At Dubsado, we always want your brand to be front and center. With a custom CNAME, you can ensure your client's experience is completely branded, right down to the URL they see when they open an invoice.
👋 Heads up! If you do not yet have a custom domain, (e.g. yourdomain.com) you'll need to purchase one and host it first. This can be done through most web hosting companies.
In this article
What is a custom-mapped URL?
A custom-mapped URL is the ability to change the domain name in your Dubsado links from Dubsado's domain to yours. This includes links to forms, schedulers, invoices, and client portals.
For example when you send an invoice or a form in Dubsado, instead of the URL showing hello.dubsado.com it can be portal.yourdomain.com.
Set up custom URL mapping
👋 Heads up! Since there are a variety of hosting companies, Dubsado cannot provide instructions on how to set up a CNAME record with your specific domain host. If you need assistance, we recommend reaching out to your domain host.
Part 1: Create a CNAME
In order to brand your Dubsado URL, you need to set up a CNAME record with your domain host. If you already set up an SPF record to verify outgoing email from Dubsado, this process will be familiar!
To create a CNAME on your domain:
Decide what your CNAME will be. This will be the first part of your URL, for example, the word
portalin the URLportal.yourdomain.com. This could be any short word you'd like, such ashello,client, ordashboard.Log in to your domain host and locate your DNS settings. These settings might be found in the cPanel or an advanced settings area, but you may need to review help articles or contact your host for assistance.
Add a new DNS record.
For the type, select CNAME.
There should be a field called host, record, or name where you can enter the CNAME you decided on in Step 1. Refer to your host for specific instructions.
In the data or value field, enter
ssl.dubsado.com. This is where the CNAME will point to.Take any necessary steps to save your changes.
Once you're finished, you should see a record that looks similar to the example below. The example uses the name portal:
👋 Here's a tip... not comfortable setting up your own CNAME record? If your host offers good support options, you may be able to reach out and ask them to create one for you! Remember to tell them that the CNAME should point to ssl.dubsado.com.
Part 2: Custom URL mapping in Dubsado
⛔ Hold on! If you just set up your CNAME record, you may need to wait up to 72 hours for that record to become active by propagating across the internet. The steps below will not work until your CNAME has propagated fully.
Here's how to map your CNAME to Dubsado:
Go to Settings (gear icon) >> Domain names.
Enter your version of
portal.yourdomain.comin the URL field and click Verify.Remain on the page until a green pop up appears, letting you know that your custom URL is now registered.
If the verification is successful, you'll see your custom URL appear!
If you see any errors it's likely that your CNAME record hasn't been set up correctly. For further support on setting up your CNAME, you will need to contact the hosting company where your domain is stored.
FAQ
Can I change my CNAME?
You can, however we encourage you to not change your CNAME if possible. If you change your CNAME, any previous links to forms, invoices, etc. that you sent to clients while using the old CNAME will be broken. You would need to send new links to those documents to your clients after updating the CNAME.
I kept my same domain but changed hosts. Will my CNAME still work?
No. After moving your domain to a new host, you'll need to follow the steps in this article again to set up a new CNAME record.
I'm using Cloudflare and having trouble setting up a CNAME record that works.
If you're using Cloudflare, be sure to turn off/disable proxies (you should see a grey cloud instead of an orange one). If you are still having difficulty, please contact support.