Which record type option should I choose for the information I�m about to enter? Print

Choosing the right DNS record is like choosing the right type of envelope for a letter; each one is designed for a specific purpose. If you use the wrong one, the internet won't know how to deliver your visitors to the right place.

Here is a quick guide to the most common record types you will use at Nixzoehost.

Which DNS Record Should I Use?

1. A Record (Address Record)

• What it does: Connects your domain to a specific numerical IP address.

• When to use it: When you have a dedicated server or a hosting account that gives you an IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

• Example: Pointing nixzoehost.com to your web servers IP.

2. CNAME Record (Canonical Name)

• What it does: Points a subdomain to another domain name instead of an IP.

• When to use it: When you want a subdomain (like blog or shop) to follow the content of another URL.

• Note: You cannot use a CNAME for your root domain (@); use an ALIAS record instead.

• Example: Pointing www.yoursite.com to yoursite.com.

3. MX Record (Mail Exchange)

• What it does: Directs your email traffic to the correct mail server.

• When to use it: When you are setting up email through Nixzoehost, Gmail (Google Workspace), or Outlook.

• Example: Setting the value to ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM to receive mail via Google.

4. TXT Record (Text Record)

• What it does: Holds text information for services outside of your website.

• When to use it: For domain ownership verification (Google Search Console) or security settings like SPF and DKIM to prevent your emails from going to spam.

• Example: Adding a "v=spf1..." string to verify your mail server is authorized.

5. ALIAS Record

• What it does: A special record that lets your root domain (yoursite.com) act like a CNAME.

• When to use it: When you are using a service like Heroku, Netlify, or GitHub Pages that doesn't provide a static IP.

• Example: Pointing yourdomain.com to example.netlify.app.

A Pro-Tip for Nixzoehost Users

If you are ever unsure, check the documentation of the service you are trying to connect to (like Shopify or Wix). They will always specify the Type (A, CNAME, etc.) and the Value you need to enter.