If automatic configuration is not available for your domain, you can manually connect it with Kartra instead.

This method requires you to log in to your domain registrar and create forwarding rule and CNAME entries in your DNS settings.

Important:

If your domain already points to an external website, connecting it to Kartra requires removing the DNS records for that domain or subdomain pointing to that website. This means:

  • Your existing external website (e.g., WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, etc.) will stop loading
  • Visitors will no longer reach your old site when they go to your domain.

If you already have a live website linked with your domain:

  • If you intend to keep that website: 

Connect a subdomain to Kartra instead (for example, pages.yourdomain.com). This avoids downtime and keeps your existing site online.

  • If you no longer need your old website: 

You may safely proceed with removing the old records and following the steps listed in this article.


Step 1: Create a forwarding rule (main domain only)

Skip this step if you are connecting a subdomain, such as pages.yourdomain.com

For a main (root) domain integration, you must forward your base domain:

yourdomain.com → www.yourdomain.com

In your domain registrar’s DNS settings:

  1. Find Domain Forwarding, URL Redirect, or Redirect settings
  2. Create a redirect with:
    • Type: Permanent (301)
    • Forward to: www.yourdomain.com
    • Forward path: Enabled (if available)

If your registrar does not support forwarding, we recommend connecting a subdomain instead.

Step 2: Create a CNAME record

If your domain provider supports automatic domain setup, we recommend using it instead.

In your DNS settings, add a new record:

  • Type: CNAME
  • Host: Depending on which option you choose, enter either www if integrating with your main domain, or enter your desired subdomain.
  • Target or Value: Enter username.kartra.com (replace username with your Kartra username).
  • TTL: Default value

Create a CNAME record in your DNS settings 

Note: If you're unsure how to create a CNAME record in your domain host account (e.g., GoDaddy, Google Domains, Namecheap, etc.), we recommend contacting their support team. They can guide you through the process and help you add records to your account.

Step 3: Add your domain to Kartra

  1. In Kartra, go to Settings > Domains, click + Domain and choose Add custom domain
    Add a domain option in Kartra
  2. Select Only the main domain or Use a sub-domain
    Main domain or subdomain selector in the Kartra domain configuration wizard.
  3. Enter your domain or subdomain and upload a favicon
  4. Click Next, and check the confirmation box stating you’ve created the DNS records
  5. Set your Index (home) page and 404 error page
  6. Click Next

Your domain connection will begin processing. Once the domain shows as Connected, you can customize page URLs.

Processing time

Most domains connect within minutes to a few hours, but it can take up to 24 hours depending on DNS propagation. The domain status will show as:

  • Processing → DNS still updating
  • Connected → Domain is ready to use