Using the DNS Zone Editor in cPanel

The DNS Zone Editor in cPanel allows you to manage custom DNS records for a domain. Through this interface, you can add, edit, and delete records that control how services such as websites and email are routed.

Understanding DNS record types

A DNS zone contains multiple record types. The most commonly managed records include:

• A records associate a hostname with an IPv4 address.
• CNAME records create aliases that point one hostname to another hostname.
• TXT records store text values and are commonly used for email authentication mechanisms such as SPF and DKIM.

Improper DNS configuration can disrupt website access or email delivery, so changes should be made carefully.

Accessing the Zone Editor

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Open the Tools page.
3. In the Domains section, click Zone Editor.
4. Locate the target domain and click Manage.

[Screenshot placeholder: cPanel Zone Editor domain list]

Adding a DNS record

1. In the domain management view, click the arrow next to Add Record.
2. Select the record type you want to add.
3. Enter the fully qualified domain name in the Name field.
4. Set the TTL value. If unsure, use 14400.
5. Confirm the correct record type is selected.
6. Enter the record value:
   • For A records, enter an IP address.
   • For CNAME records, enter the canonical hostname.
   • For TXT records, enter the required text value.
7. Click Add Record.

[Screenshot placeholder: Add DNS record form]

Editing a DNS record

1. Open Zone Editor and click Manage for the domain.
2. Locate the record to change.
3. Click Edit.
4. Modify the required fields.
5. Click Save Record.

[Screenshot placeholder: Edit DNS record action]

Changes take effect after DNS propagation, which may take several hours.

Deleting a DNS record

1. Open Zone Editor and manage the domain.
2. Locate the record to remove.
3. Click Delete.
4. Confirm the deletion.

[Screenshot placeholder: Delete DNS record confirmation]

Removing essential records can cause service outages. Verify the impact before deleting any record.

Common use cases

• Connecting domains to services hosted on cloud servers
• Configuring email authentication when using external mail providers instead of cPanel hosting mail services
• Preparing domains for deployment on a dedicated server