Using Custom Domains

Connect a domain you own, register a supported domain, or transfer a supported domain to Pagesmith. Custom domains are available on eligible plans.

Getting a Domain

Pagesmith offers three ways to set up a custom domain:

1. Connect: Point a domain you already own to Pagesmith with the DNS records shown in the workspace.
2. Register: Buy a supported domain through Pagesmith. Pagesmith creates its initial DNS configuration.
3. Transfer: Move a supported domain from another registrar. Pagesmith manages its DNS after the transfer finishes.

Setup Steps

1. Open your project in the AI Editor
2. Go to Workspace → Domains
3. Choose Connect, Register, or Transfer
4. Enter your domain (e.g., example.com)
5. Follow the setup instructions
6. Once DNS is pointing to Pagesmith, SSL is enabled automatically

If you registered or transferred the domain through Pagesmith, check the Domains page for its DNS and certificate status.

Free First-Year Domain (Yearly Plans)

Some yearly plans include a first-year domain registration offer. Check the current pricing page and the domain checkout for eligibility, supported endings, renewal terms, and price.

To check an offer, go to Workspace → Domains → Register. Review the price and renewal terms before confirming the registration.

Domain Pricing

Domains registered or transferred through Pagesmith are priced at our cost from the registrar plus a small margin, with VAT added at checkout where applicable. Exact prices are shown before you confirm. Renewals use the same pricing model.

DNS Configuration (Connect Method)

If you’re connecting a domain you own, you’ll need to update DNS at your current registrar.

Option 1: Nameserver Delegation (Recommended)

For apex/root domains (example.com) or when you want Pagesmith to fully manage your domain’s DNS.

Update your domain’s nameservers at your registrar to:

How to change nameservers:

1. Log in to your domain registrar
2. Find your domain’s DNS or Nameserver settings
3. Replace existing nameservers with the Pagesmith nameservers above
4. Save changes

Note: Nameserver propagation time varies. Some changes can take up to 48 hours.

Option 2: CNAME Record

For subdomains like www.example.com or blog.example.com.

Add a CNAME record at your DNS provider:

To also redirect your apex domain (example.com) to www.example.com, add an A record:

This redirects example.com to www.example.com automatically with HTTPS.

Example for blog.example.com:

• Type: CNAME
• Name: blog
• Target: sites.pagesmith.app

Supported Domains

• Top-level domains (.com, .org, .net, etc.)
• Subdomains (blog.example.com, shop.example.com)
• Apex/root domains (example.com)
• International domains (.de, .fr, .co.uk, etc.)
• Multiple domains per project (Business plan)

SSL Certificates

All custom domains automatically receive free SSL certificates:

• Provisioning: Certificate setup starts after the domain points to Pagesmith
• Renewal: Pagesmith renews managed certificates while the domain remains correctly connected
• HTTPS: Published traffic is redirected to HTTPS after the certificate is active

Check the Domains page if validation or certificate setup does not complete.

DNS Management

If your domain uses Pagesmith nameservers (connected via NS, registered, or transferred), DNS is managed automatically. You can also view and edit DNS records from the Domains page in the dashboard.

Troubleshooting

Domain Not Working

• Check DNS settings: Confirm the CNAME target or Pagesmith nameservers shown above
• Wait for propagation: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours
• Check for typos: Confirm the domain name and record host are correct
• Remove conflicting records: A CNAME cannot share the same host name with an A record

SSL Certificate Issues

• SSL is provisioned automatically once DNS points to Pagesmith
• Certificate setup begins after DNS validation and may take additional time
• If HTTPS isn’t working, verify your DNS configuration is correct

Site Shows Wrong Content

• Clear your browser cache
• Try accessing from an incognito/private window
• Verify the domain is connected to the correct project

Removing a Custom Domain

To disconnect a domain:

1. Go to Workspace → Domains in the AI Editor
2. Find the domain you want to remove
3. Click the delete/remove button
4. Confirm the removal

If you connected via CNAME or nameservers, update your DNS settings at your registrar to avoid pointing to a disconnected site.