DNS Record Types

Complete reference for 14 DNS record types with examples and use cases

Maps a hostname to a 32-bit IPv4 address. The most fundamental DNS record.

Example

example.com. 300 IN A 93.184.216.34

💡 Use Case

Point your domain/subdomain to an IPv4 server address.

About the DNS Record Types Reference

This DNS record types reference explains what A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, SOA, SRV and CAA records do and when each applies — including the constraints that catch people out, such as CNAME at a domain root.

DNS record types each answer a different question about a domain. A and AAAA give IP addresses for IPv4 and IPv6, CNAME points one name at another, MX directs email, NS delegates a zone, and TXT holds arbitrary text that other systems have agreed to interpret.

TXT does the most work in practice. SPF, DKIM and DMARC are all TXT records, and so is most domain-ownership verification — which is why a single mistyped TXT record is the usual reason email starts failing or a service refuses to verify a domain.

The CNAME restriction catches almost everyone: you cannot put a CNAME at the zone apex, because the apex must also hold NS and SOA records and a CNAME cannot coexist with others at the same name. That is why hosts offer ALIAS or ANAME records as a workaround.

This page is a searchable reference, not a lookup tool — it explains what each record type is for and what a valid value looks like. To see what a domain actually publishes, run `dig <domain> <type>` or `nslookup -type=<type> <domain>` from a terminal. A browser cannot query DNS itself.

How to use the DNS Record Types Reference

  1. Find the record type. Search or browse the list for the type you are configuring.
  2. Read what it does. See the purpose and the expected value format.
  3. Check the constraints. Note restrictions such as CNAME not being allowed at the apex.
  4. Verify after changing. Run dig or nslookup to confirm what your domain now publishes.

DNS Record Types Reference features

  • 13 record types: A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, SOA, PTR, SRV, CAA, SPF, DKIM, DMARC
  • What each type is for, in one line
  • Expected value format for each type
  • Constraints that commonly trip people up
  • Searchable and filterable
  • Notes on SPF, DKIM and DMARC as TXT records

Frequently asked questions

Does this page look up a domain's records?

No. It is a reference explaining each record type. A browser cannot query DNS — use dig or nslookup for a real lookup.

Which record types are covered?

Thirteen: A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, SOA, PTR, SRV, CAA, SPF, DKIM and DMARC — each with an example line and what it is for.

Why can't I put a CNAME at my domain's apex?

The apex must also carry NS and SOA records, and a CNAME cannot coexist with other records at the same name. Use ALIAS or ANAME if your host offers it.

Which record type do SPF, DKIM and DMARC use?

All three are TXT records. A single mistyped TXT value is the usual reason email authentication starts failing.

What is the difference between A and AAAA?

A holds an IPv4 address, AAAA holds an IPv6 address. A domain can publish both, and clients pick whichever they support.

How long do changes take to propagate?

Up to the record's TTL, since resolvers cache until it expires. Lowering the TTL before a planned change shortens the wait.