DNS Record Reference

Comprehensive DNS record types, examples, and config generator

Type	Name	Purpose	RFC
A	Address	Maps a domain to an IPv4 address	RFC 1035
AAAA	IPv6 Address	Maps a domain to an IPv6 address	RFC 3596
CNAME	Canonical Name	Creates an alias pointing to another domain	RFC 1035
MX	Mail Exchange	Specifies mail servers for the domain	RFC 1035
TXT	Text	Stores arbitrary text data (SPF, DKIM, domain verification)	RFC 1035
NS	Name Server	Delegates a DNS zone to use the given authoritative name servers	RFC 1035
SOA	Start of Authority	Specifies authoritative information about a DNS zone	RFC 1035
SRV	Service	Specifies location of servers for specified services	RFC 2782
CAA	Certification Authority Authorization	Specifies which CAs are allowed to issue certificates for the domain	RFC 6844
PTR	Pointer	Reverse DNS lookup — maps an IP address to a domain name	RFC 1035
DKIM	DomainKeys Identified Mail	Email authentication method using digital signatures (stored as TXT)	RFC 6376
DMARC	Domain-based Message Auth, Reporting & Conformance	Email authentication policy (published as TXT at _dmarc domain)	RFC 7489

Config Generator

Select a record type, fill in the fields, and generate a DNS config line.

Record Type

Name

TTL

IPv4 Address

Generated Record

example.com. 3600 IN A 0.0.0.0

What is a DNS Record Reference?

A DNS record reference is a comprehensive guide to the various record types that make up the Domain Name System — from A and AAAA records for IP resolution to MX, TXT, DKIM, and DMARC records for email authentication. It includes a built-in config generator for producing properly formatted zone file entries.

How to Use This DNS Record Reference

Search or browse the table of DNS record types by name or purpose
Click "Details" on any record type to see its description, example, and RFC reference
Use the Config Generator to create a properly formatted zone file line
Select the record type, fill in the fields, and copy or download the generated output

Common Use Cases

Looking up the correct syntax and fields for a specific DNS record type
Generating zone file entries for domain configuration
Setting up email authentication records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
Learning which RFC defines a particular record type
Preparing DNS configs for deployment to registrars or hosting providers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DKIM and DMARC?

DKIM adds a digital signature to outgoing emails so receivers can verify the message was not altered. DMARC builds on DKIM and SPF by telling receivers what to do if authentication fails (e.g. reject, quarantine, or allow). Both are recommended for proper email deliverability.

What does TTL mean?

TTL (Time to Live) is how long, in seconds, a DNS resolver should cache the record before checking again. A lower TTL means faster propagation of changes but more DNS queries. Common values are 3600 (1 hour) for stable records and 300 (5 minutes) during migrations.

Can I use the generated records directly in my DNS provider?

The generated output follows standard BIND zone file syntax. Most DNS providers accept this format, though some control panels use a field-based UI instead. In that case, use the individual field values from the generator rather than the raw zone file line.