How to create Addon Domain and Sub-domain in Plesk?
Introduction
You can host many different websites on your control panel by using an Addon Domain. An Addon Domain uses a separate domain name but points to a subdirectory within your primary domain. It acts just like an independent website with no direct link to your main site. For example, if your primary domain is primarydomain.com, then example.com would be the Addon Domain. This article explains how to create both Addon Domains and Subdomains easily in Plesk.
What is the Difference?
An Addon Domain is a completely separate domain name, like newwebsite.net, hosted under your main account. A Subdomain is an additional part of your main domain, such as blog.primarydomain.com. Both allow you to host multiple sites, but a Subdomain remains related to your primary domain name.
Steps to Create an Addon Domain in Plesk
Follow these steps to successfully add a completely new, independent domain name to your hosting account through the Plesk panel.
- Log In and Go to Websites & Domains
You must first log in to your Plesk account. Look at the left sidebar menu. Click on Websites & Domains. This section manages all the domains associated with your hosting. - Start the Addition Process
On the Websites & Domains page, click on the Add Domain button. A new page will load immediately. This page will have the heading Adding New Domain Name. - Enter Domain Details
In the Domain Name section, type the full name of your new domain. You should typically type your domain name after the www. prompt. You will also notice the default primary domain name is listed in the Location of the website’s files section. - Choose Hosting Type
You need to choose an option from the Hosting type dropdown menu.
Website hosting allows you to host a full website and use email services.
Forwarding allows you to redirect all traffic from this domain to another website.
No hosting allows you to host DNS and email services, but not an active website. - Configure DNS and Mail Services
You must make a choice about your DNS service. If your hosting provider is managing your DNS, then tick the “Activate the DNS service” option. If your domain registrar handles your DNS, you must untick this option. Similarly, if you want email services on the same server, tick “Activate the mail service”. If you use a remote mail service like Google Workspace, then untick this option. - Review Other Settings and Secure
Plesk automatically fills the fields for Document root and Preferred domain under the Hosting Settings. You can modify these settings if you have specific requirements. If you want to secure your domain with an SSL certificate and your domain is pointing to the server, then select the “Secure the domain with Let’s Encrypt” checkbox. - Finalize the Creation
Click on the OK button. The process may take a few minutes to complete. You will see a success message once the new Addon Domain is ready for use.
Steps to Create a Subdomain in Plesk
A Subdomain is an excellent way to create separate sections for your main website, like a blog or a testing environment. Follow these simple steps to set one up.
- Start Subdomain Creation
On the same Websites & Domains window, you need to click on the Add Subdomain button. This action will open the creation interface. - Name the Prefix
You must enter the name you want as the prefix for your subdomain in the appropriate section. For example, if your primary domain is mycompany.com and you enter support, your new subdomain will be support.mycompany.com. - Define Document Root
The Document root section will automatically show a default directory path. This path is a combination of your subdomain prefix and primary domain. This is where your subdomain’s files will be stored. You can modify this field if you want to store the files in a different location. - Secure the Subdomain
Just like with the Addon Domain, you can secure your new Subdomain. If your domain is pointing correctly to the server, you should select the “Secure the domain with Let’s Encrypt” checkbox to activate a free SSL certificate. - Complete the Process
Click on the OK button. The system will process the request in a couple of minutes. A success message will confirm that your new Subdomain is ready.
Cantech’s Hosting Features
Cantech hosting solutions provide full flexibility for multi-site hosting through Plesk’s domain management tools.
- Flexible Hosting Options
We support all three hosting types: Website hosting, Forwarding, and no hosting. This allows you to configure your domains exactly as your project requires. - Free SSL Integration
Our Plesk setup includes easy integration with Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates. This helps you secure both your primary, Addon, and Subdomains easily and at no extra cost.
Conclusion
Plesk makes it very simple to manage multiple sites on one hosting account. You can easily create an independent Addon Domain or a functional Subdomain by following these straightforward steps, giving you great control over your web presence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can an Addon Domain have its own separate email accounts?
Yes, an Addon Domain acts completely independently. You can create a full set of separate email accounts for the Addon Domain.
Where are the files for an Addon Domain physically located on the server?
The files for the Addon Domain are located in a subdirectory within the primary domain’s home directory. This is why the Addon Domain is hosted under the main account.
What is the main purpose of the “Forwarding” hosting type?
The main purpose of the “Forwarding” hosting type is to redirect all visitors from the new domain to a different, already existing website address.
Should I tick the DNS service option if I bought my domain from a separate registrar?
If you are using your registrar’s DNS servers, you should untick the “Activate the DNS service” option in Plesk. You only tick it if you want the Plesk server to manage the DNS records.
Does a Subdomain need a separate SSL certificate from the main domain?
While the main domain might cover some subdomains, it is always a good practice to specifically select the Let’s Encrypt checkbox for the new Subdomain. This ensures it has its own dedicated security certificate.
