Add llms.txt file with Shopify

UPDATE May 20, 2026: It's barely been two weeks and Shopify has already made changes. Your llms.txt file now redirects to yourdomain/agents.md. This means if you created a unique llms.txt file (either by following the instructions below or by some other workaround), your file will auto redirect to yourdomain/agents.md. As I mentioned in the article below, we expected Shopify would make some changes as they continue testing. I'll restate what I said at the bottom of this article: I do not recommend creating an llms.txt file at this time. Let Shopify run their tests, they have direct connections with LLMs.  

I've written in the past about showing up in AI Search Results and now we have some new information.

It looks like Shopify is testing adding the llms.txt file for all Shopify stores. Yep! That means you don't need another app or some quirky workaround.

Here's what the current llms.txt file from Shopify looks like as of May 2026:

The biggest thing I'm noticing here is that the default llms.txt file is fairly bare bones. As you can see in the screenshot, we have browse links to the all collection and search pages, store contact information, and links specific to Agents & Developers that don't mean anything to us.

This is a far cry from what we've been told should be included in the llms.txt file (e.g. links to top collection pages, FAQ page, policy pages, etc).

How to change Shopify's default llms.txt file

Let me start by saying I genuinely don't think you should change the llms.txt file. At least not yet. 

You are not required to do anything nor do I think you should. 

Shopify hasn't publicly announced the addition of the llms.txt file nor is there any documentation about how to modify the document. That means it's likely still in early testing and things may change.

Not to mention, there is no proof that anyone even cares about the llms.txt file.

With that said, I'll do my best to update this article as we learn more.

Is it safe to modify the default llms.txt file

With some sleuthing on my end, I did find a way to edit the default llms.txt file if you so choose to do so. There are three potential downsides to changing the existing file.

1. Using Liquid is not supported yet. That means there are no shortcuts and no rules (like we have with the robots.txt file). You'll have to manually create the file, much like you do already if you did a quirky workaround.
2. Using the instructions below will completely override the existing document. I don't recommend deleting the existing content entirely.
3. Since it's still very early, Shopify may change the default content. So you may invest time, only to find Shopify made changes that are more appropriate.

I'd recommend using all or parts of Shopify's default llms.txt file such as the section For Agents & Developers. They are testing sending this file as part of a /sitemap_agentic_discovery.xml file to various agents and there are specific links that they may need as part of their connection.

Consider copy and pasting the default into your new document.

Add llms.txt file to your Shopify theme:

Add the llms.txt.liquid template with the following steps:

1. In the code editor for the theme you want to edit, locate the Templates folder.
2. Right-click on the Templates folder.
3. Click New File from the context menu.
4. Name the file llms.txt.liquid.
5. Press Enter to create the file.

Keep in mind, once you've added the file, you override the default from Shopify. So don't leave this blank if you aren't ready to modify the document.

From here, you can add whatever you want to the llms.txt file. Again, here's a recommendation on what to include in your llms.txt file.

If you want to edit the llms.txt file but aren't comfortable getting into the code or don't know what to do, you may need help from a Shopify Partner.

Is the llms.txt file worth the effort?

We still don't know if any AI Search Engine actually uses the llms.txt file. So take all of this with a grain of salt.

Is it worth doing? Maybe.

Does it hurt to change the existing file from Shopify? Too early to know for sure.

Are you going to see dramatic changes for you SEO? No, not likely.

If you keep what Shopify built in natively to the llms.txt file and build off it to add more content, that feels safer.

I really want to manage your expectations there. The llms.txt file will not make or break your SEO. Adding more to the existing file may help, but likely won't hurt.

And again, I don't think it's worth updating the llms.txt file until we know there is any value. Let Shopify do their testing to see what works first.