DNS Record Types

A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT & more — what each DNS record does.

A searchable reference of DNS record types — the A and AAAA records that point a name to an IP, CNAME aliases, MX mail records, TXT records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC and verification), NS, SOA, CAA, SRV and more — each with a plain-English explanation and a copy-ready example. Runs fully in your browser — no API.

How to use DNS Record Types

1. Open the list

   Launch this free DNS record types reference to look up any DNS record in one searchable table.

2. Search a type

   Type a record like MX or CNAME, or a topic like 'mail', to find the right record type.

3. Read what it does

   Each row explains the record's purpose in plain English with a short example value.

4. Copy an example

   Tap the type or example to copy it, ready for your DNS provider's control panel.

5. Set up your DNS

   Use the examples as a guide when adding records for a website, email or verification.

6. Troubleshoot

   Match a record you see in a DNS lookup against this list to understand what it controls.

Frequently asked questions

What are DNS records?

DNS records are entries in a domain's DNS zone that tell the internet how to handle the domain — which IP address it points to, where its email goes, what aliases exist, and more. Each record has a type (like A, MX or TXT) that defines its purpose.

What is the difference between an A record and a CNAME?

An A record maps a hostname directly to an IPv4 address, while a CNAME maps one hostname to another hostname (an alias). Use an A record to point to a server's IP, and a CNAME to point one name (like www) at another (like example.com).

What is an MX record?

An MX (Mail Exchange) record specifies the mail servers that receive email for a domain, each with a priority number (lower = preferred). Without a correct MX record, email to your domain won't be delivered.

What are TXT, SPF, DKIM and DMARC records?

TXT records hold free-form text and are widely used for email authentication and domain verification. SPF, DKIM and DMARC are all published as TXT records that help prevent email spoofing and improve deliverability.

Is this DNS record types tool free?

Yes — it's completely free with no sign-up. The list runs in your browser from a built-in dataset, so there are no limits, no API keys and nothing is uploaded.

What DNS records do I need to point a domain to a website?

Usually an A record pointing your root domain (@) to the server's IPv4 address, and a CNAME (or A record) for 'www' pointing to the root. If your host gives you a hostname instead of an IP, use a CNAME. Add an AAAA record too if the server has an IPv6 address.

How long do DNS changes take to work (TTL)?

DNS changes propagate based on each record's TTL (time to live) — the seconds resolvers cache it. A low TTL (e.g. 300s) updates within minutes, while a high one (e.g. 86400s) can take up to a day. Lower the TTL before a planned change to speed up propagation.

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