DNS basics — a quick reference

What DNS actually does

DNS (Domain Name System) connects a domain name to the actual server where the site lives. When a client buys a domain and you have a hosting account, you connect them via DNS records.

A Record

Points the root domain directly to a server IP address. Example:

• Type: A
• Host: @
• Value: 192.168.1.100
• TTL: Auto

Use this when pointing `yoursite.com` → a web server IP (common with cPanel hosting).

CNAME Record

Points a subdomain to another domain name (not an IP). Example:

• Type: CNAME
• Host: www
• Value: yoursite.netlify.app
• TTL: Auto

Use this when pointing `www.yoursite.com` → a Vercel, Netlify, or Webflow deployment URL.

MX Record

Handles email routing. Don't touch these unless you're setting up Google Workspace or another email provider. Wrong MX records = client can't receive email.

TTL (Time to Live)

How long DNS records are cached. Most changes take 1–48 hours to fully propagate worldwide. Set to Auto unless you need faster propagation during a migration.