Setting Up Your Custom Domain with Pretty URL

This guide will help you configure your custom domain or subdomain with our URL shortener service.

Create the domain on Pretty URL

1. Log into your Pretty URL Dashboard (opens in a new tab)
2. Navigate to the Custom Domains page
3. Click "Create"
4. Enter your domain name
5. Follow the DNS verification steps below

DNS Configuration

Option 1: Using a Subdomain (e.g., links.yourdomain.com)

Configure your DNS settings with the following TXT and A records:

TXT Record:

Type: TXT
Host: links (or your preferred subdomain)
Value: pretty-url-verification=[Verification Code]
TTL: 3600 (or automatic)

Replace [Verification Code] with the code provided in your Pretty URL dashboard.

A Record:

Type: A
Host: links (or your preferred subdomain)
Value: 49.13.45.44
TTL: 3600 (or automatic)

Option 2: Using an Apex Domain (e.g., yourdomain.com)

Configure your DNS settings with the following TXT and A records:

TXT Record:

Type: TXT
Host: @ (or leave empty)
Value: pretty-url-verification=[Verification Code]
TTL: 3600 (or automatic)

Replace [Verification Code] with the code provided in your Pretty URL dashboard.

A Record:

Type: A
Host: @ (or leave empty)
Value: 49.13.45.44
TTL: 3600 (or automatic)

Important Note: If you are using something like Cloudflare to manage your DNS records, disable its proxy service. For Cloudflare (opens in a new tab), turn off the DNS proxy by clicking the orange cloud icon next to your DNS record until it turns grey.

Verification Process

1. After adding your DNS records, return to the Pretty URL dashboard
2. Click "Verify Domain"
3. The system will check your DNS configuration
4. Verification usually takes 5-15 minutes, but can take up to 48 hours (very rare) due to DNS propagation

Troubleshooting

• If verification fails, double-check your DNS records
• Ensure you've waited at least 15 minutes for DNS propagation
• Verify that there are no conflicting DNS records
• Try using a DNS propagation checker tool to verify your changes

Common Issues

• "Domain Not Verified": Wait for DNS propagation and try again
• "Invalid DNS Records": Ensure records match exactly as shown above
• "Domain Already In Use": Contact support if you own this domain

Next Steps

Once your domain is verified:

1. Your custom domain is ready to use
2. All new shortened URLs can use your domain