How to configure robots.txt for AI crawlers?

To configure robots.txt for AI crawlers, add specific directives for each bot (GPTBot, ClaudeBot, PerplexityBot, etc.). Use User-agent followed by Allow or Disallow depending on which sections you want to make accessible or block.

Which AI bots should be allowed in robots.txt?

The main AI bots to consider are GPTBot (OpenAI), ClaudeBot (Anthropic), PerplexityBot, Google-Extended (Gemini), and CCBot (Common Crawl). To maximize your GEO visibility, it is recommended to allow these bots on your strategic pages.

Should I block or allow AI crawlers?

For an effective GEO strategy, it is recommended to allow AI crawlers on your strategic public content. Blocking AI bots reduces your visibility in generative responses. AI Labs Audit can verify your robots.txt configuration through its technical audit.

robots.txt for AI: Configuration Guide for AI Crawlers

Your robots.txt is the first thing AI crawlers read.

Recommended Strategy

Allow search AI crawlers (GPTBot, ClaudeBot, PerplexityBot) while blocking training crawlers (CCBot, Google-Extended).

Watch for WAF

Even with perfect robots.txt, an overly restrictive WAF can block AI crawlers. AI Labs Audit automatically tests real access.

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Article reviewed and updated: May 2026 — verified against current behaviors of ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity.

About the author

Davy Abderrahman

Founder & CEO at AI Labs Audit

Specialist in AI visibility (AEO/GEO/LLMO), I help agencies and consultants measure and optimize their clients' presence on ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity and other AI answer engines. Pioneer in AI visibility auditing since 2024.

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