# Custom Domains

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Configure custom domains under **Portal Settings → Domains**.

## Subdomain vs Path [Permalink for this section](/content/docs/domains#subdomain-vs-path/index.html)

| Setup     | Example               | When to use                                  |
| --------- | --------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| Subdomain | `compare.acme.com`   | Editorial separation, separate brand        |
| Path      | `acme.com/compare/`   | SEO consolidation, shared authority          |

For most product-related portals, use a path. For glossaries or industry hubs, a subdomain often works better.

## DNS Setup [Permalink for this section](/content/docs/domains#dns-setup/index.html)

Add the GrackerAI-provided records to your DNS provider:

- **CNAME** for subdomains pointing at `portals.gracker.ai`
- **A record** or proxy for apex domains via Cloudflare

Wait for DNS propagation (usually <1 hour, sometimes up to 24).

## SSL Certificates [Permalink for this section](/content/docs/domains#ssl-certificates/index.html)

GrackerAI auto-provisions SSL via Let's Encrypt. No manual configuration needed.

## Verification [Permalink for this section](/content/docs/domains#verification/index.html)

After DNS propagates, GrackerAI verifies the domain automatically. Status shows in **Portal Settings → Domains** as:

- **Pending**. DNS not yet propagated
- **Active**. Verified and serving content
- **Error**. DNS misconfiguration; check the diagnostic message

## Deployment Guides [Permalink for this section](/content/docs/domains#deployment-guides/index.html)

Detailed walkthroughs by hosting provider:

- [Cloudflare Integration](/content/docs/cloudflare/index.html)
- [Route53 & CloudFront](/content/docs/route53-cloudfront/index.html)
- [Vercel](/content/docs/vercel/index.html)
- [Custom Domain](/content/docs/custom-domain/index.html)
- [Nginx Integration](/content/docs/nginx/index.html)