Creating CNAME Records Print

CNAME records create aliases that point to other domain names.

Do not use a CNAME for a hostname that is the target of an MX record. Mail-server targets must resolve directly to address records. For service-specific targets such as a CDN, copy the exact value supplied by the service rather than constructing one from your domain.

When to Use CNAME

• www.domain.com → domain.com
• ftp.domain.com → domain.com
• A service-specific hostname, if that service explicitly supports a CNAME
• Any subdomain pointing to another domain

Steps

1. Go to Domains → DNS Manager
2. Click the pencil icon next to your domain
3. Click Add Record
4. Fill in:
   • Type: CNAME
   • Name: Subdomain (e.g., www)
   • TTL: 3600
   • Target: Destination domain
5. Click Confirm

Examples

WWW subdomain:

Name: www
Target: domain.com

External service:

Name: blog
Target: myblog.wordpress.com

CDN setup:

Name: cdn
Target: exact-target-supplied-by-your-cdn.example

CNAME vs A Record

• A Record: Points to IP address (192.0.2.1)
• CNAME: Points to another domain name

If your server IP changes, A record must be updated. CNAMEs pointing to that domain update automatically.

Rules

• Cannot use CNAME on root domain (@)
• Cannot mix CNAME with other records on same subdomain
• Target must be a domain, not an IP
• Always include trailing dot or use full domain

Common Mistakes

• Creating CNAME for @ (use A record instead)
• Creating CNAME pointing to IP address
• Having both A and CNAME for same subdomain