For a general video presentation on using a custom domain name please click on the Play button below. Note: The registrar used as an example in the video is GoDaddy. Your registrars' interface may look different but the information that needs to be updated is the same. You may also need to contact your registrar for help configuring your DNS.
For more detailed information on GoDaddy, see instructions below.
Using your own Custom Domain Name
These instructions will guide you through the steps of configuring your Domain Name System (DNS) to point your sub-domain name to your Zenfolio website. This is done in two parts:
- Step 1 will be done at your Registrar
- Step 2 will be done at Zenfolio
Zenfolio hosts your website and your photographs, but does not provide domain name registration services. If you would like to use a custom domain name you first need to register one with a domain registration company (for example GoDaddy, 1&1, Yahoo…).
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Domain Registrar – a registrar is a company that registers domain names (.com, .net, etc…) and manages information about the domain. Registrars may also provide hosting services, but not always. There are many different registrars who offer a range of prices and registration periods. Host – a hosting company provides space on a server for files to be hosted on the internet. There are many different hosting companies who provide many different types of hosting services and price points. |
Please Note that DNS changes are relatively straightforward, however we highly recommend that you thoroughly read the following hints and tips for proper configuration and minimal downtime.
Things to do:
- Read these instructions fully
- Contact Support if you have questions
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Be patient – it can take up to 48 hours for your changes to be live everywhere
Things not to do:
- Forwarding/Redirects will not work with Zenfolio
- iFrames are not compatible with Zenfolio
- change your NAMESERVERS
There are two different ways to configure your custom address; Option A or Option B.
Option A: A-Record & CNAME
example: domain.com & www.domain.com.
This is the most common configuration if Zenfolio is your only website. Please click here for specific steps.
Option B: CNAME Only
example: photos.domain.com
This is often used if you have another site, and only want the 'photos' part to go to your Zenfolio site. Please click here for specific steps.
A note about www: Although many people do not know it, the letters www actually function as a sub-domain in the overall structure of domain names on the internet.
