risk of misinformation and enhances the overall usability of the repository for both human and machine readers.

When to use it

Use this skill when you have made significant changes to your repository's documentation or structure and need to update the `llms.txt` file accordingly.

When not to use it

This skill is not suitable for projects that do not utilize LLMs or do not require a structured `llms.txt` file for documentation.

What you can build with it

New Documentation Added

When you add new documentation files to your repository, use this skill to update the `llms.txt` file to include references to these new resources.

Repository Structure Changes

If you reorganize your repository structure, this skill helps ensure that the `llms.txt` file accurately reflects these changes for LLMs.

Compliance with Specification

When updating your `llms.txt` file, this skill ensures that it remains compliant with the official llms.txt specification, enhancing its effectiveness.

How to install Update LLMs.txt File

View source

1. Install with the skills CLI

npx skills add github/awesome-copilot/update-llms --agent claude-code

2. Or install it manually

Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.

Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs

Inside SKILL.md

Written by github

Update LLMs.txt File

Update the existing llms.txt file in the root of the repository to reflect changes in documentation, specifications, or repository structure. This file provides high-level guidance to large language models (LLMs) on where to find relevant content for understanding the repository's purpose and specifications.

Primary Directive

Update the existing llms.txt file to maintain accuracy and compliance with the llms.txt specification while reflecting current repository structure and content. The file must remain optimized for LLM consumption while staying human-readable.

Analysis and Planning Phase

Before updating the llms.txt file, you must complete a thorough analysis:

Step 1: Review Current File and Specification

  • Read the existing llms.txt file to understand current structure
  • Review the official specification at https://llmstxt.org/ to ensure continued compliance
  • Identify areas that may need updates based on repository changes

Step 2: Repository Structure Analysis

  • Examine the current repository structure using appropriate tools
  • Compare current structure with what's documented in existing llms.txt
  • Identify new directories, files, or documentation that should be included
  • Note any removed or relocated files that need to be updated

Step 3: Content Discovery and Change Detection

  • Identify new README files and their locations
  • Find new documentation files (.md files in /docs/, /spec/, etc.)
  • Locate new specification files and their purposes
  • Discover new configuration files and their relevance
  • Find new example files and code samples
  • Identify any changes to existing documentation structure

Step 4: Create Update Plan

Based on your analysis, create a structured plan that includes:

  • Changes needed to maintain accuracy
  • New files to be added to the llms.txt
  • Outdated references to be removed or updated
  • Organizational improvements to maintain clarity

Implementation Requirements

Format Compliance

The updated llms.txt file must maintain this exact structure per the specification:

  1. H1 Header: Single line with repository/project name (required)
  2. Blockquote Summary: Brief description in blockquote format (optional but recommended)
  3. Additional Details: Zero or more markdown sections without headings for context
  4. File List Sections: Zero or more H2 sections containing markdown lists of links

Content Requirements

Required Elements

  • Project Name: Clear, descriptive title as H1
  • Summary: Concise blockquote explaining the repository's purpose
  • Key Files: Essential files organized by category (H2 sections)

File Link Format

Each file link must follow: [descriptive-name](relative-url): optional description

Section Organization

Organize files into logical H2 sections such as:

  • Documentation: Core documentation files
  • Specifications: Technical specifications and requirements
  • Examples: Sample code and usage examples
  • Configuration: Setup and configuration files
  • Optional: Secondary files (special meaning - can be skipped for shorter context)

Content Guidelines

Language and Style

  • Use concise, clear, unambiguous language
  • Avoid jargon without explanation
  • Write for both human and LLM readers
  • Be specific and informative in descriptions

File Selection Criteria

Include files that:

  • Explain the repository's purpose and scope
  • Provide essential technical documentation
  • Show usage examples and patterns
  • Define interfaces and specifications
  • Contain configuration and setup instructions

Exclude files that:

  • Are purely implementation details
  • Contain redundant information
  • Are build artifacts or generated content
  • Are not relevant to understanding the project

