> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://shortpen.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to connect a custom domain to ShortPen 

> Connect your custom domain to ShortPen. Add DNS records, verify ownership, and create branded links easily.

**Short answer:** add your domain in **Settings → Organization → Domains**, copy the **CNAME** and **TXT** records that ShortPen shows into your DNS provider (where you manage your domain’s DNS settings, usually your hosting or registrar, like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.), wait for propagation, then verify. Once active, you can create links on your branded domain.

<Tip>
  **Custom domains are available on all plans** ([see plans and limits](/account-billing-security/plans-and-limits/plans-and-limits)).
</Tip>

## Prerequisites

* Owner or **Admin** access to the organization. Admins can manage domains.
* Access to your DNS provider. This is the place where you manage your domain. Examples: if you bought your domain on GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, or your hosting (like Hostinger or SiteGround), that’s your DNS provider.
* A domain or subdomain to dedicate to ShortPen links. You can use either.

<Note>
  **Important notes**

  **Do not connect your primary website domain** (e.g., `yourbrand.com`). Instead, [connect a dedicated subdomain](/domains/domain-connection) or completely different domain used only for links (e.g., `go.yourbrand.com` or `yrbrnd.com`).
</Note>

## How to connect custom domains to ShortPen: Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Domains" titleSize="h3">
    Go to **Settings → Organization → Domains**  and click **Connect domain.**

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the domain" titleSize="h3">
    Type your **domain or subdomain** (e.g., `go.yourbrand.com`).

    Once the domain is connected and active, you can edit its settings to add a [Root Domain Redirect](/domains/root-domain-redirect) (where people go if they type your domain without a slug) and a [custom 404 redirect](/domains/custom-404-redirect) (where people go if they open a link that doesn’t exist).

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add the DNS records" titleSize="h3">
    ShortPen will now show you two pieces of information to add to your DNS provider: a **CNAME** record and a **TXT** record.

    * A **CNAME record** tells the internet that your subdomain (like `go.yourbrand.com`) should point to ShortPen.
    * A **TXT record** is used to verify that you really own the domain.

    To add them:

    1. Log in to your DNS provider (for example, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, or your hosting control panel).
    2. Find a section called **DNS**, **Zone Editor**, or **Manage DNS**.
    3. Click **Add Record**, select **CNAME** or **TXT**, and copy the **values exactly as shown in ShortPen**.

    <Warning>
      **Important:** If your DNS already has another record (A, AAAA, or CNAME) with the same name, remove it first before saving the new one, otherwise, the connection may fail.
    </Warning>

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for propagation" titleSize="h3">
    Once saved, your changes need a little time to spread across the internet.

    This process is called **DNS propagation**. It’s often quick (a few minutes), but it can take **up to 24 hours** depending on your DNS provider.

    In ShortPen, click **Check status** in the dialog after a few minutes, or come back later and try again.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the domain" titleSize="h3">
    When ShortPen successfully detects the records, the domain’s status changes from **Pending** to **Active**.

    If it still shows **Invalid**, double-check your records and re-scan.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [How to verify your domain in ShortPen](/domains/domain-verification)
    </Info>

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use your domain in links" titleSize="h3">
    **Now your domain is ready!**

    When you create a new link, open the **Shortened URL → Domain** dropdown and pick your custom domain.

    This makes your links look branded and professional (e.g., `go.yourbrand.com/sale`)
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Notes & tips

* **Cloudflare users:** disable **Proxy** (orange cloud) for the record and set **SSL/TLS encryption mode** to **Full** to avoid validation issues.
* Prefer a **subdomain** if your main website already serves content.

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I connect a subdomain instead of the root domain">
    Yes. Enter the subdomain (like `go.yourbrand.com`) during setup and create the records shown.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How long does verification take">
    It can take **up to 24 hours** for DNS to propagate, after which ShortPen will verify automatically.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if I change a link’s domain later">
    Changing the domain or slug generates a **new link**. Old shares (and printed QR codes) still point to the old address.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [Why use a custom domain with ShortPen?](/domains/why-use-custom-domain)
* [How to verify your domain in ShortPen](/domains/domain-verification)
* [How to set a root domain redirect](/domains/root-domain-redirect)
* [How to set a custom 404 redirect](/domains/custom-404-redirect)
* [How custom domains work in ShortPen](/key-concepts/domains-overview)
* [How to create your first link in ShortPen](/getting-started/create-first-link)