Sitemap Index Generator
A sitemap index generator writes the file that lists all your sitemaps, so you can submit them together. Paste your sitemap URLs, add their last-modified dates if you know them, and this free tool writes a valid sitemap index and checks the rules Google sets, such as where the listed sitemaps may be stored.
Used for host/directory checks.
Each sitemap must be on the same site and in the same directory or below.
Last-modified dates (optional)
Format: YYYY-MM-DD or YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm:ss+hh:mm
Sitemap Index XML
What is a sitemap index generator and when should you use it?
Large sites often split their URLs across several sitemaps, for example by section or because one file would pass the size limits. A sitemap index lists those files so you can submit one URL instead of many. Build the individual files with the XML Sitemap Generator, and check any sitemap with the XML Sitemap Validator.
How do you use it?
- Enter the URL where the index file will live.
- Paste the URLs of your sitemaps.
- Add last-modified dates if you have them.
- Copy or download the index and submit it in Search Console.
Working on a comprehensive technical audit? Browse all free SEO tools to discover the next step in your workflow, or contact our technical support team if you require a specialized custom utility.
Result interpretation & practical applications
When evaluating the output of the sitemap index generator, review the parsed metrics against your specific site architecture. Outputs are formatted for direct implementation into your HTML source, web server configuration, or Google Search Console audit files.
Always inspect generated values for contextual nuance. Automated tools highlight structural patterns, but manual verification confirms that technical directives align with your overarching SEO strategy.
Technical rules and limitations
- Required tags: sitemapindex, sitemap and loc; lastmod is optional.
- Up to 50,000 sitemaps per index.
- Listed sitemaps must be on the same site and in the same directory as the index or lower.
- You can submit up to 500 sitemap index files per site in Search Console.
Google's guide to managing sitemaps with a sitemap index file.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
- Placing the index in a subfolder while the sitemaps are at the root.
- Listing sitemaps from another domain without cross-site setup.
- Using an invalid lastmod date.
No tool can promise how a search engine will crawl, index, or rank your pages. This tool generates and validates code against documented technical specifications; you determine where to deploy it, and you should always test changes on staging environments first. Google publishes extensive guidelines in Search Central on evaluating third-party SEO tools and advice. Learn more about our technical testing standards on our about us page, or explore full site audits on our pricing page.
Related free tools & workflows
Browse all Advanced On-Page SEO Tools →Technical SEO Audit Workflows
Indexability & Crawling
Redirects & HTTP Headers
Authoritative Technical Documentation & Standards
This tool executes logic aligned with official technical documentation and search engine webmaster standards:
- Google Search Central sitemap index guide
Google Search Central: Manage Large Sitemaps with Sitemap Indexes
Primary engineering source and technical documentation.
- Sitemaps.org XML protocol standard
Sitemaps.org: XML Sitemap Protocol Specification
Primary engineering source and technical documentation.
Sitemap Index Generator questions
Where should the index file go? ↓
In the same directory as your sitemaps or above them, often the site root.
Can I list sitemaps from another domain? ↓
Only with cross-site setup.
Can an index list other indexes? ↓
The tool lists sitemap files; keep it to sitemaps.
Is this tool free? ↓
Yes. It is completely free to use and requires no registration or subscription.
Does this tool visit my website or store my files? ↓
No. It executes entirely in your local browser runtime. Your inputs and results are never stored or logged on our servers.
Ready for the next step in your audit?
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