Custom Domain Setup Guide

Complete guide to setting up a custom domain for your ChangeCrab changelog. Step-by-step DNS configuration.

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Custom Domain Setup Guide

Set up a custom domain for your ChangeCrab changelog to make it feel like a native part of your website. This premium feature allows you to use your own domain (e.g., changelog.yourdomain.com) instead of the default subdomain.

Prerequisites

Before setting up a custom domain, you need:

  • A premium ChangeCrab subscription
  • Access to your domain's DNS settings
  • A domain you want to use (e.g., changelog.yourdomain.com)

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Add Domain in ChangeCrab

In your changelog settings:

  1. Navigate to Settings >gt; Domain
  2. Enter your custom domain (e.g., changelog.yourdomain.com)
  3. Click "Save" or "Verify Domain"

Step 2: Configure DNS Records

You'll need to add a CNAME record in your domain's DNS settings. ChangeCrab will provide you with the exact record to add.

For Subdomain (changelog.yourdomain.com)

Add a CNAME record:

  • Type: CNAME
  • Name: changelog (or your subdomain name)
  • Value: Provided by ChangeCrab (typically something like changecrab.com or a specific CNAME target)
  • TTL: 3600 (or default)

For Root Domain (yourdomain.com)

For root domains, you may need to use an A record instead. Contact ChangeCrab support for the correct IP address or configuration.

Step 3: Wait for DNS Propagation

DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate. Typically:

  • Most changes propagate within 1-2 hours
  • Some may take up to 24-48 hours
  • You can check propagation status using tools like dig or online DNS checkers

Step 4: SSL Certificate

ChangeCrab automatically provisions SSL certificates for your custom domain. This process:

  • Begins automatically after DNS is configured
  • Usually completes within a few minutes
  • Uses Let's Encrypt for free SSL certificates
  • Renews automatically

Step 5: Verify Setup

Once DNS has propagated and SSL is active:

  1. Visit your custom domain in a browser
  2. Verify it loads your changelog
  3. Check that the SSL certificate is valid (HTTPS)
  4. Test that all pages load correctly

DNS Configuration Examples

Cloudflare

  1. Log in to Cloudflare
  2. Select your domain
  3. Go to DNS >gt; Records
  4. Add CNAME record with the values provided by ChangeCrab
  5. Ensure "Proxy status" is set appropriately (usually "DNS only" for CNAME)

GoDaddy

  1. Log in to GoDaddy
  2. Go to DNS Management
  3. Add a CNAME record
  4. Enter the host (subdomain) and points to value
  5. Save the record

Namecheap

  1. Log in to Namecheap
  2. Go to Domain List >gt; Manage
  3. Navigate to Advanced DNS
  4. Add a CNAME record
  5. Enter host and value

Troubleshooting

Domain Not Resolving

If your domain isn't working:

  • Verify DNS records are correct
  • Check DNS propagation status
  • Wait up to 48 hours for full propagation
  • Clear your browser DNS cache
  • Try accessing from a different network

SSL Certificate Issues

If SSL isn't working:

  • Ensure DNS is fully propagated
  • Wait a few minutes for certificate provisioning
  • Check that your domain is accessible via HTTP first
  • Contact support if issues persist after 24 hours

Mixed Content Warnings

If you see mixed content warnings:

  • Ensure all resources use HTTPS
  • Check that images and assets are loaded securely
  • Update any hardcoded HTTP URLs

Best Practices

  • Use a Subdomain - Easier to set up than root domains (e.g., changelog.yourdomain.com)
  • Keep DNS Simple - Avoid complex DNS configurations when possible
  • Test Before Going Live - Verify everything works before announcing
  • Monitor SSL Expiry - ChangeCrab handles renewal, but monitor for issues
  • Document Your Setup - Keep notes of your DNS configuration

Next Steps

After setting up your custom domain: