What is a CNAME record?

A CNAME (canonical name) record is a type of DNS (domain name system) used to point a subdomain to a website address. It tells the DNS servers that one domain name is an alias for another domain name. A CNAME record must point to a domain only; it cannot point to an IP address (A record).

When a CNAME record is set up, it allows one domain name (the alias) to point to another (canonical name) root domain name. This is useful when you want to create alternative hostnames that redirect traffic. For example, your www sub-domain to your main domain page (non-www).

With a CNAME record, a website visitor accessing www.example.com is referred to the CNAME example.com

Note: To add a CNAME record, refer to this guide on how to edit your domain DNS.