DeForm Custom Domain Setup

Do not index

Introduction Configuring a Custom Domain I. Types of Domains Accepted II. Configuring DNS Provider with Records II. Domain Verification Unverified Custom Domain Verified Custom Domain Troubleshooting

Introduction

Setting up a custom domain for your form can enhance your branding, provide a professional appearance, and improve user experience.

This document will guide you through the process of configuring a custom domain in your form settings tab. Additionally, it will provide information about the types of domains accepted, specifically root domains and subdomains, and explain how to configure your DNS provider with the necessary records.

Configuring a Custom Domain

I. Types of Domains Accepted

When configuring a custom domain for your form, the following types of domains are accepted:

Root Domain: A root domain is the main domain for your website or application, such as "example.com". It does not contain any subdomains and represents the highest level in the domain hierarchy.

Subdomain: A subdomain is a prefix to the root domain and allows you to create separate sections or subdivisions of your website or application. For example, "blog.example.com" is a subdomain of "example.com".

Please note that slugs, which are additional path components in the URL (e.g., "example.com/blog"), are not accepted for custom domain setup at the moment. You can request for this feature here.

You also do not need to include the protocol (e.g. “https://” or “http://”) when adding the custom domain.

II. Configuring DNS Provider with Records

After adding a custom domain, you should see a To configure your DNS provider correctly, follow these general steps:

Locate the DNS management section or a similar area where you can edit DNS records.

Add a new DNS record, usually a type called "CNAME" (Canonical Name), to map your custom domain to your app's URL or endpoint.

Enter the necessary details for the CNAME record:

Host/Name/Label: This should be the desired subdomain or leave it blank for the root domain.

Target/Points to/Value: Enter the URL or endpoint provided by your app's settings for custom domains.

Save the changes or publish the DNS record.

Wait for the DNS changes to propagate, which can take some time (usually a few minutes to several hours). During this time, your custom domain may not be accessible.

Once the DNS changes have propagated, return to your app's settings tab and verify the custom domain configuration.

Note: DeForm uses Vercel to manage domains. If you are have added your domain before on another Vercel project, you must add an additional verification DNS record for _vercel that you must add to your DNS provider to complete the set up.

This is a TXT record that will be provided to you along with any other records you need to add.

II. Domain Verification

Once you have added the records to your DNS provider, DeForm runs a verification check to make sure the DNS records are set up and have propagated. You can always click Re-verify to update trigger this verification check.

Unverified Custom Domain

If you see a red badge with “Connection failed” after you have updated your DNS provider with the provided records, please follow the Troubleshooting steps below.

Verified Custom Domain

This means that the domain is active and you should be able to access your form at the configured domain.

Troubleshooting

Here are a few tips for troubleshooting

Clear your browser cache or try accessing the custom domain from a different device or network to ensure you're not viewing a cached version.

Double-check the DNS records for accuracy, paying attention to any typographical errors or missing characters.

Ensure that the DNS records have propagated fully. You can use online DNS propagation checking tools to verify this.

If the custom domain is still not working correctly, consult your DNS provider's documentation or our team at support@deform.cc for further assistance.

DeForm Custom Domain Setup Guide