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How to Connect a Custom Domain in Atomicat

Use this guide when you want an Atomicat site to load from your own domain, such as www.example.com, offers.example.com, or quiz.example.com.

The setup has three parts: configure DNS at your domain provider, wait for DNS propagation, and then connect and verify the domain inside Atomicat.

Before You Start​

Make sure you have:

  • A domain that you own.
  • Access to the domain provider or DNS manager, such as GoDaddy, Hostinger, Namecheap, Cloudflare, Bluehost, or another provider.
  • The DNS values shown by Atomicat.
  • A clear decision about whether you are connecting a root domain or a subdomain.

DNS records are edited at your domain provider, not inside Atomicat. Atomicat verifies the records after they are public.

Step 1: Configure DNS Records​

Open your domain provider and go to the DNS management area. This section may be called DNS, Manage DNS, DNS Zone, Advanced DNS, or Zone Editor.

Add the records shown by Atomicat. Depending on your setup, Atomicat may ask for one or more of these:

  • A record
  • CNAME record
  • Nameserver update

Copy the record type, host/name, and value exactly as Atomicat shows them. If there is an older record for the same host, remove or update the conflicting record so the host only points to the correct Atomicat destination.

DNS Guides by Provider​

Use your provider's DNS documentation if you are unsure where to add the records:

Step 2: Wait for DNS Propagation​

After you save DNS changes, the records need time to propagate across the internet.

Propagation can take:

  • A few minutes.
  • Several hours.
  • Up to 24 hours in some cases.

You can check public propagation with DNS Checker. Use the same record type and host that Atomicat asked you to configure.

Domain Format Requirements​

The domain format matters. Atomicat does not automatically add www for root domains.

Root Domains​

When connecting a root domain, enter the www version in Atomicat.

Correct:

www.example.com

Incorrect:

example.com

Subdomains​

When connecting a subdomain, do not add www.

Correct:

blog.example.com
offers.example.com
quiz.example.com

Incorrect:

www.blog.example.com

Subdomains should be entered exactly as they were created in your DNS settings.

Common Domain Format Mistakes​

SituationIncorrectCorrect
Root domainexample.comwww.example.com
Subdomainwww.blog.example.comblog.example.com

If the format is wrong, Atomicat may not be able to verify the domain even when the DNS record exists.

Step 3: Connect the Domain in Atomicat​

  1. Log in to your Atomicat account.
  2. Open Sites.
  3. Find the site where the domain should be connected.
  4. Click the link icon next to the site name.

Link icon next to the Atomicat site name for connecting a custom domain

Atomicat opens the custom domain popup. Enter the domain using the correct format:

  • Use www.example.com for a root domain.
  • Use blog.example.com, offers.example.com, or another exact subdomain without www.

After entering the domain, click Connect.

Custom domain popup where you add the domain name

Atomicat then shows a verification popup. Review the current Atomicat domain and the custom domain you want to connect. If the domain is correct and the DNS requirements are in place, click Verify.

Custom domain verification popup showing the current domain, custom domain, and Verify button

When verification succeeds, the domain is connected to the selected Atomicat site.

Troubleshooting​

Domain Is Not Verifying​

Check the following:

  • The DNS records match the values shown by Atomicat.
  • DNS propagation has completed.
  • The domain was entered without https://, paths, or query parameters.
  • Root domains use www, such as www.example.com.
  • Subdomains do not use www, such as offers.example.com.
  • There are no conflicting DNS records for the same host.

Domain Shows an Error After DNS Propagation​

If DNS Checker shows the record has propagated but Atomicat still shows an error:

  1. Take a screenshot of the Atomicat error.
  2. Save a screenshot or link from DNS Checker.
  3. Contact Atomicat Support.
  4. Include the domain name, the Atomicat error, and the DNS Checker result.

Outcome​

After DNS propagation and successful verification:

  • The custom domain is connected to Atomicat.
  • The site can be accessed through the configured domain.
  • You can publish Atomicat pages to that domain.

FAQ​

Do I configure DNS inside Atomicat?

No. DNS records must be added in your domain provider or DNS manager. Atomicat verifies the records after they are public.

Should I enter example.com or www.example.com?

For a root domain, enter the www version, such as www.example.com. Atomicat no longer adds www automatically.

Should I add www to a subdomain?

No. Enter subdomains exactly as they exist in DNS, such as blog.example.com or offers.example.com.

How long does DNS propagation take?

DNS can update within minutes, but some providers may take several hours or up to 24 hours.