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 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:

• Steps to Connect your Custom Domain
  • 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 and Common Errors

 

Steps to Connect your Custom Domain

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 manage 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)

Note: 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 your Client Gallery dashboard > Settings > Branding page.

You can add your custom domain using the +Add custom 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

If you prefer, you can connect your root domain to your galleries. This would mean that clients can access your galleries by simply entering your 'naked' domain (eg. yourdomain.com), without a specific subdomain. 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 follows:

 

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 and Common Errors

• I updated my DNS records, but it's not working
• My site is showing as "Insecure" or missing the security certificate
• Your CNAME Record is not pointing to "domain.pixieset.com"
• You are not making the changes where your Domain is being hosted
• I've added the correct DNS records but I can't add them to Pixieset

 

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 simply need to wait for DNS changes to propagate.

 

My site is showing as "Insecure" or missing the security certificate

The SSL security certificate may take some time to generate so we would recommend leaving up to 24 hours for this process to complete. Older results may be cached on your browser so clearing your browser’s cache and cookies could help reveal the updates on your side! If you are still experiencing challenges with this, please contact Pixieset support for assistance.

 

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 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 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 them to Pixieset

If you've confirmed that you’ve added the correct DNS records by comparing the DNS records required from the article above against what you’ve added within your domain host account, some action may still be required with your domain host. For example, your hosting plan may not be active or you haven't turned on the default nameservers of your domain host. If you are unsure, 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. Please confirm your domain and a screenshot of your DNS records in your message. We’d be happy to help!