To create and manage domains in cPanel, navigate to the Domains interface where you can add new domains, subdomains, and aliases from a single account. You can create domains that share your main site's document root (appearing as aliases) or use separate directories (appearing as addon domains), giving you complete flexibility in managing multiple websites.
Understanding the Domains Interface
The Domains interface in cPanel consolidates domain management into one location. Instead of navigating to separate sections for addon domains, subdomains, and aliases, you can create and manage all domain types from this central hub. This streamlined approach makes it easier to organize multiple websites under one hosting account.
When you create a domain, cPanel automatically categorizes it based on your configuration choices. Domains sharing your main site's document root become aliases, while domains with their own directories become addon domains. Subdomains always appear in the Subdomains interface as well.
Requirements for Creating Domains
Before you can create new domains, your hosting provider must enable at least one of the following features in the server configuration:
- Addon Domains
- Aliases
- Subdomains
Most hosting plans include these features by default, but if you encounter issues creating domains, contact your provider to verify that these capabilities are enabled on your account.
How to Create a New Domain
Follow these steps to add a domain to your cPanel account:
- Click the Create a New Domain button in the Domains interface
- Enter your domain name in the Domain text box using the appropriate format
- Choose whether to share the document root with your main domain or create a separate directory
- Review the automatically populated settings and click Submit
Entering Domain Names Correctly
The format you use when entering your domain determines what type of domain you create:
For a new primary domain: Enter the full domain name exactly as it appears, such as example.com or mywebsite.net.
For a subdomain: Enter the subdomain name, followed by a period, then your main domain. For example, blog.example.com creates a subdomain called "blog" under example.com. This domain will also appear in the Subdomains interface.
Document Root Settings
The document root determines where your domain's files are stored on the server. You have two options:
Share document root: When you select the "Share document root" option, the new domain points to the same files as your main website. This creates an alias, meaning both domains display identical content. This is useful when you want multiple domain names to show the same website. Domains configured this way appear in the Aliases interface.
Separate document root: Deselecting the "Share document root" checkbox creates a unique directory for your domain. This allows you to host completely different content on the new domain. The interface automatically suggests a directory name based on your domain, but you can customize this if needed. Domains with separate document roots appear in both the Addon Domains and Subdomains interfaces.
Understanding Auto-Populated Fields
When you enter a domain name, cPanel automatically fills in the Document Root and Subdomain fields. These default values follow best practices and work well for most situations. The document root typically matches your domain name, making it easy to locate your files in the File Manager.
While you can modify these values, we recommend using the automatically generated settings unless you have specific organizational requirements. Custom values should be meaningful and easy to remember for future file management.
Directory Restrictions
You cannot use certain system directories as document roots for security and functionality reasons. These protected directories include essential system folders that cPanel and your hosting environment need to operate properly. If you attempt to use a restricted directory, cPanel will display an error message.
Always choose directories within your home directory structure. The default suggested paths are safe and appropriate for hosting website content.
Managing Existing Domains
After creating domains, you can manage them from the same Domains interface. You can modify document roots, adjust settings, or remove domains you no longer need. Changes to domain configuration take effect immediately, though DNS propagation may take up to 48 hours for newly registered domains.
Remember that domains appear in multiple interfaces based on their configuration. An addon domain with its own directory appears in both the Domains and Addon Domains interfaces, while an alias appears in both Domains and Aliases sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an addon domain and an alias?
An addon domain has its own separate directory and can host completely different content from your main website. An alias shares the same directory as your main domain, so both domain names display identical content. Choose addon domains when you want to host multiple distinct websites, and choose aliases when you want multiple domain names pointing to the same site.
Can I change a domain from an alias to an addon domain later?
Yes, you can modify domain settings after creation. To convert an alias to an addon domain, you would need to remove the alias configuration and recreate the domain with its own document root. Before making this change, back up any custom settings or configurations associated with the domain.
How many domains can I add to my cPanel account?
The number of domains you can create depends on your hosting plan. Check your plan details or contact OBHost to learn about your specific domain limits. Some plans offer unlimited addon domains, while others have set quotas.
Why don't I see the option to create new domains?
If the Create a New Domain button doesn't appear or is disabled, your hosting plan may not include addon domain capabilities, or you may have reached your account's domain limit. Contact your hosting provider to verify your plan features and current usage.
If you need assistance managing domains in your cPanel account, the OBHost support team is available 24/7 to help. Visit our contact page or email support@obhost.org for expert guidance.
