Overview
A text (TXT) record is a DNS record type that contains human-readable information about a nameserver, network, data center, and other accounting information, such as point-of-contact details. TXT records are free from specific industry formatting requirements but are limited to the amounts of data they can store. The TXT record is limited to 255 characters. The value can be divided into two parts for additional characters. This is done by enclosing the parts in double quotes (“example text” “additional character text”).
Common Use Cases for TXT Records
One of the most common uses for TXT records is to verify domain ownership. When a TXT record is configured for domain ownership verification, the provider requiring verification would be able to query your server and receive ownership confirmation. You can also add a TXT file that includes a verification string to the root directory of your web server as an alternate method.
Another use for TXT records is for email security. They are set in place to prevent your domain from being used to send spam and secures your email content. TXT records can be configured as DomainKeys (DK), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC), and as basic TXT records that store domain-relative information.
NOTE: TXT Records are replacing Sender Policy Framework (SPF) records, which are deprecated records. Constellix still supports modifications and deletions of SPF records currently in your account, but new or additional configurations must be in TXT record format.
Prerequisites
A domain is already added to your DNS Made Easy account
You have imported or created all necessary DNS records (A, MX records, etc.) for your domain
NOTE: For assistance in creating records, see our library of related guides. If you need help setting up a domain, we also have guides for adding a domain or adding several at a time.
How to Create a TXT Record
1. Navigate to Managed DNS
Once signed into the DNS Made Easy Control Panel, select Managed DNS from the DNS dropdown menu at the top of the screen.
2. Select the domain for the TXT record
Select the domain for which you will be adding the TXT record. Your domains can be located in the Recently Updated Domains section or you can enter the domain name in the box under the Select Domain tab.
3. Add a TXT record
On the Records page, scroll down to locate TXT Records (SPF) and click on the + (plus) icon to add the record.
4. Enter the TXT record values
The Add TXT Records (SPF) window will pop up. Fill in the fields with the appropriate information and click Submit to save the record values.
Name: This field should be left blank unless mail is sent from a subdomain such as username@mail.example.com. In this case, the subdomain “mail” would be entered in the name field of the record. Alternatively, if the email is sent from the domain (username@example.com), the name field is left blank.
Value: Add the necessary information in the field. Remember, each string can be a maximum of 255 characters or should be broken into parts and enclosed in double quotes.
Example: “thefirstpartofyourrecord” “thesecondpartofyourrecord”TTL: Time to Live (measured in seconds) determines how long a record is cached in resolvers. Visit our How to Adjust Time to Live page for more information and best practices for TTLs.
Upon clicking Submit, a green Success message will appear briefly to confirm the TXT record was successfully added.
The TXT record is now set up and will display the values that were entered on the Records page for the selected domain.
