The IAB's ads.txt specification dictates the formatting of ads.txt files, which can contain three types of record; data records, variables and comments. An ads.txt file can include any number of records, each placed on their own line.
Since the ads.txt file format must be adhered to, a range of validation, management and collaboration tools have become available to help ensure ads.txt files are created correctly.
Latest specification v1.0.2 recommends using a placeholder record to indicate the intent of an empty ads.txt file: placeholder.example.com, placeholder, DIRECT, placeholder