1. What is CloudFlare DNS Manager?
CloudFlare DNS Manager is a WHMCS module that connects your billing system to CloudFlare's DNS service. It automates DNS management for your customers with full DNSSEC support and CloudFlare's security features.
Key features:
- Creates and deletes DNS zones automatically
- DNSSEC with one-click activation and DS record management
- Zone records importer for easy migrations
- Lets customers manage their DNS records with proxy toggle
- Works with these record types: A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, SRV, CAA, NS, TLSA
- SSL/TLS mode configuration (Off/Flexible/Full/Full Strict)
- CloudFlare proxy settings (Orange/Grey Cloud) per record
- Protects nameserver records from accidental deletion
- Fully translated in 8 languages
CloudFlare API access? Get your Global API Key from CloudFlare Dashboard → Profile → API Tokens.
2. Features
Automation
- Creates zones when domains are registered
- Links to existing zones instead of creating duplicates
- Deletes zones when services are terminated (optional)
- Automatically configures nameservers
- DNSSEC key management with automatic DS record generation
Supported DNS Records
- A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, SRV, CAA, NS, TLSA
CloudFlare Proxy Features
- Orange Cloud (proxied) for CDN and security
- Grey Cloud (DNS-only) for direct connections
- Per-record proxy configuration
- Real-time proxy status updates
SSL/TLS Configuration
- Off - No encryption between visitor and CloudFlare
- Flexible - Encrypts traffic between visitor and CloudFlare
- Full - Encrypts end-to-end but allows self-signed certificates
- Full (Strict) - Encrypts end-to-end with valid SSL certificate required
DNSSEC Features
- One-click DNSSEC activation
- Automatic key generation and management
- Real-time DS records for registrar integration
- DNSSEC validation status display
- Support for all standard algorithms
Zone Import
- Import from BIND/RFC1035 format
- Three import modes: merge, replace, append
- Validation before import
- Preserves existing records when merging
User Interface
- Admin panel for managing all zones
- Client area for customers to manage their own DNS
- DNSSEC status indicators
- Proxy status indicators (Orange/Grey Cloud)
- Search and filter functions
- Zone export functionality
Languages
- Client area fully translated in 8 languages
- Included: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish
- Easy to add more languages
WHMCS Integration
- Works as an addon module for domain management
- Integrates with domain lifecycle hooks
- Logs all actions
- Automated zone creation and deletion
Security
- Encrypts API keys in database
- Blocks direct file access
- Permission-based access control
- Protected default records
- CloudFlare's built-in DDoS protection
3. Requirements
- WHMCS 8.9 or newer
- CloudFlare account with API access
- PHP 7.4+ with curl extension
- Network access from WHMCS to CloudFlare API (HTTPS)
- Valid CloudFlare DNS Manager license
First time using CloudFlare? Create an account at cloudflare.com and get your API credentials from the dashboard.
4. Installation
Step 1: Upload Files
Upload this folder to your WHMCS installation:
/modules
└─ addons
└─ cloudflaredns_manager
Important: Don't rename the folder.
Step 2: Activate the Addon
- Go to System Settings → Addon Modules
- Find "CloudFlare DNS Manager" and click Activate
- Click Configure
- Enter your license key and CloudFlare API details
- Configure SSL/TLS and other settings
- Click Save Changes
Step 3: Set Permissions
Choose which admin groups can use the module.
Step 4: DNS Hosting Integration
CloudFlare DNS Manager works directly with domain registrations through automation hooks. No separate server module needed.
How It Works
- New domain registered: Creates DNS zone automatically
- Zone already exists: Links to existing zone
- Domain suspended: Unlinks from WHMCS (zone stays on CloudFlare)
- Domain terminated: Can delete zone (based on your settings)
- DNSSEC enabled: Generates keys and provides DS records instantly
5. Configuration Options
- License Key
- Your ArkHost license
- CloudFlare Email
- Your CloudFlare account email address
- CloudFlare API Key
- Global API Key from CloudFlare dashboard
- Default SSL/TLS Mode
- Default encryption mode for new zones
- Primary/Secondary NS
- CloudFlare nameservers (customers can't change these)
- Default TTL
- Time to live for DNS records (in seconds)
- Default Proxy Setting
- Whether new A/AAAA/CNAME records are proxied by default
- DNSSEC Support
- Enable DNSSEC features for zones
- Clear Data on Deactivation
- Removes WHMCS data when disabling the module
- Show Nameservers in Client Area
- Shows CloudFlare NS info to customers
- Access Control
- Which admin groups can use this module
6. Domain Integration
CloudFlare DNS Manager automatically works with your existing domain products. When domains are registered, transferred, or terminated, the module handles zone creation and management automatically through WHMCS hooks.
No additional product setup required. The module integrates directly with your existing domain registration process.
7. Daily Use
Admin Features
- View and manage all DNS zones
- Link existing CloudFlare zones to WHMCS domains
- Edit any DNS record
- Configure SSL/TLS modes for zones
- Import zones from BIND format
- Export zones to text files
- Manage DNSSEC for all zones
- Toggle proxy settings for records
- Synchronize all zones button
- Protected records show a padlock icon
Customer Features
- Access DNS management from domain details page
- Add, edit, delete their DNS records
- Toggle CloudFlare proxy (Orange/Grey Cloud) for eligible records
- Import zone records from external DNS
- Enable/disable DNSSEC with one click
- View DS records for registrar
- Can't modify protected nameserver records
- Check DNS propagation status
- Export their zone data
- All features available in 8 languages
CloudFlare Proxy Management
- Orange Cloud (Proxied): Traffic passes through CloudFlare for CDN and security
- Grey Cloud (DNS-only): Direct connection to your server
- Supported for: A, AAAA, and CNAME records
- Toggle: Click the cloud icon next to records
DNSSEC Management
- Enable DNSSEC: Click "Enable DNSSEC" button in client area
- View Keys: Keys are generated automatically by CloudFlare
- DS Records: Copy DS records to domain registrar
- Validation: Real-time DNSSEC validation status
8. Best Practices
- Use Grey Cloud for mail servers (MX records)
- Enable Orange Cloud for web traffic (A/AAAA records)
