CNAME records alias one domain name to another. They're commonly used to connect subdomains to third-party services like email providers, CDNs, or SaaS tools.
When to Use a CNAME
- Pointing
wwwto your root domain - Connecting
mail.yourdomain.comto Titan Email or Google Workspace - Verifying domain ownership with a third-party service
- Pointing a subdomain to a CDN or SaaS platform
Adding a CNAME in cPanel Zone Editor
Go to Domains > Zone Editor > Manage. Click Add Record. Set:
- Name: the subdomain (e.g.,
wwworshop) - Type: CNAME
- Record: the target hostname (e.g.,
yourdomain.comorshops.myplatform.com)
Ensure the target ends with a period (cPanel adds it automatically).
CNAME Cannot Be Used at Root
You cannot use a CNAME for the root domain (yourdomain.com) β only for subdomains. For the root domain, always use an A record with an IP address.