# Custom domains

ℹ️

For a domain without a hosted website, this process takes 5 minutes.

For a domain already hosting a website, the process usually takes 15 minutes.

You have the option to connect a custom domain to your site, rather than being limited to the default `*.capable-sites.com` subdomain. This feature is particularly useful if you prefer to host your website on a domain that you own and control.

For instance, the website [help.gocapable.com](http://help.gocapable.com) is an example of a Capable Site that is hosted using a custom domain, illustrating how you can personalise your site's web address to better reflect your brand or organisation.

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## Prerequisites

* Ensure you have the right to set up a custom domain.
* If your custom domain already hosts a website, remove DNS records for validation or the CNAME.
* If your website uses AWS Cloudfront or an app like Scroll Sites, delete them.

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## Adding a custom domain

1\. Go to the **Domains** tab in site settings

2\. Enter your custom domain (e.g., `docs.yourcompany.com`)

![image-20260602-094710.png](https://help.gocapable.com/images/b2d416ed-be91-4fe1-802b-7195a158f05b.webp)

3\. Add the verification record to your DNS provider

![image-20260602-094634.png](https://help.gocapable.com/images/974fcfbe-b9a6-4ccf-adb6-43a66d3af661.webp)

4\. Wait for verification; then your site will be provisioned

5\. Add the CNAME record to your DNS provider

6\. Deploy your site to production

![image-20260602-095107.png](https://help.gocapable.com/images/29cdd353-c8df-4e65-8304-04d3a989d4b5.webp)

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## DNS configuration

After adding a domain, you need to create two DNS records with your DNS provider:

1. **Validation CNAME**: Points the validation hostname to the ACM validation target. This proves you own the domain and allows the SSL certificate to be issued.
2. **Domain CNAME**: Points your custom domain to the CloudFront distribution domain provided in the domain details.

![Flowchart](https://help.gocapable.com/images/att1084358756.svg)

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## Provisioning status

Domain provisioning goes through several stages:

| **Status**             | **Description**                                              |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Pending validation** | Waiting for you to add the DNS validation CNAME record       |
| **Validating**         | DNS record detected, certificate is being validated          |
| **Provisioning**       | Certificate issued, CloudFront distribution is being created |
| **Active**             | Domain is fully configured and serving your site             |
| **Failed**             | Provisioning failed — check the failure reason for details   |