Execution Steps

Step 1: Current State Analysis

  1. Read the existing llms.txt file thoroughly
  2. Examine the current repository structure completely
  3. Compare existing file references with actual repository content
  4. Identify outdated, missing, or incorrect references
  5. Note any structural issues with the current file

Step 2: Content Planning

  1. Determine if the primary purpose statement needs updates
  2. Review and update the summary blockquote if needed
  3. Plan additions for new files and directories
  4. Plan removals for outdated or moved content
  5. Reorganize sections if needed for better clarity

Step 3: File Updates

  1. Update the existing llms.txt file in the repository root
  2. Maintain compliance with the exact format specification
  3. Add new file references with appropriate descriptions
  4. Remove or update outdated references
  5. Ensure all links are valid relative paths

Step 4: Validation

  1. Verify continued compliance with https://llmstxt.org/ specification
  2. Check that all links are valid and accessible
  3. Ensure the file still serves as an effective LLM navigation tool
  4. Confirm the file remains both human and machine readable

Quality Assurance

Format Validation

  • ✅ H1 header with project name
  • ✅ Blockquote summary (if included)
  • ✅ H2 sections for file lists
  • ✅ Proper markdown link format
  • ✅ No broken or invalid links
  • ✅ Consistent formatting throughout

Content Validation

  • ✅ Clear, unambiguous language
  • ✅ Comprehensive coverage of essential files
  • ✅ Logical organization of content
  • ✅ Appropriate file descriptions
  • ✅ Serves as effective LLM navigation tool

Specification Compliance

  • ✅ Follows https://llmstxt.org/ format exactly
  • ✅ Uses required markdown structure
  • ✅ Implements optional sections appropriately
  • ✅ File located at repository root (/llms.txt)

Update Strategy

Addition Process

When adding new content:

  1. Identify the appropriate section for new files
  2. Create clear, descriptive names for links
  3. Write concise but informative descriptions
  4. Maintain alphabetical or logical ordering within sections
  5. Consider if new sections are needed for new content types

Removal Process

When removing outdated content:

  1. Verify files are actually removed or relocated
  2. Check if relocated files should be updated rather than removed
  3. Remove entire sections if they become empty
  4. Update cross-references if needed

Reorganization Process

When restructuring content:

  1. Maintain logical flow from general to specific
  2. Keep essential documentation in primary sections
  3. Move secondary content to "Optional" section if appropriate
  4. Ensure new organization improves LLM navigation

Example structure for llms.txt:

# [Repository Name]

> [Concise description of the repository's purpose and scope]

[Optional additional context paragraphs without headings]

## Documentation

- [Main README](README.md): Primary project documentation and getting started guide
- [Contributing Guide](CONTRIBUTING.md): Guidelines for contributing to the project
- [Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md): Community guidelines and expectations

## Specifications

- [Technical Specification](spec/technical-spec.md): Detailed technical requirements and constraints
- [API Specification](spec/api-spec.md): Interface definitions and data contracts

## Examples

- [Basic Example](examples/basic-usage.md): Simple usage demonstration
- [Advanced Example](examples/advanced-usage.md): Complex implementation patterns

## Configuration

- [Setup Guide](docs/setup.md): Installation and configuration instructions
- [Deployment Guide](docs/deployment.md): Production deployment guidelines

## Optional

- [Architecture Documentation](docs/architecture.md): Detailed system architecture
- [Design Decisions](docs/decisions.md): Historical design decision records

Success Criteria

The updated llms.txt file should:

  1. Accurately reflect the current repository structure and content
  2. Maintain compliance with the llms.txt specification
  3. Provide clear navigation to essential documentation
  4. Remove outdated or incorrect references
  5. Include new important files and documentation
  6. Maintain logical organization for easy LLM consumption
  7. Use clear, unambiguous language throughout
  8. Continue to serve both human and machine readers effectively

Frequently asked questions about Update LLMs.txt File

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