The Zone Editor in cPanel allows you to manage DNS records that control how your domain name connects to your website and email services. You can create, edit, and delete various DNS record types including A, CNAME, MX, TXT, and others to configure how visitors reach your domain.
DNS (Domain Name System) works like the internet's phone book, converting human-readable domain names like example.com into computer-readable IP addresses like 192.0.0.1. These conversions happen through zone records stored on your server.
What DNS Records Can You Manage?
The Zone Editor lets you work with several important record types:
- A Records - Point your domain to an IPv4 address
- AAAA Records - Point your domain to an IPv6 address
- CNAME Records - Create domain aliases that point to other domains
- MX Records - Direct email to your mail servers
- TXT Records - Store text information (often used for verification)
- CAA Records - Specify which certificate authorities can issue SSL certificates
- SRV Records - Define services available for your domain
- DMARC Records - Configure email authentication policies
Note: Access to all record types depends on your hosting plan's feature set. Your hosting provider configures which DNS management options are available in your cPanel account.
Understanding the Domains Interface
When you open Zone Editor, you'll see a list of all domains in your account. Each domain shows quick action links:
- A Record - Quickly add an A record
- CNAME Record - Quickly add a CNAME record
- MX Record - Quickly add an MX record
- DNSSEC Record - Manage Domain Name System Security Extensions
- Manage - Access all record types and existing records
You can refresh the domain list by clicking the gear icon and selecting Refresh List.
How to Add a DNS Record
Adding a new DNS record takes just a few steps:
- Click Manage next to the domain you want to modify
- Click Add Record in the record type section you need
- Fill in the required information (varies by record type)
- Click Add Record to save your changes
For A records, you'll need to enter the name (subdomain or @ for root) and the IP address. For CNAME records, enter the name and the destination domain. MX records require a priority number and mail server address.
How to Edit Existing DNS Records
To modify a DNS record:
- Click Manage for the domain
- Find the record you want to change (use filters if needed)
- Click the Edit icon next to the record
- Update the information as needed
- Click Save Record
Use the search box or record type filters to quickly locate specific records in domains with many DNS entries.
How to Delete DNS Records
To remove a DNS record:
- Click Manage next to the domain
- Locate the record you want to remove
- Click the Delete icon
- Confirm the deletion when prompted
Important: Be careful when deleting DNS records. Removing critical records like A or MX records can make your website or email stop working. Always verify what a record does before deleting it.
Common DNS Record Use Cases
Pointing Your Domain to Your Website
Use an A record to point your domain to your server's IP address. Create records for both your root domain (@) and the www subdomain to ensure your site works with and without www.
Setting Up Email Routing
MX records tell other mail servers where to send email for your domain. OBHost typically configures these automatically, but you may need to modify them if using external email services.
Verifying Domain Ownership
Many services ask you to add TXT records to prove you own your domain. These verification records contain special codes provided by the service you're setting up.
Creating Subdomains
Add A or CNAME records for subdomains like blog.example.com or shop.example.com to point them to specific locations or services.
DNS Propagation Time
After making DNS changes, allow 24-48 hours for full propagation across the internet. Most changes take effect within a few hours, but some internet service providers cache DNS information longer. During this time, different visitors might see different versions of your site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an A record and a CNAME record?
An A record points directly to an IP address, while a CNAME points to another domain name. Use A records for your main domain and CNAME records for subdomains that should follow another domain's IP address. You cannot use a CNAME record for your root domain (@).
Why can't I see all DNS record types in Zone Editor?
Your hosting plan determines which DNS record types you can manage. If you need access to additional record types, contact your hosting provider to discuss upgrading your plan or enabling additional features.
How long does it take for DNS changes to take effect?
DNS changes typically propagate within 4-8 hours, but full global propagation can take up to 48 hours. The time depends on TTL (Time To Live) settings and how long different servers cache the old information.
Can I restore a deleted DNS record?
Zone Editor doesn't have an undo function for deleted records. If you accidentally delete an important record, you'll need to recreate it manually with the same settings. Consider documenting your DNS configuration before making major changes.
If you need help managing DNS records or have questions about your domain configuration, our support team is available 24/7. Visit our contact page or email support@obhost.org for assistance.
