Adding new domains and subdomains in Plesk

Adding domains is one of the first configuration steps when setting up hosting services in Plesk. Once a domain is added, you can extend it by creating subdomains, domain aliases, or forwarding domains depending on your project requirements.

This workflow is commonly used on servers running Plesk hosting, as well as on custom setups deployed on cloud servers and dedicated servers.

Adding a new domain

Before starting, make sure the domain name is already registered and pointing to the server, or that you plan to update its DNS records after creation.

To add a new domain in Plesk:

1. Log in to the Plesk control panel.
2. Open Websites & Domains from the left sidebar.
3. Click Add Domain.
4. Enter the domain name.
5. Choose the hosting type:
   • Website hosting to host website files and e-mail services.
   • Forwarding to redirect traffic to another website.
   • No hosting to manage DNS and mail services only.
6. Ensure DNS and mail services are enabled if required.
7. Review the document root and preferred domain settings.
8. Click OK to create the domain.

[Screenshot: Add Domain form in Plesk]

The document root defines where website files are stored, while the preferred domain option controls redirection behavior, which is often used for consistency and search engine indexing.

Adding a new subdomain

Subdomains are typically used for testing environments, applications, or separate sections of a website.

To add a subdomain:

1. Log in to Plesk.
2. Open Websites & Domains.
3. Click Add Subdomain.
4. Enter the subdomain name.
5. Select the parent domain.
6. Review the automatically assigned document root.
7. Click OK.

[Screenshot: Add Subdomain screen]

Each subdomain has its own document root, allowing files to be managed independently from the main domain.

Adding a domain alias

Domain aliases allow multiple domain names to point to the same website. This is useful when protecting brand variations or alternative domain extensions.

To create a domain alias:

1. Log in to Plesk.
2. Open Websites & Domains.
3. Click Add Domain Alias.
4. Enter the alias domain name.
5. Select the primary domain.
6. Configure alias options such as DNS synchronization, mail service, web service, and permanent redirection.
7. Click OK.

[Screenshot: Add Domain Alias options]

Using permanent redirection ensures that search engines index only the primary domain and avoids duplicate content issues.

Adding a forwarding domain

Forwarding domains redirect visitors from one domain to another destination. This is useful when migrating websites or consolidating multiple domains.

To add a forwarding domain:

1. Log in to Plesk.
2. Open Websites & Domains.
3. Click Add Domain.
4. Enter the domain name that will act as the forwarder.
5. Select Forwarding as the hosting type.
6. Enter the destination address.
7. Choose the forwarding method, such as permanent or temporary redirect.
8. Click OK.

[Screenshot: Forwarding domain configuration]

Practical notes

• DNS changes may take time to propagate depending on TTL values.
• Always verify DNS records after adding domains or subdomains.
• Use permanent redirects when SEO consistency matters.

Proper domain management in Plesk helps keep hosting environments structured, predictable, and easy to maintain.