OSMap uses Joomla Robots settings to decide whether a page should appear in the XML sitemap. This behavior helps website owners prevent search engines from indexing pages they do not want listed in search results.
This article explains how OSMap handles Robots settings from Joomla Global Configuration, Joomla menu items, and Joomla articles.
There is an important difference between XML and HTML Sitemaps. OSMap treats XML and HTML sitemaps differently.
XML sitemap
The XML sitemap respects Robots settings. Pages using noindex, nofollow can be excluded.
HTML sitemap
The HTML sitemap does not use the Robots checks discussed in this article.
This means a page may still appear in the HTML sitemap even if it is excluded from the XML sitemap.
The Joomla Global Configuration Robots Setting
You can configure a default Robots setting in Joomla by going to System > Global Configuration > Site > Metadata group of settings > Robots.
For example, you can set this value to noindex, nofollow.
OSMap reads this value when no more specific Robots setting exists.
Menu Item Robots Settings
Each Joomla menu item also has its own Robots parameter.
You can find it by going to Menus > Your Menu > Your Menu Item > Metadata.
OSMap checks the menu item Robots setting before using the Joomla Global Configuration value.
Article Robots Settings
Joomla articles also include a Robots parameter.
You can find it by going to Content > Articles > Your Article > Publishing.
For Joomla articles, OSMap checks the article-level Robots setting first.
Robots Priority Order
In practical terms, OSMap follows this priority order:
- Article Robots setting
- Menu item Robots setting
- Joomla Global Configuration Robots setting
The most specific setting wins.
Final Notes
OSMap uses Joomla's Robots settings to control XML sitemap visibility.
The HTML sitemap works differently.
If you want to hide URLs from both XML and HTML sitemaps, additional configuration may be required.
What's Next?
Save $1,000's when you sign up for Joomlashack's Everything Club.
You will get your hands on our extensive range of over 20 extensions, plus legendary support!