Connect Domain
Overview
Connecting a domain to DocsHound involves configuring DNS settings to point your custom domain to your DocsHound content. This feature allows users to maintain brand consistency and provide a professional look to their documentation.
Step by step: Connecting a domain
Select the 'Publish' button in the top right corner of the DocsHound interface.
Select the 'Domain' tab and enter your domain in the provided field.
Click 'Configure domain' to obtain CNAME records.
Copy the CNAME records displayed.
Access your domain's DNS settings through your registrar or DNS provider.
Paste the copied CNAME records into your DNS settings.
Save changes and wait for DNS propagation.
Preview Links vs. Custom Domain
When you first publish a guide on DocsHound, it comes with a unique identifier preview link. This link is not meant for public access and is garbled for security reasons. It allows you to review your content before making it public.
DNS Settings Access
Access to your domain's DNS settings stands crucial for connecting your domain to DocsHound. You must log in to your domain registrar or DNS provider's dashboard to update the DNS records with the CNAME details provided by DocsHound.
Domain Providers Variance
While the process of connecting a domain remains consistent, the interface and steps may vary across different domain providers. Users should familiarize themselves with their specific provider's DNS management area to locate where to input CNAME records.
Domain Providers and DNS Management
Provider | DNS Management |
|---|---|
GoDaddy | DNS Settings |
Namecheap | Advanced DNS |
Cloudflare | DNS tab |
Bluehost | Domain Manager |
DNS Only Setting
If you are given the option to select between Proxied and DNS only when adding CNAME record to your registrar, such as Cloudflare, ensure you select the "DNS only" setting, not Proxied.
Verifying DNS Setup
After adding your domain registrar and configuring the DNS settings, you need to verify the DNS setup. This verification ensures that your settings have been correctly applied and that your domain points to DocsHound.
In the Domain Tab, after entering your CNAME records, click the Verify DNS setup button. This button will trigger the verification process.
Once you click Verify DNS setup, DocsHound will check the DNS records you added. If everything is set up correctly, your domain will be live within minutes. However, DNS propagation can sometimes take a few hours, depending on your registrar.
SSL Certificate
Upon connecting your domain, DocsHound automatically generates an SSL certificate. This certificate encrypts data transferred between your users and your documentation, ensuring secure access and enhancing trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can connect a subdomain to DocsHound, which is a common practice for organizing and separating different content areas.
If you encounter difficulties, reach out to support@docshound.com for assistance. The support team will guide you through any challenges.
You can connect a unique domain to each guide within your DocsHound account. For additional guides, create separate workspaces.
By default, your documentation becomes public and indexable. For private domain access, consider the advanced package with authentication features.