With DirectAdmin, you can add multiple domains to your hosting package. There are two types: addon domains (additional domains with their own website) and parked domains (aliases for your main domain). In this article, we explain both options.

What's the difference?

Addon Domain

• A completely separate website
• Own folder in your hosting
• Separate email accounts possible
• Ideal for multiple different websites

Example: You have company1.com as your main domain and also want to host company2.com with a completely different website.

Parked Domain

• Shows the same website as your main domain
• No separate files
• Domain "points" to your main site
• Ideal for typos or alternative extensions

Example: You have mysite.com and want mysite.net to show the same website.

Adding an addon domain

Step 1: Connect domain to your hosting

Before adding an addon domain, the domain must point to your hosting:

1. Log in to your domain registrar
2. Set the nameservers to Theory7's
3. Or create an A record to your server IP

Wait for DNS propagation (can take up to 24 hours).

Step 2: Create addon domain

1. Log in to DirectAdmin
2. Go to "Domain Setup or "Domain Management
3. Click "Add Another Domain
4. Fill in the details:
   • Domain: the domain (e.g., newdomain.com)
   • Bandwidth: leave default or set limit
   • Disk usage: leave default or set limit
5. Check: "Use a folder inside public_html (recommended)
   • Or create a private_html folder
6. Click "Create

Step 3: Upload website

After creation, a new folder appears:

/public_html/newdomain.com/

Upload your website to this folder via:

• FTP (create a new FTP account if needed)
• File Manager in DirectAdmin

Folder structure example

/public_html/
├── index.html (main domain)
├── style.css
├── company2.com/
│   ├── index.html (company2.com)
│   └── style.css
└── project3.com/
    ├── index.html (project3.com)
    └── images/

Adding a parked domain

Step 1: Connect domain

Just like addon domains, the domain must first point to your hosting:

1. Set nameservers, or
2. Create an A record to your server IP

Step 2: Create parked domain

1. Log in to DirectAdmin
2. Go to "Domain Pointers or "Parked Domains
3. Click "Add Domain Pointer
4. Enter the domain (e.g., mysite.net)
5. Choose the type:
   • Alias (parked): Shows your main site
   • Redirect: Redirects visitors to main domain
6. Click "Add

Alias vs Redirect

Alias (parked):

• Visitor sees mysite.net in the address bar
• Website is loaded from main domain
• URL remains the parked domain

Redirect:

• Visitor is redirected to main domain
• URL changes to mysite.com
• Better for SEO (prevents duplicate content)

Email for addon domains

Each addon domain can have its own email accounts:

1. Go to "Email Accounts
2. Select the correct domain from the dropdown
3. Create email accounts as normal

Note: Make sure MX records are correctly set for the addon domain.

SSL for addon domains

Each addon domain needs its own SSL certificate:

1. Go to "SSL Certificates
2. Select the addon domain
3. Request a free Let's Encrypt certificate
4. Wait for the certificate to be installed

Removing an addon domain

Warning: This also removes all files and emails!

1. Go to "Domain Setup
2. Find the addon domain
3. Click "Delete or the trash icon
4. Confirm the removal

Tip: Make a backup first if you want to keep the files.

Removing a parked domain

1. Go to "Domain Pointers
2. Find the parked domain
3. Click "Delete
4. Confirm

This only removes the pointer, no files.

Frequently asked questions

How many addon domains can I add?

This depends on your hosting package. Check your package specifications or ask support.

Can I install WordPress on an addon domain?

Yes! Install WordPress in the addon domain folder, or use Installatron.

Why doesn't my addon domain work?

1. Check if DNS is correctly set
2. Wait for DNS propagation (up to 24 hours)
3. Check if the domain exists in DirectAdmin
4. Check if there are files in the folder

Can I convert a parked domain to an addon domain later?

Yes, first remove the parked domain and then add it as an addon domain.

Summary

Need help?

We're here for you! Running into issues or have questions? Our support team is happy to help you personally. Drop us a message through the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and love helping you find the best solution.