You can link your custom domain to your Pixieset Client Galleries in a few quick steps. If you have not purchased a domain, you can purchase one from a 3rd-party domain provider such as Go Daddy, Google Domains or other domain providers.
If you're setting up a custom domain for your Pixieset Website, you can find instructions here.
If you'd like to read more information about domains in general or check out our FAQ's, take a look at our All About Domains guide.
On this page:
- Step 1 - Log into your domain provider
- Step 2 - Add the CNAME record
- Step 3 - Connect in Pixieset
- (Optional) Step 4 - Create two "A" Records for Naked Domain
- Troubleshooting
Step 1 - Log into your domain provider / DNS host
Log into the dashboard where your domain or DNS is hosted, and go to your DNS settings. This may be called Zone File Settings, Manage Domains, Domain Manager, DNS Manager or something along those lines.
Note: Do not delete any MX records during this process. MX records manages your email address. Deleting them will interrupt your email service.
Step 2 - Create a CNAME record
Add a new CNAME record. You'll typically see the following fields for the CNAME record you are creating:
- Type or Record Type - CNAME
- Host, Name or Alias - Enter a subdomain name of your choice. For example, you can enter client, proofing, or gallery which will then create the new URL client.yourdomain.com or proofing.yourdomain.com or gallery.yourdomain.com.
- Points To or Value/Data: domain.pixieset.com (Enter exactly as shown here in bold, do not replace "domain" with anything!)
- TTL - 1 Hour (or the minimum required)
(The following screenshot uses GoDaddy as an example, this screen will look different if you are using another provider)
Step 3 - Update your Pixieset account Custom Domain
Start by logging into your Pixieset Account. Then, go to the Client Gallery > Settings page.
You can add your custom domain using the Setup Domain button. You can then enter your domain name (e.g. gallery.yourdomain.com) in the Custom Domain field, and "Verify and Save".
That's it! Now wait for your DNS propagation and your custom domain mapping is ready.
(Optional) Step 4 - Create two "A" Records for Naked Domain
Naked domain mapping to Pixieset (i.e. yoursite.com without the 'www') is only required if you are trying to use your custom domain as "Naked" or with "www". This step is not required if you're setting up your website on a subdomain (not www). With this setup, when you enter https://yourdomain.com, you'll be redirected to https://www.yourdomain.com automatically.
If you take this approach, you must ensure that your CNAME record (Step 2) uses the host/name: www.
If there are existing "A" records in place, you should delete the existing ones - except for any mail records listed - leave the mail record in place, as this controls your email. Then, create a new "A" record as follow:
First A Record
1) Type - Select "A" for the type of record
2) Host (or Alias) - Enter "@". If that doesn't work, enter your domain URL without any subdomain.
3) Points to - Enter 104.16.185.173
4) TTL - Enter 1 Hour (or the minimum required)
Second A Record
1) Type - Select "A" for the type of record
2) Host (or Alias) - Enter "@". If that doesn't work, enter your domain URL without any subdomain.
3) Points to - Enter 104.16.186.173
4) TTL - Enter 1 Hour (or the minimum required)
Troubleshooting
I updated my DNS records, but it's not working
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate across the entire internet. If you're confident that you have made the correct changes, you may need simply need to wait for DNS changes to propagate.
My site is showing as "Not secure" or missing the security certificate
The SSL security certificate may take some time to generate. We would recommend leaving 24 hours for this to complete but it should be a lot faster. You should also try clearing the cache of your browser in case older results are loading. If you are unsure and still having issues after some time, please contact us.
Your CNAME Record is not pointing to "domain.pixieset.com"
When you are creating a CNAME record, you will need to enter domain.pixieset.com, under the Points to field. Please ensure you are entering domain.pixieset.com, exactly as shown.
Important : Do not enter your username associated with your Pixieset account.
Correct format: domain.pixieset.com
Incorrect format: yourusername.pixieset.com
You are not making the changes where your Domain is being hosted
You will need to create your DNS records using with the domain provider that is hosting your domain. Keep in mind that this may not be the same provider that you purchased the domain from.
For example, if you have purchased your domain from GoDaddy, but you use Bluehost for hosting, you will need to make the adjustments to your domain under Bluehost.
I've added the correct DNS records but I can't add it to Pixieset.
If you've definitely added the correct DNS records, some action may still be required with your domain host. For example, if your hosting plan is not active or if you haven't turned on the default nameservers of your domain host. If you're not sure, we would recommend speaking to your domain host for clarification.
If you are having any difficulty, please contact our support team from the chat bubble. Be sure to include your domain and a screenshot of your DNS records in your message. We're always happy to help.