A subdomain is a name in front of a domain you already own, such as blog.yourdomain.com or shop.yourdomain.com. You create it in your hosting control panel, it usually gets its own folder, and it costs nothing extra. It loads for visitors once its DNS points to your hosting server.
This is the short version. For how subdomains differ from addon domains and aliases, the DNS each needs and how many websites your plan allows, read What is the difference between parked, addon and subdomains. For DirectAdmin in detail, see Managing subdomains in DirectAdmin.
In cPanel, open Domains › Create A New Domain, type the full name such as blog.yourdomain.com, untick Share document root and submit. In DirectAdmin, use Subdomain Management › Add Subdomain and type only the prefix. If your domain uses your hosting nameservers, nothing else is needed; if its DNS is managed elsewhere, add an A record for the subdomain with the server IP from the client area. Free SSL follows once DNS points to the server.
1. What subdomains are used for
- A separate section:
blog.,shop.orhelp.running different software from the main site. - A staging copy:
staging.yourdomain.comfor testing updates before they go live. See creating a staging environment.
You don't register or pay for a subdomain; it belongs to the domain. On Domain India plans, subdomains don't count towards your plan's website limit.
2. Create a subdomain in cPanel
- Open cPanel.In the client area go to your hosting list and click the cPanel button on your domain's row. See how to log in to cPanel.
- Open Domains.In the Domains section click Domains, then Create A New Domain.
- Type the full name,for example
blog.yourdomain.com. - Untick Share document rootand accept or edit the suggested folder. Keep it outside another site's folder.
- Click Submit.cPanel creates the subdomain and its DNS record on the server.
Current cPanel has no separate Subdomains icon; the Domains page also lets you change a subdomain's folder or remove it.
3. DirectAdmin, Webuzo and Plesk
| Panel | Where to create it | What to type |
|---|---|---|
| DirectAdmin | Select the domain, then Subdomain Management › Add Subdomain | Only the prefix, such as blog |
| Webuzo | The panel's domains or subdomains section | Follow the panel's form; ask support if you can't find it |
| Plesk (Windows hosting) | Websites & Domains, then the option to add a subdomain | The prefix and its folder; ask support if you can't find it |
DirectAdmin puts a new subdomain's files in domains/yourdomain.com/public_html/blog by default, so the same files also open at yourdomain.com/blog/. Choose a custom document root if you want the two kept fully apart.
4. Make it load: DNS
Creating a subdomain prepares the server only. Visitors reach it when DNS points the name to your hosting server.
| Your domain's DNS | What to do |
|---|---|
| Uses your hosting nameservers | Nothing. The panel adds the record itself. |
| Managed elsewhere, such as Cloudflare or another provider | Add an A record for the subdomain name, such as blog, with your server's IP address |
Copy the nameservers or server IP from the Point a domain to this hosting card on your hosting service page in the client area, never from an old article. For record changes, see how to change your domain DNS settings. DNS changes can take several hours to reach every network.
5. Free SSL for subdomains
Domain India does not sell SSL certificates; free certificates are included with hosting.
- cPanel: AutoSSL issues a free Let's Encrypt certificate for the subdomain. It runs every 3 hours, and only once the subdomain points to the server.
- DirectAdmin: issue a Let's Encrypt certificate that includes the subdomain. See Let's Encrypt in DirectAdmin.
- Plesk: secure the subdomain with Let's Encrypt; see installing SSL in Plesk.
A certificate warning on a brand-new subdomain usually means DNS hasn't updated yet. If you bought a certificate from another provider, you can install it in your panel instead.
Removing a subdomain may leave its folder behind, or delete it if you choose that option (DirectAdmin offers Remove Directory Content). Download anything you need first.
- 50 GB NVMe SSD Storage
- 100 GB Monthly Bandwidth
- 5 Websites
- 50 Email Accounts
Prices on the cards exclude 18% GST.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a subdomain in cPanel?
Open Domains in cPanel, click Create A New Domain, type the full name such as blog.yourdomain.com, untick Share document root, and click Submit.
Do I have to pay for a subdomain?
No. A subdomain belongs to a domain you already own, so you create it in your control panel without registering anything.
Does a subdomain count against my plan's website limit?
No. On Domain India plans the website count applies to separate domains, not subdomains. If the panel refuses to add one, contact support to check your plan.
Why does my new subdomain not open?
Usually its DNS does not point to your hosting server yet. With your hosting nameservers it works after propagation; if DNS is managed elsewhere, add an A record for the subdomain with the server IP shown in the client area.
Ready to add a subdomain? Open your hosting list and click your panel's button, or read the full guide to domains and subdomains. If anything doesn't work, open a ticket.
Subdomains, free SSL and weekly JetBackup backups on every cPanel plan.
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