A subdomain is a separate section of your main domain that you can use for specific purposes. In this guide, we explain how to create subdomains in DirectAdmin.

What is a Subdomain?

A subdomain is a prefix for your main domain that points to a separate section of your website. Examples:

  • blog.yoursite.nl - for your blog
  • shop.yoursite.nl - for your webshop
  • support.yoursite.nl - for your helpdesk
  • staging.yoursite.nl - for test versions

Advantages of Subdomains

  • Organization: Keep different sections separate
  • SEO: Subdomains can rank separately in Google
  • Separate Installations: Install WordPress, Magento, or other software separately
  • Security: Isolate sensitive sections
  • Testing: Create staging environments without affecting production

Subdomain vs. Subdirectory

Feature Subdomain Subdirectory
URL blog.site.nl site.nl/blog
SEO Separate website Part of main site
Installation Own root folder Within public_html
SSL Own certificate Same as main site

Create a Subdomain

Step 1: Log in to DirectAdmin

  1. Go to the DirectAdmin login portal of Theory7
  2. Enter your username and password
  3. Click on Log in

Step 2: Navigate to Subdomain Management

  1. Look for Domain Setup or Subdomain Management in the menu
  2. Click on Subdomains or Subdomeinen
  3. You will see an overview of existing subdomains

Step 3: Create a New Subdomain

  1. Click on Create Subdomain or Subdomein aanmaken
  2. Enter the subdomain name (e.g., `blog`, `shop`, `test`)
  3. Select the main domain if you have multiple
  4. Click on Create or Aanmaken

Step 4: Configure the Subdomain

After creation, a folder is automatically created:

  • Location: `/domains/yoursite.nl/public_html/blog` (for subdomain blog)
  • Or: `/domains/blog.yoursite.nl/public_html` (as a separate domain)

Manage Subdomains

Upload Content

  1. Connect via FTP to your server
  2. Navigate to the subdomain folder
  3. Upload your files (index.html, WordPress, etc.)

Delete a Subdomain

  1. Go to Subdomain Management
  2. Find the subdomain in the list
  3. Click on Delete or Verwijderen
  4. Confirm the action

Note: When deleting, all files in the folder will also be removed!

Redirect a Subdomain

You can redirect a subdomain to another URL:

  1. Go to Subdomain Management
  2. Click on the subdomain
  3. Select Redirect or Doorverwijzen
  4. Enter the target URL
  5. Click on Save

Install WordPress on Subdomain

Via Installatron

  1. Go to Installatron in DirectAdmin
  2. Search for WordPress
  3. Click on Install
  4. For Domain, select your subdomain
  5. Follow the installation wizard

Manually

  1. Download WordPress from wordpress.org
  2. Upload to the subdomain folder via FTP
  3. Create a database in DirectAdmin
  4. Open the subdomain in your browser
  5. Follow the WordPress installation

SSL for Subdomains

Let's Encrypt SSL

  1. Go to SSL Certificates in DirectAdmin
  2. Click on Free & automatic certificate from Let's Encrypt
  3. Check your subdomain
  4. Click on Save

Wildcard SSL

A wildcard SSL (*.yoursite.nl) automatically covers all subdomains. Contact support for configuration.

DNS Settings

Subdomains automatically receive the correct DNS records. Check in the DNS Zone Editor:

blog    A     123.45.67.89    (same IP as main domain)
shop    A     123.45.67.89

External Subdomain

Do you want to point a subdomain to an external service?

  1. Go to DNS Zone Editor
  2. Add an A or CNAME record:
    • A record: `extern A 98.76.54.32` (external IP)
    • CNAME: `extern CNAME example.com.` (external domain name)

Common Issues

Subdomain Shows Main Site

  • Check if the subdomain folder exists
  • Verify that there is an index.html or index.php in it
  • Wait for DNS propagation (up to 24 hours)

Cannot Create Subdomain

  • Check if the subdomain name is valid (only letters, numbers, dashes)
  • Verify that the subdomain does not already exist
  • Check your account limits

SSL Not Working on Subdomain

  • Request a separate SSL certificate
  • Or configure a wildcard certificate
  • Wait 15-30 minutes after request

Tips for Subdomains

  1. Short Names: Use short, clear names (blog, shop, app)
  2. Consistent: Keep naming consistent across all projects
  3. Backup: Make backups for your subdomains before making changes
  4. Don't Forget SSL: Each subdomain needs SSL
  5. Use Staging: Test changes first on a staging subdomain

Need Help?

We are here for you! Are you facing any issues or have questions? Our support team is happy to assist you personally. Send us a message via the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and are happy to help.