Manage CNAME & DNAME records

This guide explains how to add or modify one or more CNAME and DNAME type records in the DNS zone (of a domain name) managed on the Manager Infomaniak.

Preamble

• The CNAME record type allows pointing a subdomain to a website address.
  • This is the method generally used to operate the www subdomain with your site, or to redirect a subdomain to a folder on the web server where your website is hosted.
• The DNAME record type for «delegation name» is particularly useful when reorganizing domains or for smooth transitions of part of your infrastructure to another, while preserving the hierarchical structure of subdomains.
  • A DNAME creates an alias for an entire domain and all its subdomains.
• Unlike a CNAME which applies to a single specific host name, a DNAME automatically redirects all subdomains. Example:
  • A DNAME for abc.site1.com pointing to site2.com will automatically link xyz.abc.site1.com to xyz.site2.com, new.login.abc.site1.com to new.login.site2.com, and so on.
• ⚠ A DNAME record cannot be used at the root level of a domain (such as site1.com directly). It is generally used on a subdomain. If you want to redirect the main domain itself, you will need to use other types of records such as an A, AAAA or CNAME (with some restrictions for the latter).
   

Modify the DNS zone

Refer to this other guide to manage this type of record in a DNS zone.