The DNS Zone Editor in DirectAdmin allows you to manage all DNS records for your domain. In this guide, we explain how to create and modify A, CNAME, MX, TXT, and other records.

## What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names into IP addresses. When someone types jouwsite.nl, DNS looks up the corresponding IP address so the browser knows which server to contact.

### Why Manage DNS Records?

You need to adjust DNS records when you:
- Move your website to another server
- Want email to work with external services
- Want to create subdomains
- Want to link external services (Google, Microsoft 365)
- Want to verify domain ownership

## Accessing the DNS Zone Editor

1. Log in to DirectAdmin
2. Go to DNS Management or DNS Zone Editor
3. Select the domain if you have multiple
4. You will now see all existing DNS records

## Explained DNS Record Types

### A Record

Links a domain name to an IPv4 address.

| Field | Value |
|------|--------|
| Name | @ (for main domain) or subdomain |
| Type | A |
| Value | 123.45.67.89 (IP address) |
| TTL | 14400 (4 hours) |

Use: Point website to a specific IP address.

### AAAA Record

Like A record, but for IPv6 addresses.

| Field | Value |
|------|--------|
| Name | @ or subdomain |
| Type | AAAA |
| Value | 2001:db8::1 |

### CNAME Record

Creates an alias from one name to another.

| Field | Value |
|------|--------|
| Name | www |
| Type | CNAME |
| Value | jouwsite.nl |

Use: Redirect www.jouwsite.nl to jouwsite.nl, or subdomains to external services.

### MX Record

Determines which mail server receives email for your domain.

| Field | Value |
|------|--------|
| Name | @ |
| Type | MX |
| Priority | 10 |
| Value | mail.jouwsite.nl |

Use: Email routing to your mail server or external service like Google Workspace.

### TXT Record

Stores text information, often for verification and security.

| Field | Value |
|------|--------|
| Name | @ |
| Type | TXT |
| Value | "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all" |

Use: SPF records for email authentication, domain verification for Google/Microsoft, DKIM keys.

### SRV Record

Service records for specific services.

Use: Microsoft 365, SIP/VoIP services, game servers.

## Creating a DNS Record

1. Open the DNS Zone Editor in DirectAdmin
2. Scroll to Add Record or click New Record
3. Select the record type (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, etc.)
4. Fill in the required fields:
- Name: Leave empty for @ or fill in subdomain
- Value: The IP address or target value
- TTL: Default 14400 is fine
5. Click Add or Add

## Modifying a DNS Record

1. Find the record in the list
2. Click Edit or the pencil icon
3. Adjust the values
4. Click Save

Note: DNS changes can take up to 24-48 hours to propagate worldwide, although it is often faster.

## Deleting a DNS Record

1. Find the record you want to delete
2. Click Delete or the trash can icon
3. Confirm the deletion

Warning: Do not delete records if you are not sure what they are for. Deleting the wrong records can make your website or email unreachable.

## Common DNS Configurations

### Website on External Server

Type: A Name: @ Value: [IP of external server]

Type: A Name: www Value: [IP of external server]

### Email via Google Workspace

Type: MX Priority: 1 Value: aspmx.l.google.com

Type: MX Priority: 5 Value: alt1.aspmx.l.google.com

### SPF Record for Email

Type: TXT Name: @ Value: "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all"

## DNS Troubleshooting

### Changes Not Visible

- Wait at least 1-2 hours for local propagation
- Up to 48 hours for global propagation
- Clear your local DNS cache: ipconfig /flushdns (Windows)

### Website Not Accessible After Change

- Check if the A record points to the correct IP
- Verify that the server is configured correctly
- Check the TTL value - lower TTL means faster updates

### Email Not Working

- Check MX records and priorities
- Verify SPF and DKIM records
- Test with online MX lookup tools

## Tips

1. Note Changes: Keep track of what you modify in case you need to revert
2. Lower TTL First: Before making major changes, lower the TTL to 300 seconds
3. Test with Tools: Use dig, nslookup, or online DNS checkers
4. Backup: Export your DNS zone before making changes

## Related Articles

- Setting up Email Forwarding in DirectAdmin
- Installing SSL Certificate in DirectAdmin
- Adding Extra Domains in DirectAdmin

## 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 eager to help.