robots.txt Configuration for AI Search Crawlers 2026
robots.txt controls AI crawler access to your website. Key AI crawlers to configure: GPTBot (ChatGPT), PerplexityBot (Perplexity), Google-Extended (Gemini), ClaudeBot (Claude), and Bingbot (Copilot). Most businesses should allow these crawlers for AI visibility; block only if you don't want AI training on your content. AI crawlers respect robots.txt directives, giving you control over whether your content is used for AI training and responses. According to OpenAI, GPTBot respects robots.txt and can be blocked or allowed per standard conventions.
Key Takeaways
- • GPTBot: ChatGPT/OpenAI crawler
- • PerplexityBot: Perplexity crawler
- • Google-Extended: Gemini training crawler
- • Most businesses should allow AI crawlers
- • Block only if you don't want AI use of content
AI Crawler User Agents #
| User Agent | AI Engine | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| GPTBot | ChatGPT | Training and browsing |
| PerplexityBot | Perplexity | Real-time search |
| Google-Extended | Gemini | AI training |
| ClaudeBot | Claude | Training |
| Bingbot | Copilot | Search and AI |
Allowing AI Crawlers (Recommended) #
To allow AI crawlers (default if not specified):
User-agent: GPTBot Allow: / User-agent: PerplexityBot Allow: / User-agent: Google-Extended Allow: / User-agent: ClaudeBot Allow: /
Blocking AI Crawlers #
To block AI crawlers from your content:
User-agent: GPTBot Disallow: / User-agent: PerplexityBot Disallow: / User-agent: Google-Extended Disallow: /
Selective Access #
Allow AI crawlers but block specific sections:
User-agent: GPTBot Allow: /blog/ Allow: /products/ Disallow: /private/ Disallow: /internal/
Decision Considerations #
Allow AI Crawlers If
- You want AI visibility
- You want citations in AI responses
- You benefit from AI traffic
- Content is public anyway
Block AI Crawlers If
- Content is proprietary
- You don't want AI training
- Competitive concerns
- Legal/compliance requirements
Limitations #
- Not all crawlers comply: Some may ignore robots.txt
- Historical data: Blocking doesn't remove already-crawled content
- Indirect access: AI may cite sources that cite you
Conclusion #
robots.txt gives you control over AI crawler access. Most businesses should allow AI crawlers for visibility benefits. Block only if you have specific reasons to prevent AI use of your content. Remember that blocking doesn't remove already-indexed content.
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Product Manager at Seenos.ai. Pioneer in AEO research since 2024, exploring the convergence of SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). Led multiple AI-powered content optimization projects that achieved 300%+ citation increases in ChatGPT and Perplexity.