---
title: What Is a CNAME Record and When Should You Use One?
description: "A CNAME record (Canonical Name record) is a type of DNS entry that points one domain name to another domain name, rather than to an IP address. Think of it as an alias: instead of saying \"this name lives at…"
url: "https://disoh.com/support/what-is-a-cname-record-and-when-should-you-use-one/"
updated: "2026-07-22"
category: Domains
---

# What Is a CNAME Record and When Should You Use One?

A CNAME record (Canonical Name record) is a type of DNS entry that points one domain name to another domain name, rather than to an IP address. Think of it as an alias: instead of saying "this name lives at this IP", a CNAME says "this name is really just another name for that one". CNAME records are extremely common when connecting third-party services to your domain.

## How a CNAME differs from an A record

The key difference is what each record points to. An A record maps a name directly to a numeric IP address, while a CNAME maps a name to another hostname, which is then resolved to an IP. This matters because if the target's IP ever changes, a CNAME keeps working automatically, whereas an A record would need updating. In short:

- **A record:** name to IP address (for example, yourdomain.com to 192.0.2.10).
- **CNAME:** name to another name (for example, www.yourdomain.com to yourdomain.com).

## Common uses for CNAME records

- **The www version:** pointing www.yourdomain.com to your root domain.
- **Third-party tools:** connecting services like email marketing platforms, help desks, or website builders that ask you to add a CNAME.
- **Verification:** some providers use a CNAME to confirm you own the domain.
- **Subdomains for external services:** pointing shop.yourdomain.com to a hosted store platform.

## How to add a CNAME record

- Log in to your DNS manager or control panel.
- Open the **DNS** or **Zone Editor** section.
- Create a new **CNAME** record.
- Enter the subdomain name in the host field (for example, *www* or *shop*).
- Enter the target hostname in the value field, exactly as the service provided.
- Save and allow time for propagation.

## Important rules to remember

There are a couple of limits worth knowing. A CNAME cannot be used on the root domain (the bare "yourdomain.com") in standard DNS, so the root normally uses an A record while "www" uses a CNAME. Also, a hostname that has a CNAME should not have other records of the same name, as this causes conflicts.

## Troubleshooting

- **Service not verifying:** confirm the target value matches exactly, with no trailing typos.
- **Conflict errors:** remove any duplicate records for the same host.
- **Not resolving yet:** allow time for propagation and re-check with a DNS lookup.

## Need help?

If a third-party service is asking for a CNAME and you are unsure where to put it, our support team can add it correctly for you over live chat.