How to Create a Subdomain in PhotoBiz

Overview

A subdomain is an extension of your main domain that points visitors to a specific website, page, or third-party service. For example, if your main domain is yourdomain.com, a subdomain could be blog.yourdomain.com, shop.yourdomain.com, or proofing.yourdomain.com.

This guide walks you through how to create a subdomain by adding a DNS record in your PhotoBiz account. You will learn how to check whether your domain is eligible for DNS management, choose the correct DNS record type, enter the subdomain details, and save your changes.

Prerequisites

Your domain must meet both requirements below before you can manage DNS records in PhotoBiz:

Your account must be using PhotoBiz 9.
Your domain must be using PhotoBiz AWS Route 53 name servers.

If your domain is not on PhotoBiz 9, or if your domain is still pointed to legacy Rackspace name servers or third-party name servers, DNS records added in PhotoBiz will not apply to your live domain.

You should also have the exact DNS record details from the service where your subdomain will point. This may include an IP address for an A record or a destination hostname for a CNAME record.

Learn More: How to Upgrade Your Domain Name Servers

When to Use an A Record or CNAME for a Subdomain

Most subdomains are created using either an A record or a CNAME record.

Use an A record when your third-party service gives you an IP address. This points your subdomain directly to that IP address.

Use a CNAME record when your third-party service gives you another domain name or hostname. This points your subdomain to that destination instead of an IP address.

For example:

blog.yourdomain.com may point to an IP address using an A record.
shop.yourdomain.com may point to a third-party hostname using a CNAME record.

Always use the record type and value provided by the service you are connecting to. PhotoBiz Support can help you enter the record correctly, but the destination record details should come from the provider you are connecting your subdomain to.

STEP ONE

Log into your PhotoBiz account and click DOMAINS in the left-side menu.

This opens your Domains control panel where you can manage domain settings for domains connected to your PhotoBiz account.

STEP TWO

Review the Main Domain section for your domain.

Your Main Domain will indicate whether your domain is on PhotoBiz 9. Manage DNS only applies when your domain is on PhotoBiz 9 and using PhotoBiz AWS Route 53 name servers.

If your domain is not on PhotoBiz 9, or if your domain is pointed to legacy Rackspace name servers or third-party name servers, DNS records added in PhotoBiz will not apply to your live domain.

STEP THREE

Locate the domain you want to update, then click MANAGE DNS next to the domain name.

This opens the DNS Zone Editor for that domain. If you do not see the Manage DNS option, your domain may not be on PhotoBiz 9 or may not be using PhotoBiz AWS Route 53 name servers.

STEP FOUR

Click the NEW DNS RECORD button.

Select the DNS record type required for your subdomain. Most subdomains use either an A record or a CNAME record.

Choose A Record if your provider gave you an IP address. Choose CNAME if your provider gave you a destination hostname, URL, or domain name to point to.

FINAL STEP

Enter the subdomain details into the required fields, then click SAVE CHANGES.

When entering the host name, only enter the subdomain portion. Your main domain is already included by the system.

For example, if you are creating blog.yourdomain.com, enter blog as the host name.

Correct: blog.yourdomain.com

Incorrect: blog.yourdomain.com.yourdomain.com

If you add a record and see your domain listed twice, the host name was entered incorrectly. Delete the incorrect record and add it again using only the subdomain portion as the host name.

Your subdomain DNS record will be added to the domain’s DNS zone. Many DNS updates begin working within a few minutes, but full DNS propagation across the internet can take up to 48 hours.

Example: CNAME Record

Example: A Record

Additional Options or Helpful Notes

DNS values must be entered exactly as provided by the third-party service you are connecting to. Some providers may refer to the host name as Name, Host, or Alias. The destination value may be called Points To, Destination, Answer, Target, or Record Value.

Before adding a new subdomain record, check whether a record already exists for the same host name. Adding multiple records for the same subdomain can prevent the subdomain from working correctly.

Do not delete or change existing DNS records unless you know what they control. Existing records may be required for your website, email, domain verification, or other connected services.

Subdomains are commonly used for:

Blogs
Online stores
Proofing platforms
Scheduling tools
Client portals
Landing pages
Third-party website tools

If you are unsure whether to use an A record or CNAME record, review the setup instructions from the service you are connecting to. Their instructions should tell you which DNS record type to use.

Troubleshooting or FAQs

Why do I not see the Manage DNS option?

The Manage DNS option only applies when your domain is on PhotoBiz 9 and using PhotoBiz AWS Route 53 name servers. If your domain is not on PhotoBiz 9, still using legacy Rackspace name servers, or pointed to third-party name servers, DNS management may not be available from your account.

Why is my subdomain not working yet?

DNS changes can take time to update across the internet. Many updates begin working within a few minutes, but full propagation can take up to 48 hours.

You should also confirm that the record type, host name, and destination value match the instructions from your third-party provider.

Why does my subdomain show my domain twice?

This usually means the full subdomain was entered into the host name field. Your domain name is already included by the system.

For example, if you want to create blog.yourdomain.com, enter only blog as the host name. Do not enter the full blog.yourdomain.com address.

Can I point a subdomain to PhotoBiz?

Yes. If you need a subdomain to point to your PhotoBiz website or another PhotoBiz service, contact PhotoBiz Support so the correct DNS setup can be reviewed.

Can PhotoBiz help me create a subdomain?

Yes. If you are not sure what to enter, PhotoBiz Support can help you review the DNS instructions from your provider and make sure the record is entered in the correct format.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure about what to enter—or would rather have us do it for you—our Passionate Support Team is happy to help.

Contact Us:

Phone: 844-353-3412
Live Chat (inside your account)
Submit a Support Ticket

Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST

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