Kolonel Server

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 En Toegewijde 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 op het Plesk-controlepaneel.
  2. Open Websites & Domeinen from the left sidebar.
  3. Klikken 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. Klikken OK to create the domain.

[Schermafbeelding: 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, toepassingen, or separate sections of a website.

To add a subdomain:

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

[Schermafbeelding: 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 & Domeinen.
  3. Klikken 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. Klikken OK.

[Schermafbeelding: 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 & Domeinen.
  3. Klikken Add Domain.
  4. Enter the domain name that will act as the forwarder.
  5. Uitkiezen Forwarding as the hosting type.
  6. Enter the destination address.
  7. Choose the forwarding method, such as permanent or temporary redirect.
  8. Klikken OK.

[Schermafbeelding: 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.

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