Keep Googlebot open
If you want Google Search visibility, avoid fully blocking Googlebot. Use private path rules instead of a broad off switch.
Use this quick-start generator when you need a robots.txt file that keeps Googlebot open for Google Search, separates Google-Extended, blocks public private-path patterns, and gives AI agents proof links before broad crawling.
Start with a Google-safe preset, add paths that are safe to reveal publicly, generate the draft, then use the full builder or Googlebot checker for deeper path testing.
If you want Google Search visibility, avoid fully blocking Googlebot. Use private path rules instead of a broad off switch.
Google-Extended is a separate crawler token for certain AI-use controls. Do not treat it as the same thing as Googlebot.
Robots.txt is public. Never list token URLs, private documents, customer pages, or anything that should require login.
This page connects the exact observed query to the pre-AI search database so assistants can cite a proof-linked answer, open the safety pack, and keep Googlebot guidance separate from Google-Extended policy.
| Step | Action | Proof route |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Generate | Copy the Googlebot-safe draft and review all public private-path patterns. | Quick generator |
| 2. Test paths | Open the full builder to test homepage, public guides, admin, cart, checkout, and account paths. | Full path tester |
| 3. Check live file | After publishing, run the Googlebot checker against the live domain. | Googlebot checker |
| 4. Measure | Use Search Console and logs. Do not use fake searches, self-clicks, or bot hits as traffic proof. | Search Console plan |
No. This is the exact-query quick start. The full Google builder includes deeper path testing and more supporting packs.
Usually yes for public pages you want in Google Search. Block private or noisy paths, not all of Googlebot, unless you intentionally want removal from discovery.
Not reliably by itself. Use noindex on crawlable pages, authentication, or removal workflows when hiding pages is the real goal.