Learn how to manually authorize Kartra as an email sender for your domain if your domain provider doesn’t support automatic DKIM configuration.

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an email authentication method that confirms your messages were signed by your domain. DKIM records are published as CNAME records in your domain’s DNS.

Kartra uses DKIM to authorize KartraMail to send email using your domain as the send-from address. If your domain provider doesn’t support automatic configuration, Kartra will show you the DKIM records you need to add to your domain host’s DNS settings.

Important:

You only need to follow this guide if:

  • Your domain host does not support automatic DKIM setup, and
  • Kartra displayed manual DNS values during DKIM configuration.

This guide is not for you if:

Step 1: Get your DKIM records from Kartra

  1. Go to Settings > Domains > DKIM, then click + DKIM, and choose Add DKIM record.Add DKIM record option in Kartra.
  2. Enter the domain you use to send email (example: yourdomain.com).Domain input window for DKIM setup.
  3. Choose Manual.Automatic vs. Manual configuration selection window.

Kartra will display a Host and Points to value for three CNAME records. Keep that window open. You’ll need these values for the next step.

Step 2: Add the CNAME records at your domain host

  1. Log in to your domain registrar or DNS provider.
  2. Go to the section called DNS Settings, DNS Management, or similar. (Exact name varies depending on your provider.)
  3. For the domain you use to send email, create three new CNAME records.
  4. For each record:
    1. Host / Name: paste the Host name field from Kartra
    2. Points to / Target: paste the Points to field from Kartra
    3. TTL: leave as Default or Automatic

Repeat until all three CNAME records have been added.

Important:

Some providers automatically append your domain to the Host field.

  • If your provider adds the domain automatically, enter only the prefix (example: sk48392)
  • If your provider does not append the domain, enter the full value (example: sk48392.yourdomain.com)
If you’re unsure, contact your domain provider for guidance.

Step 3: Confirm your DKIM setup in Kartra

After adding the three CNAME records:

  1. Return to the DKIM details window in Kartra.
  2. Check the confirmation box.
  3. Click Finish.

Manual configuration instructions in Kartra with highlights on confirmation box and Finish button.

Your domain will now appear under Settings > Domains > DKIM with a status of Pending validation. Once validation is complete, your entry will show as Connected.