A custom domain gives your galleries a personalized web address that matches your brand. For example, you can use a subdomain such as gallery.yourdomain.com instead of your default Pixieset URL.

Pixieset can automatically configure most custom domains, so you won’t need to manually update DNS records.

Early access: Automatic domain connection is currently in early access and may not be available in your account yet. If you do not see the options below, follow these manual set-up instructions instead.

On this page:

• Before you start
• Purchasing a domain
• Connecting an existing subdomain automatically
• Connecting an existing subdomain manually

Before you start

Note: An upgraded Client Gallery or Suite subscription is required to connect a domain to Client Gallery.

Pixieset hosts your galleries. To make custom domain setup easier, we work with IONOS and Entri:

• If you don’t own a domain, you can purchase one from IONOS through your Client Gallery settings. You’ll use your IONOS account to manage and pay for the domain, including renewals.
• If you already own a domain, Entri helps connect it to Client Gallery automatically. Your domain stays with your current provider, where you’ll continue to manage and pay for it.

Purchasing a domain

If you don’t already own a custom domain, you can purchase one directly through your Client Gallery settings. Pixieset partners with IONOS to provide a simple, integrated way to purchase your domain and connect it to Client Gallery automatically.

Note: Your domain is purchased and registered with IONOS. After purchase, you will manage its billing, renewal, and registration details through your IONOS account.

To purchase and connect a custom domain:

1. From your Client Gallery Dashboard, go to Settings > Branding.
2. Click + Add custom domain.
3. Select Buy a new domain, then click Next.
4. Search for and select your domain.
5. In the IONOS tab, confirm your domain and create an account.
6. Enter your payment details to complete the purchase.
7. Click Back to Pixieset.

Once your order is confirmed, your new subdomain will be connected to Client Gallery. Pixieset will then automatically generate a security certificate for your custom subdomain.

Note: Generating a security certificate is a one-time setup that may take up to 48 hours for Pixieset to complete.

Connecting an existing subdomain automatically

If you already own a custom domain, Pixieset can automatically connect a subdomain such as gallery.yourdomain.com through our domain connection partner, Entri. You will sign in to your domain provider through the connection flow and approve the changes Pixieset needs to make.

Note: Connecting your subdomain does not transfer your domain to Pixieset, IONOS, or Entri. Your domain remains with your current provider.

To connect a subdomain from a domain you already own:

1. From your Client Gallery Dashboard, go to Settings > Branding.
2. Click + Add custom domain.
3. Select Connect a domain you already own, then click Next.
4. Enter your subdomain, such as gallery.yourdomain.com, then click Next.
5. Click Connect, then Continue to open Entri.
6. Follow Entri’s instructions to sign in to your domain provider and approve the connection.

Once the connection is complete, you will be returned to your Client Gallery settings. Your subdomain’s settings will be configured, and Pixieset will automatically generate a security certificate for your custom subdomain.

Note: Generating a security certificate is a one-time setup that may take up to 48 hours for Pixieset to complete. 

Connecting an existing subdomain manually

If automatic connection isn’t available for your domain provider, you can connect a subdomain manually by updating its DNS records.

In your domain provider’s DNS settings, add the following CNAME record. If a CNAME record already exists for the subdomain you want to use, replace it with the Pixieset record below.

Enter domain.pixieset.com exactly as shown. Do not replace it with your Pixieset username or personal domain details. The Host value must match the first part of your subdomain. For example, use gallery for gallery.yourdomain.com.

Once you have added the CNAME record, connect your subdomain in Client Gallery:

1. From your Client Gallery Dashboard, go to Settings > Branding.
2. Click + Add custom domain.
3. Select Connect a domain you already own, then click Next.
4. Enter your complete subdomain, such as gallery.yourdomain.com, then click Next.
5. Select the manual set-up option and follow the prompts to verify and save your subdomain.

DNS changes may take time to propagate. Once Pixieset detects the new record, your subdomain will connect and Pixieset will automatically generate a security certificate for it.

Note: Generating a security certificate is a one-time setup that may take up to 48 hours for Pixieset to complete. In the meantime, you can still access your non-HTTPS custom subdomain.