> ## 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.

> Replace default short links with your own brand domain. Follow this guide to add DNS records, verify your domain, and make every ShortPen link look professional and trustworthy.

# How to connect a custom domain to ShortPen

**Short answer**: Add your domain in **Settings → Domains**, create the DNS records ShortPen shows you (usually a **CNAME** and a **TXT**), wait for DNS to propagate, then click **Verify**. When the status turns **Active**, you can publish links on your branded domain.

## What is a custom domain and why use it?

A custom domain lets you replace the default ShortPen domain **with your brand** (e.g., `go.yourbrand.com` or `yourbrand.link`).

Benefits include:

* Stronger brand trust
* Higher click-through rates
* Consistent branding across campaigns
* Clearer ownership of analytics

<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>

<Info>
  **Learn more:** [Why use a custom domain with ShortPen](/domains/why-use-custom-domain)
</Info>

## Prerequisites

* Access to your DNS provider (e.g., Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, Route 53)
* The domain or subdomain you want to connect (most teams use a subdomain like `go.yourbrand.com`)
* [Organization role](/key-concepts/roles-and-permissions) with permission to manage domains (Owner or Admin)

## Connect your domain or subdomain

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add your domain in ShortPen">
    Go to **Settings → Domains** and click **Add Domain**.

    ***
  </Step>

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

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for DNS propagation">
    Propagation is typically fast but may take up to a few hours depending on TTL and provider.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify in ShortPen">
    Return to the Domains page and click **Verify**. Once verified, ShortPen provisions HTTPS automatically.

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

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign the domain to links">
    When creating or editing a link, choose your new custom domain from the **Domain** dropdown. Existing links can be moved to the new domain if needed.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  **Go deeper:** Follow the detailed instructions, registrar-specific notes, and troubleshooting in [**How to connect a custom domain to ShortPen**](/domains/domain-connection).
</Info>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I connect multiple domains?">
    Yes. You can add multiple domains and choose which one is the **Default** for new links.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need the ShortPen Pixel for domain verification?">
    No. The [ShortPen Pixel](/key-concepts/pixel-overview) is for **event/conversion tracking**, not for domain connection.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How long does verification take?">
    It depends on DNS propagation. Many changes apply within minutes, but we allow for up to **24 hours** before troubleshooting.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

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