Trying to fix robots.txt

Technical Q&A

Topic summary

A user encountered difficulty locating the option to add a new template in Shopify when attempting to fix their robots.txt file.

Issue Identified:

  • The “add new template” button was not visible in the expected location
  • Shopify’s recent UI changes caused confusion about template creation

Solution Provided:

  • Navigate to Templates section and click the “add file” icon (not a traditional “add template” button)
  • Name the new file robots.txt.liquid (not just robots.txt)
  • Press Enter to create the file

Additional Guidance:

  • The default robots.txt is generally adequate
  • Users should backup existing code before making modifications
  • Official Shopify documentation links were provided for reference on robots.txt customization and SEO implications

The issue was resolved through step-by-step visual guidance showing the updated interface.

Summarized with AI on October 25. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Ok trying to fix my robots.txt if i go into templates the option to click ‘add new template’ is not there.

why is this?

2

Hello @retrodesire ,

I hope you are doing well!

Can you please provide the screenshot where the opion of Add new template is not visible?

3

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IMG_24871920×2560 1.01 MB

4

@retrodesire You need to click on Templates and click on add file icon which I have shown in the screenshot. I understand that lot of changes have been done in UI by Shopify which cause misunderstanding.

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You will get the option to name the file and click on enter to create the file

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image1919×795 56.2 KB

1 Like
5

I hope this helps or this fullfil your requirement. If this works for you, please mark my reply as answer. Also, if you need any help, feel free to message me or reply here.

1 Like
6

Cool thanks

do i just type in robots.txt?

7

Yes! You need to type robots.txt and Press Enter.

8

@retrodesire

Documentation is a bit old as it follows old code editor. But like @AiTrillion said just create a new file in the templates folder but name it robots.txt.liquid and add code you want. Note that the default robot.txt is fine and also backup code or copy and add new lines.

Check some documentation here

https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/promoting-marketing/seo/editing-robots-txt