Name Server Record Types

This article explains the most common types of DNS (Domain Name System) records, their functions, and how they are used to manage domain names and internet traffic.

Introduction

DNS records are essential for directing internet traffic and ensuring your domain functions correctly. Understanding the different record types helps you manage your domain and troubleshoot issues effectively.

Core Record Types

These are the most fundamental records used for basic domain functionality.

Record	Description
A	An A record (Address Record) maps a domain name to an IPv4 address (i.e. 123.456.789.0). This is the most common type of DNS record and is what allows a user to type a domain name (example: google.com) into their browser and be directed to the correct server. NOTE: You can have multiple A records for the same domain or subdomain.
AAAA	An AAAA record (Quad-A Record) maps a domain name to an IPv6 address (i.e. 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). It functions just like an A record but for the newer IPv6 protocol. NOTE: The four "A's" are a nod to the fact that IPv6 addresses are much longer than IPv4 addresses.
CNAME	A CNAME record (Canonical Name Record) creates an alias, pointing a subdomain (i.e. www.example.com) to another domain name instead of a specific IP address. This is useful for managing multiple subdomains that all point to the same host. NOTE: CNAME records cannot be used for the root domain.
NS	A NS record (Name Server Record) identifies the authoritative DNS servers for a domain. This record tells the internet where to go to find all the other records for that domain.
SOA	A SOA record (Start of Authority Record) contains administrative information about the domain's zone, such as the primary name server, the domain administrator's email, and timers that control how other servers should update their records.

Email and Security Record Types

These records are crucial for email delivery and security.

Record	Description
MX	A MX record (Mail Exchange Record) directs emails for a domain to its mail server. It includes a priority value to determine the order in which mail servers should be contacted. You can have multiple MX records for the same domain or subdomain but most services only use one record. NOTE: If you configure multiple records, the first server used will be the one with the lowest number set for priority.
TXT	A TXT record (Text record) are used in a variety of ways. TXT records are most commonly used for verification to allow a service to run on your domain. Other types of records are actually TXT records that other servers interpret. For example, SPF, DMARC, and DKIM are all mail-related DNS records that are entered as TXT records (see descriptions below).
SPF	A SPF record (Sender Policy Framework) prevents email spoofing by listing the servers authorized to send mail for the domain.
DMARC	A DMARC record (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is a type of DNS record that tells receiving mail servers what to do with emails that fail authentication checks. It's a key part of an email security protocol that helps protect a domain from being used in phishing, spoofing, and other email-based attacks.
DKIM	A DKIM record (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a digital signature to emails to verify they haven't been altered in transit.
CAA	A CAA record (Certification Authority Authorization) allows a domain owner to specify which Certificate Authorities (CAs) are permitted to issue SSL/TLS certificates for their domain.

Other Record Types

These records serve more specific functions.

Record	Description
PTR	A PTR record (Pointer record) does the opposite of an A record. PTR records perform a reverse DNS lookup, mapping an IP address back to its associated domain name. This is often used for spam filtering. Generally, most inquiries we receive regarding PTR records are from those who are confusing PTR with A records. In most cases, the A record is all that is required and the internet service provider that leases the IP address handles the PTR. If you require the use of a PTR record, we recommend opening a free account with Cloudflare.
SRV	A SRV Record (Service Record) specifies the location (hostname and port number) of a specific service, such as a VoIP or messaging server, within a domain.
DNAME	A DNAME Record (Delegation Name Record) is similar to a CNAME record, but it redirects an entire domain and all of its subdomains to a new destination.
DS	A DS Record (Delegation Signer) is part of DNSSEC, this record establishes a chain of trust to verify the authenticity of a domain's records.