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Custom domain setup in plain English: www, apex, CNAME and ALIAS
To connect your domain, you add a DNS record at the company you bought it from. Point www at your host with a CNAME record. For the bare domain, add an ALIAS record or redirect it to www. On Novence, novence domains add www.example.com prints the exact records, and HTTPS is set up automatically once they are in place.
By Novence · Published · Updated
What do www, apex, CNAME, and ALIAS mean?
DNS is the internet's address book. Four terms cover almost every small-site setup.
- Apex: the bare domain, such as
example.com. Also called the root. - www: the subdomain
www.example.com. It is a separate name and needs its own record. - CNAME: a record that says "this name is an alias of that name". It is the standard way to point
wwwat a host. - ALIAS: works like a CNAME but is allowed on the apex. Some registrars call it ANAME or CNAME flattening.
Which records do I add for Novence?
Add the www record, then do exactly one of the two apex options. A subdomain such as shop.example.com needs only its own CNAME.
| Name | Type | Value |
|---|---|---|
www | CNAME | fallback.novence.ai |
@ (apex), option 1 | ALIAS | fallback.novence.ai |
@ (apex), option 2 | URL redirect | https://www.example.com/ |
shop (subdomain) | CNAME | fallback.novence.ai |
npx novence domains add www.example.com npx novence domains status
How is HTTPS set up?
You do not need to buy or install a certificate. Novence issues one automatically once your DNS records point at fallback.novence.ai. Run novence domains status to see what is still needed.
How long does DNS take?
Usually minutes. Changes can take up to 48 hours to reach every network, depending on the TTL (time to live) your registrar set on the old record. If your registrar lets you, set a low TTL such as 300 seconds before switching hosts.
What stops a domain from working?
Most problems come from one of these.
- An old A record or parking page still on the same name. Remove it before adding the new record.
- A CNAME on the apex. Most registrars reject it, so use ALIAS or a redirect instead.
- Adding
www.example.comas the record name at a registrar that adds the domain for you, which createswww.example.com.example.com. Enter justwww. - Setting up only the apex or only
www, so one of the two addresses fails.
Why does a custom domain matter for Google?
Every Novence project starts on a share address such as abcd1234.novence.ai, which is marked noindex so drafts stay out of search results. Attach your own domain when you want the site to be found. Free includes one custom domain.
Facts checked 29 September 2026. Sources: Novence domains · Novence CLI
FAQ
What is the difference between CNAME and ALIAS?
Both point one name at another. CNAME is not allowed on the bare domain, and ALIAS is, so use ALIAS for example.com and CNAME for www.
Should my site use www or the bare domain?
Either works. Pick one as the main address and redirect the other to it.
Do I have to move my domain to Novence?
No. Keep it at your current registrar and add the records there.
Is a custom domain free on Novence?
Yes. Free includes one custom domain with HTTPS. You pay only your registrar for the domain name.
Publish your site free
One prompt or one command. Your domain and SSL included on Free. No credit card.